Emergency medicine and surgery

Emergency medicine and surgery

     Colic remains one of the most important equine emergencies.  Colic refers generally to abdominal pain, and the causes may be simple, as in gas distension of the large bowel, or complex as in various bowel displacements.  Uncomplicated colic usually responds to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as Banamine (flunixin meglumine). An example would be mild gas distension associated with a dietary change.  If the signs of abdominal pain do not resolve with NSAID administration, or if they resolve only to reoccur as the medication wears off in 3-4 hours, then the horse should be examined.  The veterinary examination for colic generally can determine if treatment can be continued in the field (medical treatment) vs. referral to an equine hospital for intensive care and possible surgery. The initial examination will generally include auscultation of the chest and abdomen, rectal palpation, nasogastric intubation and possibly an ultrasound examination of the abdomen or collection of abdominal fluid for analysis. While the underlying cause of the colic may not be determined from this exam, failure to respond to medical therapy is an indication for referral for possible surgery.

Lacerations are a frequent occurrence in horses, and while generally not life-threatening, they often require veterinary assessment for proper management. While many lacerations can be repaired by immediate suturing, those that are more than 12 hours old, heavily contaminated, or associated with significant swelling or anticipated poor blood supply maybe managed by “second intention” healing.

A wide variety of other injuries or illnesses are seen, and the equine veterinarian is equipped to deal with most of these at the barn, with occasional referral to a board certified ophthalmologist or surgeon for treatment. Regardless of how bizarre your horse’s condition, we have likely seen something similar in 30+ years of practice. 

We will always get to the scene as quickly as we can on your horse’s behalf, but we sometimes have multiple cases at one time.  We are happy to help you put together an appropriate emergency kit to have at your barn if you wish.

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