Down here we have evacuation plans and Hurricane Emergency kits for our pets, horses, and family.  You don’t have to live in Florida to be prepared for other emergencies.  There are many other types of emergencies.  Floods, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, snow and ice storms…. each comes with its own set of problems.  What does a horse owner do in any of these situations?

I was just reading an article about being prepared for an Equine Health Emergency and I thought I’d pass it on.  These are guidelines from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

1. Keep your veterinarian’s number by each phone, including how the practitioner can be reached after hours.
2. Consult with your regular veterinarian regarding a back-up or referring veterinarian’s number in case you cannot reach your regular veterinarian quickly enough.
3. Know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center in case you need to transport the horse.
4. Post the names and phone numbers of nearby friends and neighbors who can assist you in an emergency while you wait for the veterinarian.
5. Prepare a first aid kit and store it in a clean, dry, readily accessible place.  Make sure that family members and other barn users know where the kit is.  Also keep a first aid kit in your horse trailer or towing vehicle, and a pared-down version to carry on the trail.
6. I would like to add, that if you don’t have a trailer, leave a number of someone who can transport your horse for you.

First aid kits can be simple or elaborate.  Here is a short list of essential items.

Cotton roll, Cling wrap, Gauze pads in various sizes, Sharp scissors, Cup or Container, Rectal Thermometer with string and clip attached, Surgical Scrub and Antiseptic Solution. Latex Gloves, Saline Solution, Stethoscope, Clippers.

I like to add Disposable Diapers and either Masking Tape or Duct Tape to the list.  These are great for a quick pressure bandage where a lot of blood is involved.  The Masking Tape can also be used to bind the tail to keep it away from an injury and swatting you in the face while you are trying to work.

The AAEP does have a brochure titled “Emergency Care.”  This was created by them in partnership with Bayer Corporation Animal Health.  You can request one either from your vet or contact them direct.  (End of article)

In case of evacuation situations, it’s not always easy to get your horses out in time.  To be reunited you should have proof of ownership.  They now microchip horses.  In your evacuation planning kit, keep a copy of your Coggins (most have pictures now) or pictures of your horses so that you can show them, when necessary, to help find your animals.  Breakaway halters are a good idea instead of nylon.  If a horse gets caught with a nylon one it will either break it’s neck trying to get away or not be able to escape.  In Florida a lot of people take spray paint and put their phone numbers on the horse’s side.  Some people put tags on the halters with the horses name, your name, and a phone number, but also put one braided high in the tail hairs in case the halter does break.  Putting numbers on the hoofs can wear off in excessive water or tough ground conditions.

We have horses.  They are born suicidal.  Emergencies will happen.  No more said.