A well-stocked first aid box in the stable means you have dressings, bandages and a thermometer to hand until the vet arrives. This collection contains dressings and gamgee, elastic bandages, hoof boots, a digital thermometer, a stethoscope and skin care products. Medicines do not belong here; you get those through your vet.
Checklist for the first aid box
- Measuring: a digital thermometer and a stethoscope. Take a reading when your horse is healthy, so you know what is normal for him.
- Cleaning: clean water, a clean sponge or cloth and small scissors or a bandage cutter.
- Covering: Veterinary Gamgee as a soft under-layer that does not stick to the skin, and an elastic bandage such as Excellent Bandage Animal Profi or PowerFlex, which is made to stay in place.
- Hoof: a Tubbease hoof boot in the right size to keep a dressing on the hoof clean and dry.
- Skin and legs: care products such as Skin Derm Propolis & Honey Ointment, Vulnos Blue Spray, green clay or Deep Ice Cooling Gel for after work.
Store everything in a box with a lid, check the expiry dates twice a year and put the phone numbers of your vet and farrier on the lid.
When do you call the vet?
Fidello is not a vet and these supplies do not replace an examination. Call your vet for any wound you are unsure about, for bleeding that does not stop, if your horse will not put weight on a leg, is not eating, is restless or has a raised temperature, and for anything involving the eyes. Until the vet arrives, keep your horse calm and a wound as clean as possible. If in doubt, call too early rather than too late.
Points to note
Never apply a bandage too tightly and always use an under-layer. Practise putting on a bandage and a hoof boot at a quiet moment, so you can do it when it is needed. For daily care, see hoof care, shampoo and coat care, grooming supplies and mane and tail; everything together is in horse care.
Frequently asked questions
What size hoof boot do I need?
Measure the hoof and compare it with the size information for the product; the Tubbease hoof boot comes in sizes from 110 to 175 mm. Try it on before you really need it.
What is the difference between gamgee and a bandage?
Gamgee is the soft under-layer that absorbs moisture and protects the skin. The bandage goes over it and holds everything in place.
My horse is lame. What do I do?
Keep your horse standing still and consult your vet or farrier. They will determine what is wrong and what needs to be done.