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
Electric Shock, Electrocuted, Known to have Occurred
Summary
Minor electric shock usually occurs when a horse encounters an electric fence, or other "hot" wiring. It startles a horse, leading to fear and an evasive response. Horses generally become extremely anxious or nervous. Injury or trauma may occur as a secondary response, as a horse tries to retreat from the offending cause.
Severe electrocution may occur when a horse bites into electric wires or outlets within their reach. If a horse survives severe electrocution, they may have difficulty breathing and succumb to lung-related complications later. For that reason, proactive treatment may give the horse their best chance.
Severe electrocution may occur when a horse bites into electric wires or outlets within their reach. If a horse survives severe electrocution, they may have difficulty breathing and succumb to lung-related complications later. For that reason, proactive treatment may give the horse their best chance.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
When in doubt, assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) and call your vet to discuss your findings and concerns.What Not To Do
Do not ignore this, because some very serious consequences of electrocution can appear later (lung damage).
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Depending on the severity of the shock and your horse's response, your vet may advise you to take a "wait and see" approach or suggest that they examine your horse. There may be value in treating the horse immediately and prophylactically, because some consequences of electrocution do not appear immediately.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Do you know when this occurred?
- Describe what happened.
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
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.
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)
Very Common
