Basic Instructions on Frequent Health Problems for Equines (Horses, Donkeys, Mules)
Colic
The equine normally should always have an appetite. Refusal of food is a sign that the animal is not well. The causes vary but the most common is some form of colic, i.e. abdominal pain. Other signs of colic: the animal is listless, lying down, looking at its abdomen, pawing the ground, rolling sharply, has a swollen abdomen, or excretes no dung or only in small, dry amounts.
Colic is an emergency and requires immediate treatment by a vet.
Where no vet is available, contact a vet immediately by telephone to provide the relevant instructions, depending on the description by the owner.
In any case and until contacting a vet, it is absolutely vital to remove any food from the animal, and to ensure it has access to water.[[Christina, perhaps double check this?? I see conflicting advice on US equestrian sites.]] The animal should not be allowed to roll, but made to get up and take a gentle walk. If immediate contact with a vet is not possible and the animal is stricken by pain and endangering itself and the owner, an intravenous injection of Finixin or a similar flunixin meglumine formulation (1 ml / 45 kg body weight) may be given, or Metacam or similar meloxicam for equines (3 ml / 100 kg body weight). N.B. NOT in pregnant or lactating mares. Contact a vet as soon as possible.
Because colic can occur at any time, it is essential always to have access to at least the following formulations: Buscopan for injection (veterinary or human) and Finixin or similar flunixin.
Colic is complex, it can be due to various aetiologias, and each form requires a special and complex treatment by a vet. In case of lack of a vet, the steps that can be taken by the owner are specific and very limited, but if they are done in a timely and careful manner (even under the telephone guidance of the vet), in some forms of colic they are effective.
Injuries
In case of injury, the wound should be thoroughly washed with water and diluted Betadine solution (so that the water takes on the colour of tea).
Irrigate with cold water for about 15 minutes or place an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) on the site to prevent swelling.
If the wound is deep or involves a sharp object and the animal is not adequately vaccinated for tetanus, it is necessary to make 2 intramuscular injections of anti-tetanus serum (TETAGAM, from the human pharmacy).
You may need (consult your vet) an intramuscular antibiotic with Ilfacillin-PS or a corresponding penicillin-streptomycin formulation (dose is 1ml for every 25 kg body weight / per day x 5 days).
If intramuscular injection cannot be given, alternatively the animal can take oral antibiotics – ask your vet about the medication and dosage. For more complex injuries, different injectable antibiotics may be required.
An antibiotic ointment (e.g. Fucidin from a human pharmacy) and a subsequent healing ointment (e.g. Jal-plast) may be applied to the wound in the first few days. Do not apply colored antibiotic spray, because it dries the wound, delays healing and makes it difficult to monitor the wound. Be careful during the summer months with flies – use insect repellent around the wound and / or cover the wound if possible.
Contact a vet because, depending on the location and complexity of the injury, further action may be required.
Laminitis
If the equine limps with one or more legs at a time, takes small, slow steps, or walks somewhat strangely, dropping its weight back on its heels (like a “duck”), it likely has acute laminitis.
Stop feeding it fruit or fresh grass and give only dry grass without fruit on it. Put the animal on soft ground, restrict its movement and call a vet. If there is no vet, contact one by phone. It is important to have access to injectable anti-inflammatory preparations for equines, or preferably oral medicine (Equipalazone or a similar phenylbutazone formulation).
Abscess
If the animal limps with one leg suddenly, without any previous injury, while the previous day it was walking normally, it probably has an abscess in the hoof (caused by bacteria). In case of abscess, the hoof should be checked by a vet or farrier and the abscess should be lanced. If there is no vet and an abscess is suspected, at least a telephone call should be made for advice. To treat abscesses, it is important to have access to the special Animalintex patches.
Allergic reaction
In case of an allergic reaction (small bumps, blisters, swollen patches all over the body or some parts of the body, with or without itching), contact a vet for immediate instructions. It is important to have access to an injectable cortisone formulation (Dexamethazone or similar dexamethasone formulation).
Respiratory diseases
If the equine is coughing and has a nasal discharge, it is necessary for it to be examined by a vet to check its respiratory system and to be given the appropriate medication depending on the cause (viral, microbial, allergic, etc.). If there is no vet, phone one who, based on the history from the owner, may be able to give some guidelines for dealing with the underlying disease.
Esophageal obstruction
If the equine coughs heavily and expels fluid or food from its nostrils, it is possible that it has an esophageal obstruction. Remove access to food immediately and contact a vet.
Eliza Gescu
Veterinarian, DVM, MRCVS
Equine Care Program Coordinator
GAWF / Animal Action Hellas
Nearest vets to contact:
From non-Greek phones, add +30 before the number:
George Karatheopoulos, Kranidi, Peloponnese: 2754022348 / 6946413865
- To get there, take either Freedom to Metoxi and taxi to Kranidi clinic or take the Akliros (“Christos”) boat to Ermioni and a taxi to Kranidi
Kaikilia Sarri, Ligourio, Peloponnese: 2753022929 / 6979449263
- Freedom boat to Metoxi and taxi to clinic or hire pet taxi to take the animal unescorted (€60 oneway)
Irini Resou, Nea Smyrni, Athens: 2109352444 / 6987575888
- Flying dolphin to Athens and pet taxi to clinic
Nikos Nikolopoulos, Poros: 6977688269
- Flying dolphin to Poros and pet taxi to clinic.