7 Signs Your Horse Needs To See A Vet

It’s nice to be able to treat small injuries and illnesses that your horse encounters on your own. But sometimes you truly need the assistance of a vet in order to help your horse. Do you know when it’s absolutely necessary to call your vet? Here are 7 signs your horse needs to see a vet. 

Fever

If your horse is running a fever, it indicates that his body is fighting an infection. Your vet may need to administer an antibiotic to help your horse fight the infection and to bring the fever back down. Fevers can also indicate serious issues and conditions, so your vet may run some tests to determine what is at the root of the problem.

Eye Injury

You should always take injuries to your horse’s eye seriously and treat them as signs your hose needs to see a vet. If your horse’s eye is injured or just looks funny, the condition can quickly progress. Treat the issue as an emergency and call your vet.

Cut or Puncture Over a Joint

A cut or puncture which has occurred over a joint can puncture the joint capsule. This is an issue because joint capsules can quickly become infected, and the infection can spread rapidly. If you ever notice joint fluid resulting from a wound, call your vet.

Cut or Puncture Which Needs Stitches

If your horse has a significant cut or puncture wound, this is one of a number of signs that it's time for your horse to see a vet. He may need stitches in order to help it properly heal. Your vet may choose to boost your horse’s Tetanus shot, too.

Ongoing Lameness

It’s often a good idea to have your vet out to assess a sudden or ongoing lameness in your horse. Lameness which doesn’t go away, or which is accompanied by swelling and heat, should be examined and diagnosed by your vet.

Progressive Ailments Like Colic, Tying Up, Etc.

There are some ailments which necessitate a vet visit – ailments which are serious and progressive, like colic or tying up, mean that you will need your vet out as soon as possible. Other ailments which may require your vet include choke episodes, overheating or heat stroke, and founder.

Any Situation You Can’t Handle

As a rule of thumb, call your vet out for any health situation that you don’t feel confident handling on your own. It’s better to call a vet out early for a situation that’s easily managed than to call him too late once a situation has progressed and become more serious.

If you’re unsure of whether or not to call your vet, then the answer is generally that yes, you should call him or her.

Did we miss any signs that your horse needs to see a vet? Let us know in the comments below!