Triage and first aid in the horse

Question 1

what are the priority levels for horses

Answer 1

Priority 1- immediate action
Priority 2- do not move (or could become unfixable)
Priority 3- requires urgent attention
Priority 4- delayed action

Question 2

If have superficial wound but with severe lameness what should you look for

Answer 2

severe contusions / muscle damage
tendons / ligaments
joints / bones
neurological involvement

Question 3

On physical exam what do we look for

Answer 3

Presence / absence of crepitus (distinguishing fractures and emphysema)
Degree of contamination
Soft tissue involvement
Bony involvement
Swellings and effusions

Question 4

List the 7 things you need to do for first aid for wounds

Answer 4

Restraint
Control haemorrhage
Control pain
Reduce contamination
Close wound?
Bandage for wound protection
Splint fractures and tendon injuries

Question 5

List 6 client considerations when treating fractures

Answer 5

prognosis for athletic function
prognosis for pasture soundness
cost
duration of box rest
time out of work
amount of nursing required

Question 6

List 4 injuries that have poor prognosis for recovery

Answer 6

compound, open fractures with significant contamination or soft tissue damage
complete fractures involving the femur, humerus and tibia
complete laceration SDFT, DDFT and SL
complete laceration of SDFT, DDFT and distal sesamoidean ligaments

Question 7

what is the most common NSAID in horses

Answer 7

Phenylbutazone
- low therapeutic threshold and has some contraindications

Question 8

List 3 things that occur during box rest

Answer 8

decreased weight bearing leads to asymmetry in loading
decreased flexibility
weakness and back pain