Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Accident, Horse Fell through Ice
Summary
Do not attempt to rescue your horse yourself because the danger of falling through the ice is too great. Likewise, your solo efforts may only cause your horse further stress. If your horse's head is out of the water and they are breathing and alert, simply try to keep them calm. Generally, horses can swim but if they are fearful or have never been in water before they may exhaust themselves in panic.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
Call your vet, 911 and animal emergency response team (if there is one in your area). Work with this team to ensure a safe rescue of your horse. Depending on the resources available to your rescue team, you may be asked to provide a variety of items, including mats, rope, straps, pulleys, or other heavy equipment, such as a tractor. You may also consider gathering together blankets to dry off your horse and begin to warm them once rescued. If possible, the best solution is to cut a path at least 3 feet wide through the ice to a shallow area where the horse could walk out.What Not To Do
Do not attempt to handle this emergency alone.Do not sedate the horse.
Do not pull the horse out by the head, because injury can result.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will ensure that the rescue team's handling of your horse is appropriate and, to the extent possible, not injurious. They will work to keep the horse calm and cared for during the episode. After the rescue, your vet may conduct a full physical exam on your horse to determine what kind of injuries were sustained, if any, and try to help prevent or lessen the full impact of illness that may result from the accident.
If your horse was trapped in the water for a long time or sustained any gross trauma, nursing care may be required. Depending on your horse and the nature of the accident, behavioral issues may result and need to be worked through.
If your horse was trapped in the water for a long time or sustained any gross trauma, nursing care may be required. Depending on your horse and the nature of the accident, behavioral issues may result and need to be worked through.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Have you called the fire department?
- Can I have your location and directions to get to you as soon as possible?
- Briefly describe the situation to me.
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Very Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
