Handbook of Equine Emergencies

Debra Catherine Archer

• Publisher: Saunders
• Year: 2013
• ISBN:
  9780702054174
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Equine Veterinary Science

There are approximately 5, 780 vets in the UK seeing horses regularly and 800 final year students per year studying equine. Equine emergencies (e.g. Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Ophthalmic or Foal) are regular occurrences: most vets are not called out regularly enough to become specialists, but do need to know enough to treat these emergencies. The idea of this book is to be a quick practical reference guide that a vet could keep handy in such emergencies. Currently there are no other easy to use pocketbooks on this subject in the market.

The existing Equine Emergencies texts are either aimed at horse owners or are too detailed to be useful in this context, very large and include uncommon equine emergencies and advanced techniques that are irrelevant to the mixed practitioner.

- Suitable for all equine practitioners

- Concise and practical layout and content

- Accessible online downloads

Chapter 1

The basics

▶ General approach to dealing with equine emergencies

▶ Useful information and paperwork to have

▶ Equipment

▶ Horse handling and restraint

▶ Communication with clients and legal records

▶ Biosecurity

▶ Dealing with other emergency services/rescue authorities

▶ Referral of horses

▶ Next time….

▶ Normal values and drug dosages

▶ Appendix

General approach to dealing with equine emergencies

Equine emergencies can present a diverse range of challenges. Being prepared to deal with all eventualities (having a plan A, B and sometimes C!) will not only optimise the care that can be given to the patient but also will minimise some of the stress associated with these situations. The key aims are to:

Provide life-saving interventions and ensure human safety is not compromised.

Obtain a full history and perform a full clinical examination.

Perform appropriate and relevant further diagnostic investigations.

Inform the owner/carer of treatment options, enabling them to make informed decisions.

Identify cases where more specialist investigations and/or treatment may be required and initiate discussions with the client at an early stage.

Administer appropriate analgesic, antimicrobial or other medications based upon available clinical evidence – responsible use of antimicrobials is essential (e.g. see British Equine Veterin...