HEALTH BITS

The information gathered here in HEALTH BITS is not intended for accurate diagnosis or treatments of illness or injuries. This is only to inform you, the reader, of these health related issues.
This page will be updated regularly

Can You Recognize Signs Of Stress?

It's obvious there is a problem when your mule is cut or bleeding isn't it. But what about colic or an injury that may not be as easily noticed, would you be able to see it building? That's why you should know what the normal vital signs are for your mule, including temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR). You should also know their normal behavior pattern as well. Like how much water do they normally drink over night or through the day. All this requires being a good observer.

WHAT IS NORMAL ?

Of course will be variations of normal in individual temperatures, pulse and respiration counts so don't assume that if you check one animal the other will be the same. You should take several baseline readings when your mule is healthy, rested, and relaxed. I keep a small notebook in the tack room to keep a record and it's near my first aid kit for easy access. This is also a good place to keep emergency numbers.
Normal ranges for adult mules are:

Temperature: (rectal) 99.5 F - 101.5 F.
Pulse: 30 - 42 beats per minute
Respiration: 12-20 breaths per minute
You should contact your vet immediately if temperatures exceed 102.5 and temps over 103 degree indicate a serious condition.
Capillary Refill Time: 2 seconds
This is the time it takes the color to return to the gums adjacent to the teeth. Press the gum tissue with your thumb and release, color should return to normal in 2 seconds.

A Few Signs To Look For

Dehydration: Pinch or fold a flap of neck skin and release. It should snap back into place immediately, if it doesn't this is sign of dehydration.

Color: The mucous membranes of the gums, nostril, inner eye tissue (conjunctiva), and inner lips of the vulva should be pink. Pale pink to white, bluish purple, or bright red coloring may indicate problems.

Lameness: Signs may be head bobbing, odd stance, reluctance to move, pain, swelling, being poor in the gait, or unwillingness to rise.

You should be aware of the usual color, consistency and volume of feces and urine of your mule. Any straining or failure to excrete should be reported to your vet.
It will help your vet immensely if you are able to give him information on the condition of your mule when you call him. Also, remember to stay calm. Your calmness will also help the mule to be less stressed. You are also more observant when calm.

FIRST AID

If you have mules or horses you know that sooner or later you will be faced with a medical emergency of some kind, things happen no matter how careful we are. There are several factors that make equines especially accident prone like the instinctive flight or fight response, establishing the pecking order in the herd, and their natural curiosity. These account for many of the cuts, bruises and abrasions that most of us contend with. There are other types of medical emergencies such as colic, acute lameness, foaling problems, heat stroke, and seizures. You need to learn how to recognize, respond quickly and calmly, and what should you do while waiting for the vet.

How Prepared Are You ?

If you have equines there is bound to come a time when you will be faced with a medical emergency. You must not allow panic to overcome you, this will cloud your judgment and ability to asses the immediate needs of the injured mule/horse. Have a plan of action, rehearse the initial steps you will take in an emergency situation. Here is a guideline to help get you started;
A. Keep the veterinarian's number, including after hours number, by each phone. Don't rely on everyone knowing the speed dial code.
B. Consult with your vet about a back-up or referring vet, in case your regular vet can't be reached.
C. Know the most direct route to an equine emergency center in case you need to transport the mule/horse. It is also a good idea to keep written directions in the first aid kit or near the phone
D. Keep a list of friends and neighbors names and phone numbers who could assist you in an emergency posted next to the phones.
E. Prepare a first aid kit and place it in a clean, dry , readily accessible place. And make sure that everyone using the barn knows where it is.
F. Keep a smaller first aid kit in your trailer and a more scaled down version for taking on trail rides.

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EMERGENCY WOUND CARE

The initial steps you take to treat a wound can prevent further damage and speed the healing in your mule. Of course how you proceed will depend on the individual circumstances, and you must exercise your good judgment. The following is to be used only as a guideline.
1. Catch and calm the mule and move him to a stall without causing distress or further injury.
2. Get help before you attempt to treat or evaluate the wound. At best it could be difficult to inspect or clean a wound while also trying to hold the mule.
3. Once you have located and evaluated the depth and severity of the wound contact your vet if you feel emergency medical attention is needed.
4. Consult you veterinarian before attempting to clean the wound or remove debris or penetrating objects, as this may precipitate uncontrollable bleeding.
Don't put anything on the wound except cold water or a compress.
5. Stop the bleeding by covering the wound with a sterile absorbent pad, not cotton, apply firm, steady, even pressure to the wound.
6. Do not medicate or tranquilize unless directed by your vet. If there has been severe blood loss or shock, the administration of certain drugs can be life threatening.
7. If the eye is injured do not attempt to treat yourself. Contact your vet and wait for him.
8. All mules/horses being treated for lacerations or puncture wounds will require a tetanus booster.

