COMING TO THE RESCUE

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Makeshift splints applied before transporting the animal to a vet can be made from towels, cardboard, and tape.

Treating Cuts
Lacerations are common injuries in accidents. Injuries of the chest or over the ribs should be treated immediately. Any laceration—these in particular—should be covered with a clean cloth or compress. Those lacerations over the chest and abdomen should be further covered with an elastic bandage or wrap as well: if air enters the chest or abdomen via one of these penetrating wounds, the results could be devastating. Lacerations and bone protrusions should also be covered, but there is rarely the need for a tourniquet. In fact, they can worsen injuries to the feet and legs. Horses with limb injuries benefit from a leg wrap typical of that used for shipping purposes.

Fractures
Suspect a bone fracture or dislocation if you hear cracking noises or bone movement or if there is limping, swelling, or change of shape (buckling) near the injury. You may want to stabilize it with a temporary splint. Heavy towels or rolled up blankets make great splints if applied like a normal Ace bandage, with masking tape applied to the outermost wrap. These injuries usually need to be treated through casting or surgery.

Burns
Burns can be caused by scalding hot water or chemical irritants, including some flea products. The skin is red and painful when touched. The hair often begins to fall out as blisters form underneath. Any suspect burn area should be treated by placing the wound under mildly cool water and rinsing the irritant away. The underlying affected skin can be covered with a clean cloth before transport to the veterinarian.

In general, steer clear of a sick animal's mouth unless you can secure it.

Poisonings
Poisonings are common emergencies that are unfortunately very difficult to treat, whether at home or at the hospital. Dogs and cats eat and drink all kinds of toxic substances such as antifreeze, insecticides, rat poisons, and snail baits. Believe it or not, one thing you can do at home to help treat these incidents is to bathe the dog immediately. Chances are that they've rolled in or tangled with whatever they ate and topical absorption of the poison is likely until you wash it with a mild detergent like baby shampoo or dishwashing soap. The rare poisonings in cows, horses, goats, and sheep are usually related to feed products, downed trees, or paint from fences or buildings in which they're housed. In cases where you suspect farm animal poisoning, seek veterinary care as soon as possible: bloat, colic, and aspiration pneumonia are likely consequences of trying to treat these at home with various oral remedies.

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