 Storey's Barn Guide to Horse Health Care + First Aid Storey Publishing, 2007 Pinch Test "The pinch test is a handy way to test a horse's hydration level by assessing the skin's turgor, or normal state of distention and resiliency," states Storey's Barn Guide to to Horse Health Care + First Aid. In the shoulder or neck area, pick up a fold of the horse's skin between your thumb and forefinger. Pull it away from the body. Then release the skin and observe how long it takes to return to its normal flat position. In a healthy, well-hydrated horse, the skin will return to this position almost immediately. In colder weather, it may take slightly longer, but not more than 2 seconds. If after 3 seconds the skin remains markedly peaked, the horse had suffered some fluid loss. If after 5 to 10 seconds the skin appears "tented," the horse is suffering from moderate to severe dehydration and should be seen by a vet. What To Do About ColicColic is a catch-all reference to "abdominal pain," which can have a variety of symptoms and arise from , a myriad of causes.Some of the more common types of the ailment include spasmodic colic (intermittent cramps arising from overexcitement or nervousness), sand colic (from unintentionally consuming sand) entertitis (an inflamation of the intestines often caused by parasites or toxins), constipation (from lack of water or exercise), and flatulent colic (excessive gas arising from highly fermentable feeds). Never attempt to treat colic on your own," Storey's Barn Guide to to Horse Health Care + First Aid advises. "Colic is serious business. Improper treatment can lead to death, so a horse showing obvious signs of gastrointestinal distress should be examined by a vet. "If the horse shows signs of colic, make note of his symptoms, take his pulse, check his capillary refill time, perform a pinch test and listen to his gut sounds. Then call the vet with your findings. Never leave a colicky horse unattended for long." Back to the Book Stall |
The
second in a series of manuals
designed
to hang on an inside wall of a barn like a calendar, Storey's Barn Guide to Horse Health Care + First Aid is a practical reference providing advice on health care issues specific to horses, such as lameness, nutrition, wound treatment and removing a loose shoe. Illustrated step-by-step instructions lead horseowners through daily health checks, basic dental and hoof care, and first aid. Loaded with tips and suggestions on items that veteran horsepeople take for granted, like how to pick up a hoof to check the animal's shoes or applying a twitch, this manual will be especially useful for new horse owners. Topics Basic Horse Anatomy Checking the Skin Checking Vital Signs Restraining a Horse Nutrition Feed Requirements Feeding Seasonally Toxic Plants Dental Care Teeth and Age Hoof Care Tips for Healthy Hooves Basic Foot Anatomy Foot Size Picking Up a Hoof Cleaning a Hoof Checking a Hoof Removing a Loose Shoe Treating a Hoof Infectious Diseases Types of Parasites Removing Bot Eggs Giving an Injection Eye Medication Applying a Sport Boot Applying a Splint Boot Cleaning the Genitals First Aid Lameness Treating Hoof Ailments Laminitis Navicular Syndrome Leg Ailments Bone Problems Treating Wounds The Wound-Care Toolkit Types of Wounds How to Clean a Wound Bandaging a Wound Removing a Bandage Treating a Puncture Treating a Fracture Record Keeping Vaccination Schedule Treatment Record |
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