Introduction
Located in Traverse City, Michigan, Northern Michigan Equine Wellness specializes in Equine Dentistry & Spinal Manipulation. Browse through our web site and for additional information, click here or call (231) 929-1044!
- Equine Dentistry
- Spinal Manipulation
- On-Farm X-rays
- Ultrasound for Reproduction
- General Medicine for horses
- other large animals
- exotics such as: deer or elk
Organizations
Equine First Aid Kit
In the event of illness, injury, or emergency, the horse owner should be prepared to care for their horse until the veterinarian arrives.
I suggest every horse owner have at least one Equine First Aid Kit. For owners who frequently compete or trailer away from home with their horse, we suggest keeping two kits on hand, one in your tack room and one in your trailer so that you will have one available wherever you are with your horse. Your veterinarian can assist you in assembling your equine first aid kit and advise you on how to customize the kit to your horse's needs.
Suggested items for your Equine First Aid Kit:
 Dose syringe |
Vet wrap |
| Thermometer |
Stethoscope |
| 10 ml dose of Banamine |
Bute paste |
| Antibiotic wound ointment |
Towel (bath size) |
| Duct tape |
Elastikon roll |
| 4 bandage flannels |
2 rolls of gauze |
| Triple antibiotic eye ointment (non-steroidal) |
1 pkg. of sterile 4x4 gauze sponges |
| Poultice |
Rubbing alcohol |
| Electrolytes |
Veterinarian's phone number |
Normal Vital Signs of the Adult Horse
We recommend that the horse owner become familiar with the normal parameters of their horse and learn how to properly check vital signs.
Ask your veterinarian to show you how to properly take your horse's temperature, pulse and respiration, and check capillary refill time and mucous membranes.
- Temperature (100.5° F)
- Pulse (36-40 beats per minute)
- Respiration (12-16 breaths per minute)
- Capillary refill time (less than 2 seconds)
- Mucous membranes (pale pink)
In the event of an illness or emergency, this information will allow you to give your veterinarian a more complete medical history and profile.
After learning the protocol, practice taking your horse's vital statistics regularly so that you will be prepared and comfortable taking vitals in an emergency.