Equine First Aid Kit

Every horse owner should have a stocked first aid kit readily available in the stable and trailer.  What supplies should the first aid kit contain?  Let’s think about the most common emergencies our practice sees, these include; colic, lacerations and eye injuries.  Basic supplies to provide first aid care for these emergencies are appropriate for a horse owner’s first aid kit.  

Supplies we recommend your first aid kit contains include:

·         A digital or mercury thermometer

·         A stethoscope

·         Triple antibiotic eye ointment that doesn’t contain cortisone or dexamethasone

·         Two – 16” combine rolled bandages

·         Four rolls of 6” Kling bandage rolls.

·         Four rolls of 4” Vetrap

·         One roll or duct tape

·         24 - 4” x 4” cotton squares

·         Four ounces of dilute chlorhexidine wound cleansing solution

·         One tube of Banamine paste

·         Topical antibiotic ointment or antiseptic wound spray

When an emergency arises with your horse, contact your veterinarian for specific instructions.  Armed with these recommended supplies in your first aid kit, your veterinarian will be able to instruct you regarding specific first aid measures you can take to provide relief to your horse until your veterinarian can arrive to provide care.