Your Equine First Aid Kit

Your first aid kit can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. As long as you start with the essentials, you can build it up as you go if you wish. Here is a list of things to get you started;

Sterile cotton roll
Sterile contact bandage
Sterile gauze pads, assorted sizes
Sterile gauze wrap
Cling wrap, new roll
Adhesive wrap and tape
Leg wraps
Sharp scissors
Stethoscope
Hemostats
Rectal thermometer with a string and clip attached
Latex gloves
Antiseptic solution or surgical scrub
Steel cup or container
Pliers, for pulling nails
Flashlight and good batteries
Note pad and pen
Permanent marker

COLIC

I think it is important to all equine owners to be aware of the signs of colic and what you can do to help prevent it and how your vet may choose to treat it. Colic is the number one killer of equines, but it is not a disease. It is a combination of signs to alert you to abdominal pain in your equine. Colic can be mild or severe, but should never be ignored. Colic can become life threatening in a short matter of time. You must act quickly and accurately recognize the signs of colic and contact your veterinarian immediately to maximize the chance for recovery. I have seen too many cases of colic go real bad, real fast, so please, do not hesitate to call your vet. There is no such thing as being too cautious.

IMMUNIZATIONS

I have met a few equine owners that do not follow a vaccination program. To me it is just anther aspect of being a responsible caretaker. Not only for my animals but to help protect yours as well. I appreciate those who return the same consideration. While we can't get 100% protection we can at least reduce the severity of diseases. I feel that regular vaccinations promote a healthier equine population all around.
The types of vaccinations required may depend on factors such as; environment, age, risk of exposure, age, value, general management and geographical environment. Consult with your vet to determine what is needed for your mule or horse. It's your responsibility to give proper care.

ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE VACCINATING. IN MANY STATES YOUR VET MUST ADMINISTER SEVERAL OF THE REQUIRED MEDICINES.

Here is a list of common vaccinations

TETANUS; sometimes called "lockjaw", symptoms include muscle stiffness and rigidity, hypersensitivity, flared nostrils, and the legs stiffly held in a sawhorse stance. As this disease progresses muscles in the face and jaw stiffen, preventing the animal from eating or drinking. More than 80% of all affected mules or horses will die. All equines. Foals at 2-4 months. Annually thereafter. Brood mares 4-6 weeks before foaling

INFLUENZA; one of the most common respiratory diseases in equines.
This virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted from equine to equine over distances as far as 30 yards by snorting or coughing. Symptoms are nasal discharge, dry cough, fever, depression, and loss of appetite. If your equine is exposed to other equines they need to be vaccinated against influenza. Most equines. Foals at 3-6 months, then every 3 months. Traveling equines every 3 months. Brood mares biannually, plus booster 4-6 weeks pre-foaling.

ENCEPHALOMYELITIS; sometimes called "sleeping sickness". Most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes, after they have acquired it from birds and rodents. While humans are susceptible when bitten by a mosquito, direct equine to equine or equine to human transmission is very rare. Early signs include loss of appetite, fever, and depression. As it progresses a mule may stagger when it walks and paralysis develops in later stages. Symptoms may vary widely but all result from the degeneration of the brain. The death rate is 70 to 90 percent of infected equines. All equines. Foals at 2-4 months. Annually in the spring thereafter. Broodmares at 4-6 weeks before foaling.

RHINOPNEUMONITIS; is actually two distinct viruses, equine herpes virus type 1 and equine herpes virus type 4. Both cause respiratory tract problems, and EHV-1 may also cause abortion, foal death and paralysis. Infected equines may be feverish and lethargic and may lose appetite and experience nasal discharge and a cough. Young animals suffer most from respiratory tract infections and may develop pneumonia secondary to EHV -1. Rhinopneumontis is spread by aerosol and by direct contact with secretions, utensils, and drinking water. The virus can be present but unapparent in the carrier animals. Immune protection is short, therefore pregnant mares are vaccinated at least during the 5th, 7th and 9th months of gestation, and youngsters at high risk need a booster at least every three months. Many vets recommend vaccinating at two month intervals year-round. Foals at 2-4 months and younger equines in training. Repeat at 2 -3 month intervals.

Sometimes vaccinations can be given incorrectly. What can happen when vaccinations go wrong ? Look at Echoes page and see.

Other Diseases

STRANGLES. A highly contagious and dangerous disease. As there may be some side effects associated with vaccination it is important to discuss the risks -v- benefits of vaccination with your vet.

RABIES. This disease is more common in some areas than others. Equines are rarely infected, but death always occurs. Rabies can be transmitted from equine to humans.

BOTULISM. In young equines it is known as "shaker foal syndrome". This disease can be serious. Botulism in adult equines, "forage poisoning", can also be fatal. Vaccines are not available for all types of botulism, but pregnant mares can be vaccinated in endemic areas.

EQUINE VIRAL ARTERITIS(EVA). This is a complicated disease which can result in some breeding restrictions and export problems. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.

POTOMAC HORSE FEVER. This is a seasonal problem with geographic factors. One third of all affected equines die.

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