Adopting a horse brings with it a set of additional responsibilities. Not only do you need to take care of his health and habits but also be well aware of the horse emergencies. Though it is never too early to seek a veterinary assistant, the advice of an equine veterinarian is sometimes the prime necessity.

We would always advise you to confirm from the horse vet in case of any confusion regarding the health of your horse. Even if it is a minor change in food habits for a prolonged period or a change in the behavior, always be ready on your toe to seek the advice of the medical practitioners. After all, you would never want to compromise with the health of your beloved!

Your horse would love lots of grass and hay in his diet as it keeps them healthy and happy.

Horse Care: Needs and Requirements

Owning a horse is definitely not like owning a pet dog or cat or rabbits for that purpose. Horses require additional attention, care and repeated visits to an equine veterinarian at regular intervals to make sure of the well-being of the horse.

However, before talking about the necessities of visiting a horse veterinarian, let us take note of the basic horse care every owner should primarily take care of.

1. Horse Shelter

Since horses are not that small to be able to fit inside the house, they need a definite shelter or a stable to be specific. The horse stable should be spacious enough for the horse to feel comfortable inside.

Besides, depending on the weather conditions of the place you live at, the barn should either be kept warm or breezy. Let us not forget to keep the stables clean and dry because no horse can thrive inside a dirty stable. Similarly, to keep infections at bay, the stable should also be cleaned at proper intervals of time.

Must Read: Horse Health Care: How to Know Signs of a Healthy Horse

2. Vaccination for Horse

One of the prime requirements of caring for a horse is making sure it receives the necessary equine vaccines at particular times. This is also the primary reason for seeking the assistance of a horse veterinarian. The horse vet will guide you through the number of horse vaccines needed and the dates on which it should not be missed.

3. Horse Diet

Horses are one of the strongest and the fastest animals raised domestically. To cope up with their extraordinary physic, horses need a strict diet which needs to be maintained every single day.

The amount of roughage or hay or pasture that is necessary for your horse depends on the age, body weight and the workout routine of the horse. The amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals should also be balanced adequately in the horse supplies.

4. Workout for the Horse

Horses are very dynamic and need regular exercise. Though most of their activities comprise of running, horses need some amount of workout and training.

If you are raising a horse for commercial purpose, exercise use should be of primary importance. Make sure you fence the workout area for your horse so that it does not run away.

5. Grooming the Horse

Horses should be adequately groomed at regular intervals. From teeth to nails, they should be properly cleaned in order to keep the diseases at bay. Besides, their skin should also be brushed from mites and bugs from time to time.

When to Call the Vet for Your Horse? Horse Emergencies

Always remember to abide by the instructions of the vet even during the normal days.

1. Injuries

Your horse should immediately be taken to the emergency equine vet in case of any fatal injury and blood loss. Though life-threatening injuries are easily given quick attention, the smaller ones usually get neglected. However, it is the cuts and wounds which create more trouble later.

If you find any kind of injury involving the bone, call the horse veterinarian right away. A little bone displacement, swelling in a joint, exposure of white muscles or tendons requires strict medical attention. If the wound spills yellow fluid besides blood, the condition might be worse as it is the fluid found inside their bones.

2. Colic

A severe form of illness for the horses, colic requires the immediate attention of equine vet. Colic is an acute abdominal pain, which may or may not be related to the gastrointestinal tracts of the horses. Colic can sometimes be severe enough to claim the life of your horse.

“Approximately, 10-12% of horses suffer from acute colic every year,” says G. Fernandez, a senior equine veterinarian.

The affected individuals if left untreated can fall terminally ill and even die in some cases. Hence, if you see your horse in pain and lying on the floor groaning with extreme abdominal cramps, call your horse vet immediately and alarm him with the possibility of colic urgency.

3. Eye Injury

If the horse is unable to open his eyes and is in pain, you need to call the horse veterinarian urgently. Any possible swelling or pain should be reported immediately and given immediate attention.

Horses are more prone to eye infections than you would understand and a little infection on the surface directly reaches the nerves inside, if untreated.

Check if the pupil is smaller than usual and the eyes are watery. Besides, if a pink tissue at the corner of the eye is visible for a prolonged period of time, it might indicate cancerous overgrowth as well.

Also Read: Buying a Horse: Things to Know Before You Buy a Horse

4. Lame On Leg

If your horse is lame on any one of the legs, then it might need medical attention. However, before panicking, observe carefully for any wound or injury, or possible pain from the nail bind on the affected leg. If not, then check for any internal swelling or sensitive area on the affected limb of your horse. If so, then summon the emergency equine vet urgently because your horse might need medical supervision.

5. Horse Getting Choked

Horses getting seriously choked require the help of a horse veterinarian. If the horse suddenly stretches its neck high and food particles start oozing out of the nasal passage, do give a call to your horse vet urgently.

If your horse shows any kind of aggressive behavior for some period of time, be cautious and call your vet!

Wrapping It Up

Horses are one of the most beautiful and loyal animals to raise both domestically and commercially. However, a small injury or a minor disease can severely affect the health, which is why there is always the need of a mobile horse vet in case of any horse emergency.