The Equine Emergency Patient

Question 1

Give common equine emergencies.

Answer 1

Colic.
Dystocia.
Wound/trauma.
Haemorrhage.
Respiratory distress.
NWB lameness.
Acute diarrhoea.
Choke (O obstruction).
Recumbent.
Eyes (painful, trauma).
Laminitis.

Question 2

Telephone triage – what to expect.

Answer 2

Not all are emergencies, some are just urgent.
Some will vary depending on circumstances e.g. wound with haemorrhage.
NOT a full history.
Give owners something to do in the meantime.
Establish what the problem is.
Establish the urgency.
– Ask what signs are showing.
– How long signs been like this? When was the horse last seen normal?
– Questions specific to the presenting complaint.
Helps to formulate appropriate plan.
Registered?
Safety.
Ensure O you are on your way.

Question 3

What equipment may you want to take with you for a horse with colic?

Answer 3

Sedation.
Injectable NSAIDs.
Buscopan / Buscopan compositum.
Consumables – needles, syringes.
NG tube.
Rectal gloves/lubricant.
Clippers.
Somulose!
(US?)
Stethoscope.
Thermometer.
IV catheter.
Fluids?

Question 4

Further history taking for a horse with colic in rapid assessment..

Answer 4

Management changes.
Worming.
Any others affected?
Hx of colic?

Question 5

Primary survey of a horse with colic.

Answer 5

CE – w/ focus on parts in rapid assessment and full CE to check for other problems.
Rectal exam.
NG intubation.
Medication: NSAIDs, sedation if required for examination or safety, Buscopan / Buscopan Compositum.
Bloods – lactate measurement.

Question 6

Secondary survey on horse with colic.

Answer 6

Dept. on secondary survey, may refer horse rather then proceeding to secondary survey.
OR
May wait to see response to treatment.
Deciding if referral a good choice based on:
– Surgery required?
– Further work-up or more intensive care needed?
May carry out further diagnostics.
Some elements of secondary survey may be used in primary survey e.g. ultrasound, abdominocentesis – depends on case, vet and facilities available.

Question 7

How long should stage II of labour last for in the horse?

Answer 7

5-30mins

Question 8

Equine dystocia rapid assessment and primary survey.

Answer 8

• Further history: what interventions tried, any relevant history or meds?
• Immediately establish position of the foal.
  – may need light sedation if stressed.
  – Plenty of lubrication.

Question 9

Secondary survey of equine dystocia.

Answer 9

Set 5min timer and only continue if making good progress.
Referral for controlled vaginal delivery or caesarean etc.