These are some of the common medical problems to look for in a horse during a disaster:
- Cuts and abrasions
- Abscesses
- Burns
- Respiratory problems that can turn into pneumonia (especially in fires)
- Lameness
- Eye Injuries
- Nails or other sharp debris in hooves
- Foot infection from standing in water or mud for extended periods of time
- Discharge from the nose
Another possible problem, which is brought on by stress, eating bad food, changes in diets or unclean stalls/pastures, is colic. These are all real possibilities during a disaster. The first signs of colic are:
- Restlessness
- Pawing the ground with a front hoof
- Biting at their side
- Kicking under their belly with a hind leg
- Repeatedly lying down and then getting back up or rolling on the ground
- Elevated heartbeat (normal heartbeat for a horse is 28 to 42 beats per minute – you can check this by placing three fingers over the submaxillary artery on the lower jaw bone)
- Excessive sweating
If you notice any combination of these symptoms, contact an equine veterinarian immediately. Colic can kill a horse and the risk is much greater during a disaster.