YOUR HORSE’S FIRST-AID KIT
By Michelle Beagle, RVT, Redwings board member
Every horse owner should have a basic first-aid kit. It’s important to be able to add a first-aid kit to your show trailer, your emergency evacuation kit, or your tack room.
First-aid kits are not the answer to everything, and talking to your veterinarian about adding prescription items is a must. The kit provides you with some basic care before the veterinarian can see the horse. Your veterinarian can help you know how to apply wraps and use the medications properly.
Store paper items in a sealable plastic bag, such as instructions, demonstration pictures, and other materials that become damaged when wet.
The following items are a combination of what U.C. Davis recommends, what’s available in pre-made kits, and what my veterinarian recommended.
| Ace bandage or polo wrap | hoof file |
| leg quilts or cloth baby diapers | hydrogen peroxide |
| bandage scissors | instant ice, ice boot, or ice wrap |
| bucket | thermometer |
| 3" wide cloth tape | mentholated ointment (fly repellent) |
| cotton rolls | vet wrap |
| Davis or easy boot | iodine solution |
| duct tape (emergency hoof wrap) | liniment (human and animal varieties) |
| electrical tape (holds on ice packs) | cell phone |
| gauze rolls | flashlight |
| heavy duty aluminum foil (hoof injury) | human first-aid kit |
| hoof nippers | electrolytes |
| Telfa pads |
You may note there are some things in the kit that humans can use too. Make sure your human kit is up to date!
Your Veterinarian can help you know why, how, and when to use these following prescription items:
- Antibiotic eye ointment
- Antibiotic ointment
- Azium powder
- Banamine
- Furacin ointment or spray
- Sterile saline
- Nolvasan solution
- Phenylbutazone (“Bute”)
It takes knowledge to put these items to proper use. I would suggest going to the library or books store for references on first aid for horses. Ask your veterinarian to recommend his or her favorite reference book for basic first aid. Some veterinarians feel it’s a good investment to teach their clients basic first aid in a classroom setting.
Place all of your first aid items in a plastic bin that can be easily transported for shows or in the event of an emergency. Putting it all in a plastic bag further insures that it stays dry. One other thing you can do is put moisture-absorbing material in the container. These moisture “magnets” are available at most variety stores. Store it all in a cool and easy to reach space.
Remember to look at the condition of your kit and replace expired products two to four times a year. Some people check expiration dates and do a mock emergency evacuation and review their first aid at the same time.
Again, I sure hope you never need these things, but they sure are handy to have if you do.
REDWINGS WEBCAM
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