Page 89 - Barrel Stallion Register 2024

VETERINARY VIEWS
Teamwork between vet and client is important to provide the best and most expedient outcome for the horse.
it should be used judiciously and in a small
quantity – 250 mg – if and when given.
• A dehydrated horse – not uncommon for colic cases – is more prone to developing
gastric or colonic ulcers from NSAID administration such as phenylbutazone, Banamine, firocoxib.
• If my client had given an oral dose of Banamine, I would not have repeated the medication upon my arrival. Instead, I would have had to resort to strong sedatives (xylazine or detomidine) to alleviate painful clinical signs; these sedatives tend to decrease intestinal motility even if only transiently.
Of significance, we discussed the value of her prompt recognition of the colic so it could be alleviated before progressive intestinal stasis altered the chance of an easy resolution. If
a horse develops serious colic distress before
a veterinarian could get to the farm, the
best course of action is to use detomidine (Dormosedan) gel applied to the gums.
Fortunately, this particular evening’s scenario had a successful outcome with quick resolution, and I was able to leave her horse munching hay quietly in the stall while I headed home to my place by the fire.
THE HORSE OWNER AND HER THOUGHTS
It is particularly helpful when a client can relay some specifics about vital signs when they call the vet. Pat is well versed in taking vital signs, explaining, “It saves time in helping your vet determine if a visit is necessary and to formulate
a plan of how to go forward with treatment when she arrives. In the barn, I have a poster on the wall that depicts horse emergencies so that when I am away, the barn help will hopefully know what to tell the vet in the event of a problem. I also have
a medical kit with thermometer and stethoscope available in the barn.”
Teamwork between vet and client is important to provide the best and most expedient outcome for the horse. “I trust my vet and know that her recommendation is usually best, especially in colic cases,” says Pat. As for administering medication in advance of a vet’s arrival, Pat stresses, “My vet arrives quickly in emergencies, and I feel that to alter any clinical signs is not worth the possible muddled diagnosis had I given any drugs prior to her arrival.”
Clients are usually very appreciative
of veterinary ministrations to their horse experiencing colic. Pat exclaims, “I am relieved when I see the vet pull up and as she goes through the exam and initiates treatment. Issues are either ruled out or the assessment is extended with a rectal exam and possibly intravenous
(IV) fluids. In situations of inclement weather
or in the face of a concerning rectal exam that identifies a possible displacement or worse, taking the horse to a referral veterinary hospital is something I consider when necessary. Each step of the veterinary assessment is appreciated and respected. I always hope that it won’t be necessary to haul my horse to a referral hospital and am anxious until the situation is sorted out.”
Prevention is paramount and Pat makes all efforts to keep her horses healthy. “I am very fortunate that my horses live on the property, and I can watch them to see if anything is amiss. If there is something different in their demeanor or behavior, I am very proactive, especially for colic and especially because I’ve experienced two very sad outcomes – although we headed to surgery, one horse ruptured his intestines before reaching the surgery table and another died in the night without my knowing she was in distress.”
In light of these difficult and traumatic outcomes, Pat is meticulous in her horse care. “I make sure that they get lots of clean water and exercise and ample good quality forage. And I’m super cautious about regulating their time spent
on rich grass pasture in the spring, increasing pasture time slowly. If my horses even look a bit out of sorts, I call my vet immediately for help.”
A PRACTICAL NOTE
For horses that don’t reside at home where they can be closely monitored, but instead reside at
a boarding or training facility, it is important that instructions are left with the barn manager in the event of an emergency. This includes:
• Contact information for you as owner and another contact person who is willing to take responsibility if you are not available.
• Medical information about the horse – updated vaccine and deworming history;
any allergies to medication; current negative Coggins test if available. If there is or has been infectious disease on the property, this must be conveyed to the referral hospital so quarantine measures can be prepared in advance.
• Insurance information and contact numbers to obtain permission from insurance agency for medical treatment and/or surgery.
• A representative who is willing to haul the horse to a referral hospital if you are not available.
• Credit card information (current) in case a veterinary hospital requires a deposit before administering treatment.
If you are out of town or unavailable to authorize specific treatment or surgery, leave a signed document with the barn manager, and possibly your veterinarian, as to how much finances you are willing to invest in your horse’s treatment. If the only humane option determined by the veterinarian(s) is for euthanasia, there should be written authorization that this is allowable.
Preparation is important to save a horse’s life when dealing with a colic. In some cases, albeit not common, minutes can make the difference. The more quickly a colic case
is recognized and addressed, the better the potential for a successful outcome.
It is particularly helpful when a client can relay some specifics about vital signs when they call the vet.
“I make sure that they get lots of clean water and exercise and ample good quality forage. And I’m super cautious about regulating their time spent on rich grass pasture in the spring, increasing pasture time slowly. If my horses even look a bit out of sorts, I call my vet immediately for help.”
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