First aid kit This presentation has been produced by Ausintec Academy (Online Horse College .com) for purpose of Educational Training. It is not for sale and may not be used or reproduced without prior written permission from the Director of Ausintec Academy

Antiseptics A well equipped first aid kit is essential. A kit may contain many and varied products and is for dealing with minor injuries such as superficial cuts and grazes which may happen whilst the horse is out grazing. A first aid kit should be kept clean and in a dry, easily accessible location. Antiseptics These usually come in the form of a spray, liquid (which may need diluting) or cream/ointment. After cleaning debris from the wound, usually with a hose, an antiseptic treatment can be applied to aid in the healing process.   Honey has also been shown to be helpful in the healing of minor wounds.

Bandages Vet Wrap Elastoplast Bandages These can be of adhesive or crepe variety and range in length and width sizes. Bandages are used to hold dressings in place, keep wounds clean and provide support. Crepe bandages, such as vet wrap (figure a.), stick to themselves, allow movement and tend to allow the skin to breathe well without dirt getting in.   Elastoplast which is an adhesive bandage (figure b.) has a sticky underside which makes it effective in holding dressings and keeping clean areas which may be difficult to keep a bandage on like hooves, knees and hocks. When applying bandages do so with care, ensure there is adequate padding, that there are no wrinkles or folds and they are not applied overly tight as this will interfere with circulation to the skin. Vet Wrap Elastoplast

Poultice Lotagen Helps prevent proud flesh and singles out diseased tissue which helps to accelerate the healing process. This product can be expensive, may need diluting and should be handled carefully. Poultice These are used as hot or cold. They are impregnated with an antiseptic an anti-bacterial compound. Hot poultices are used to draw out infection, encourage the bursting of abscesses or increase circulation. A cold poultice is used to decrease inflammation

Lotagen

Cotton wool & Gamgee Cotton Wool & Gamgee Cotton wool is useful for cleaning wounds but if applied directly onto the injured site it will stick.   Gamgee is a layer of cotton wool with gauze on each side.

Tetanus Anti-toxin Scissors Used for cutting dressings, bandages and hair away from wounds. They should have a blunt or curved end. Tetanus Anti-toxin It is useful to have an anti-toxin in your first aid kit for when your horse has an open wound to prevent an occurrence of tetanus. Stethoscope Used to listen to internal sounds of the horses body

Scissors

Stethoscope

Thermometer Mercury thermometer Digital thermometer Thermometer Used for taking the horses’ temperature. If using one with mercury make sure you shake the mercury down before using. The draw back with digital thermometers is if the batteries are low the reading may be in-accurate. Vaseline Can be used as a lubricant for the thermometer and applied to sores around the lips to help prevent them drying out. Mercury thermometer Digital thermometer

Vaseline

For more information see your course workbook.

For more information see your course workbook.

For more information see your course workbook.