In an (equine) emergency ...

I always dial 832-1150.  That's the number to Bakersfield Vet Hospital.  I've called BVH so many times over the last two decades that I have the number memorized.  I am certain that I am not the only one.

On Wednesday night, Kern River CDS hosted an Emergency Management Clinic.  The speaker was none other than my own very favorite vet, Dr. Blanton.

Most of Dr. B's lecture covered stuff that I already know, and most of the points she covered were things that I've had to call her, or one of the other doctors, to treat: 

• colic (Montoya & Speedy G), 
• lacerations and wounds (Montoya & Speedy G) 
• eye injuries (Montoya, Mickey Dee, & Speedy G) 
• sudden lameness as in hoof abscesses (Montoya DSA & Mickey Dee)
  
• allergic reactions (Mickey Dee)
• foaling emergencies (Montoya lost the fetus at 8 weeks)
• choke (hopefully never)

Even so, it's always good to hear the info again.  Since the group was small, it was a very relaxed atmosphere where questions were welcomed.  

Several friends have asked me about two different wound treatment topicals, Vetricyn and Blu-Kote, so I wanted to get Dr. B's opinion.  Her view on Vetricyn was that it's an over-priced, diluted bleach solution, and Blu-Kote is not very effective at treating wounds.  She strongly recommends Scarlet Oil as a topical wound treatment and not much else so I wasn't surprised at her assessment.

One part of the lecture that I found particularly interesting was her three page handout, specifically the back page.  I have attached a scan of it below.  It's a list of items that should be in your equine emergency kit.  I have most of the things on the list, but I am missing a few items.  I plan to add a few things over the next couple of weeks.

Click image to enlarge

Waiting for Dr. B to begin ...

Sandy, Dr. Blanton, and Leslie Webb (we were at her house)