31 Mar First Aid Kit for Barn or Trailer

Stethoscope (easiest and most reliable way to assess heart rate, also handy for listening for intestinal motility in colic situations)

Thermometer (mercury or digital—available at pharmacies and grocery stores)

Antiseptic solutions such as Betadine or Chlorhexadine

Antiseptic soaps such as Betadine or Chlorhexadine scrubs

Sleeve of 4″ x 4″ gauze squares for cleaning wounds

Spray bottle with dilute Betadine solution for cleaning wounds

Antiseptic and/or antibacterial ointments such as Furacin, Nolvasan, triple antibiotic, etc.

Sterile wound dressing pads or box of pantyliners

Roll gauze or stretchy foam wrap for applying dressing pad to wound

14″ and 16″ leg quilts (two of each) for wrapping fore and hind limbs

Non-stretch track bandages or Vetrap for securing quilt to leg

Small, clean bucket or dish pan and clean towels

Epsom salts

Pantyhose or knee-highs for foot wraps

Duct tape

Low rubber feed tub for soaking feet

Bandage scissors

Spare halter and lead

Hammer and sturdy nail for hanging IV fluid bags

Flashlight, work light and extension cord

Two 10-foot pieces of heavy rope (for assisting a cast horse, for example)

Old broomsticks or PVC pipe for use as splints

Normal Equine Vital Signs
Temperature: 99.5° to 100.5° Fahrenheit
Heart Rate: 32 to 44 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate: 12 to 24 breaths per minute