PrintIn some ways, being responsible for a horse is like being responsible for a very young child. Neither patient can speak for himself, and each relies on someone else to make his decisions for him. So, when there’s a problem—be it with a horse or with a child—you’re the one in charge. At these times, the question that often comes up is, “Do I need to call the doctor?”
If you think your horse has a problem, the most conservative thing to do—conservative being defined as the thing that carries the least risk—is to go ahead and pick up the phone to call your veterinarian. The upside to making an appointment any time you think there’s a problem is that nothing serious is likely to get missed, and treatment, if necessary, can start in a timely fashion. (There’s nothing worse, from a medical perspective, than trying to treat a condition that’s already well-established.)
Of course, the downside to the conservative approach is that it’s an expensive approach; no matter how serious the problem, each time you make an appointment with your veterinarian, it’s going to cost you something out-of-pocket. But if the conservative approach is good for you, it’s almost certainly going to be endorsed by your veterinarian.
Still, not every problem that your horse can have is going to require a veterinary visit. The old adage, “Time heals all wounds,” is largely true; many conditions of the horse will heal on their own if you just wait (although, in some cases, you may have to wait many months).
But since some problems won’t get better with time, and some get much worse, here are some things to consider when it comes to making a decision about whether or not to pick up the phone.
1. Know yourself. Especially if you’re an inexperienced horse owner, call your veterinarian if you think something is wrong. Don’t assume that everything is going to be OK. It’s better to find out that you didn’t need to call than it is to find out—too late—that you should have called.
2. You know your horse; trust your instincts. In my practice, I find that people usually know their horses pretty well, because they spend a lot of time with them. Horses are creatures of routine; if they don’t act like they normally do, there’s often something wrong. You’ll probably notice such things. So, basically, if you think there’s something wrong, there probably is, and if it’s bad enough to concern you (whatever “it” is), call your veterinarian.
3. If you see something that you’re not supposed to see, call your veterinarian. For example, the horse’s skin keeps the outsides out and the insides in. If you’re seeing any of the insides, say, from an encounter with a sharp piece of metal, it’s time to get to the phone. A nail in your horse’s foot is something that can’t be ignored; plan on your veterinarian making an emergency visit if you see such a thing.
4. Pay attention to pregnant mares. They need care during their pregnancies, and your veterinarian is your best source of information about what’s best for your mare, as well as the foal that she’s carrying. All sorts of changes occur during a mare’s pregnancy, and your veterinarian should check your mare regularly during gestation and immediately after foaling. (Of course, foaling problems are a veterinary emergency.)
