01/21/2026
🐎Prepared, Not Panicked: What to Do in an Equine Emergency (Part 2) 🐎
🩺Colic- Colic refers to abdominal pain, most often related to the gastrointestinal tract.
o Common Signs: Lip flipping, flank watching, restlessness, pawing, kicking at the abdomen, lying down or rolling.
Possible Causes:
o Gas or spasmodic colic, ileus, obstructions, displacements, torsions, volvulus, strangulating lesions, inflammation or infections (colitis, enteritis)
🐴What to Do:
o Take TPR (Temperature, Pulse, Respiration)
o Monitor manure output and appetite
o Assess degree of discomfort
o Note any prior history of colic
o Call your veterinarian with this information
o Remove feed
o Hand walk if safe
o Administer Banamine only if directed by your veterinarian
🩹Wounds
Types of Wounds:
o Abrasions: Superficial skin loss
o Lacerations: Partial or full-thickness skin cuts
o Punctures: Small but potentially deep penetrating injuries
Call Your Veterinarian If:
o Bleeding is profuse
o Wounds near joints, tendons, or synovial structures
o Wounds are deep, large, or long
o Foreign bodies are present
🐴What to do:
o Confirm tetanus vaccination status
o Take photos for consultation
o Gently clip, clean, and disinfect if possible
o Apply a bandage if appropriate
o Be comfortable applying distal limb or foot bandages, as follow-up care may require them
👀Eye Emergencies
•Normal Eyes: Clear cornea. No squinting, tearing, redness, or discharge
• Common Eye Problems:
o Corneal ulcers
o Uveitis
o Eyelid lacerations
o Foreign bodies
🐴What to do:
o Eye issues should be evaluated as soon as possible
o Take clear photos- we may be able to triage or consult over the phone
o Call your veterinarian before administering any medications
📞Final Thoughts
Preparedness, observation, and early communication with your veterinary team are key components of successful emergency care. When in doubt—call. We are always here to help guide you through emergencies and determine the next best steps for your horse.
📢Stay tuned for Part 3 coming next week! We will go through more of our most common equine emergencies. 📢
