First Aid Kits:  What should be in yours?

Written by:

Jay Altman, D.V.M.

Horse owners often ask the question; "What should be in my first aid kit?" Many times I will hear the comment; "It was not in my first aid kit when I needed it, now what is it I should have in there?" As everyone who owns a horse has discovered if there is a place or a way to get hurt your horse will find it.  The answer to what should be in a first aid kit, is a bit variable based upon whether or not the kit is for the barn or for travel and what you do with your horse when you travel.

A kit for the barn might be more extensive, as size and portability are not a problem.  But for most of us, when it comes to travel, we would like for the kit to be small and compact, yet adequately supplied.  For those that travel to remote trail rides, there might be some different and additional needs from those that travel to well attended horse shows.

The following is a list of essential items for any first aid kit:

1. Thermometer (rectal with string and clip)
2. Hemostats
3. Stethoscope
4. Sharp blunt ended bandage scissors
5. Flashlight (with fresh batteries)
6. Gauze pads (4x4 inch) *
7. Non Adherent Pads *
8. Cotton Roll
9. Stretch gauze *
10. Vetrap (or similar self stick product)
11. Elasticon (stretch adhesive bandage)
12. Medical adhesive tape (one and two inch)
13. Cold pack
14. Stable bandage and quilts
15. Antiseptic solution (Betadine or Nolvasan Solution)
16. Antiseptic wound crème (Nitrofurazone or Nolvasan ointment)
17. Wound crème with fly repellent (such as swat)
18. Alcohol (pint bottle)
19. Saline solution
20. Lubricating jelly (KY)
21. Desitin or Pink Healing Crème
22. Latex exam gloves
23. Poultice (Animalintex is perfect, as it comes in sheets and is hydrated either hot or cold as needed)
24. Disposable diapers (hoof wrap)
25. Duct tape
26. Paste Banamine (flunixin megalumine)

* These items should be sterile

The following list of additional items may come in handy for those who "travel off the beaten path":

1. Easy boots
2. Twitch
3. Hoof knife
4. Farriers rasp
5. Farrier shoe pullers or nippers
6. Hoof testers
7. 6" diameter PVC pipe cut in ½ the long way and then sectioned into length of 1½ to 2 feet long (for use as a splint should the need arise)
8. Tail wrap
9. Acepromazine (tablets or granules used for mild sedation)

Your kit should contain a master list that has all important telephone numbers for your reference as well as a check sheet of what items should be stocked in the kit.  These First Aid kits have a tendency to be "raided" and so check for all items before packing for a trip.  Remember medications within your emergency first aid kit need to be checked for expiration dates.  The drugs on this list should be administered only in conjunction with one of our doctors; never try to self diagnose.  Banamine is an excellent anti-inflammatory and is also an excellent pain reliever in cases of colic.  The banamine may mask signs and make diagnosis difficult for the veterinarian, it is important to remember that it will take 45 – 60 minutes for the banamine to take effect, thus if the veterinarian will be there prior to this consult with them before administration of the drug.  Acepromazine is a mild tranquilizer and may be of aid in the calming of an excited horse.  This tranquilizer is also a vasodilator and so should be used under supervision especially in the case of severe blood loss or shock.

You should know the values of vital signs for your horse, along with the normal values for adult horses.  These values are:

• Temperature:  99.5 – 101.5 F
• Heart Rate:  30-40 beats/minute
• Respiratory Rate:  8-10 breaths/minute
• Capillary Refill Time:  < 2 seconds

Whether you are climbing the hills of the Rocky Mountains or loping the ring at the National Western Stock Show, remember that you should always be equipped for your horse’s safety.  Always bring a fully stocked first aid kit, know your horse and his norms; you never know when he may step on that loose rock or knock his knee on the way out of the trailer.