Horse lying down and unable to stand

FIRST AID FACTS

It is very rare for an apparently completely healthy horse to die suddenly. Remember that a horse can injure you very easily without meaning to so if it is lying down, always approach it from behind its head and neck, and do not get in between the legs.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR 

• Check for breathing and a heartbeat:  if you are not sure, touch the corner of the eye gently, as this should make the horse blink. if it is dead there  will be no response at all.
• Look at the color of the gums: if they are anything other than a healthy salmon-pink color, there is a major problem with the circulation.
• If the gums are normal, check the limbs for injury; they might have become caught in fencing or a rabbit hole.
• Check for other indications of the cause of injury: for example, make sure that the electrical system is all functioning normally, or look for signs of lightning strike.
• Check any other horses in the field for evidence of injury or illness

WHAT TO DO

• If there is no obvious injury or illness causing the horse to stay lying down, then encourage it to stand by making plenty of noise.
• If the horse is trying to stand up but is not quite able to make it, then call for assistance to roll the horse on to its other side so it can try and stand using fresh muscles.
• If you are successful in making your horse stand, then you should encourage it to walk slowly around to encourage blood flow to the muscles to help ease any cramps or muscle pain.

WHEN TO CALL THE VET

You should call the vet if your horses shows signs of illness – for example, if the heart rate or breathing is much faster or slower than usual, or the color of the gums is abnormal- and if there are any signs of obvious injury, for instance to the legs, or if there is asymmetry of the pelvis. 

In these circumstances do not try to move the horse until the vet has examined it. 

  If the horse stands, but is wobbly and uncertain once it is standing and unwilling to move, then your vet should examine the horse to make sure there are no injuries, in particular to the pelvis

PUT YOUR OWN SAFETY FIRST 

If you suspect your horse has been electrocuted in the stable you must pay strict attention to your own safety, and ensure there is no risk to yourself before approaching the horse. Find where the main trip switch is for the yard, and turn off all the power before you consider approaching the horse. if you are unsure about your safety, call the emergency services for advice on your situation.