Very 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 Trapped in Steep-Sided Pit
Summary
Occasionally, a horse may fall into a steep-sided pit.
-
Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
Before engaging in any attempt to rescue the horse, call 911 and your vet. If the horse is calm, wait quietly until you have assembled a team of people who can help.If it is possible, heavy equipment may be used to create a trench and ramp that might allow the horse to walk out.
If the horse is in mud or water within the pit, use an inner tube to keep its head and muzzle above water so that it can breathe.
Do not ever pull a horse out forcefully by the head or neck.
What Not To Do
Do not use ramps in most cases, as they tend to break under the heavy load of a horse, making matters worse.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may anesthetize the horse and allow it to be lifted out using a front end loader and hobbles or thick cotton rope properly applied to the legs.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Can I have your location and directions to get to you as soon as possible?
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
Related References:
Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue website. Available at: http://www.tlaer.org. Accessed 2013.