About the Author:

Dr. Chris O'Malley

Dr. Christian O'Malley graduated from NC State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996.  Since graduation, Dr. O'Malley has devoted his practice exclusively to equines.  A large part of Dr. O'Malley's practice is ambulatory, so he is well rehearsed in all aspects of caring for the ailing equine in the field setting. Dr. O'Malley and his wife Dr. Amy O'Malley are the owners of Warrenton Animal Clinic, a mixed animal practice they started in 1999.  Dealing with equine emergencies is a common occurrence for Dr. Chris since he is the only equine veterinarian available in the surrounding horse country.  In 2005, Dr. O'Malley began to compile his experience and knowledge of equine emergencies into his book entitled "Horse 911: Dr. O'Malley's Veterinary Emergency Handbook".  This handbook is packed with concise, easy to understand information pertaining to equine emergencies.  The sole purpose of the book is to provide the horse owner an opportunity to help themselves and their horse in a time of crisis.  Dr. O'Malley feels that horse owners in particular are more attuned to the health and care of their horses as compared to other pet owners.  For this reason, he wants all horse owners to be knowledgeable in the well-being of their horse. On a personal note, Dr. O'Malley is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing and camping.  When he's not working he stays busy with his wife raising their three children.

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgement Chapter 1: How To Do a Physical Exam Monitoring a Horse’s Vital Signs Taking a Horse’s Temperature Respiration Heart Rate The Mucous Membranes Gut Sounds Evaluating the Horse from Head to Toe The Head and Neck Region The Body What Goes in Must Come Out Conclusion Chapter 2: Being Prepared for an Emergency What is an Emergency? Contacting your veterinarian Making a First Aid Kit Making a Foaling Kit Proper Facilities Fencing Pasture Barn Trailer Conclusion Chapter 3: Preventative Care-The Core of Equine Health Vaccinations Encephalomyelitis (EEE, WEE, West Nile) Encephalomyelitis (VEE) Equine Influenza Rhinopneumonitis Strangles (Streptococcus equi) Tetanus (Clostridium tetani) Rabies Potomac Horse Fever (Neorickettsia risticii) Equine Viral Arteritis Botulism (Clostridium botulinum) EPM (Equine Protozoal Myelitis) Vaccine Reactions Intramuscular injection technique Deworming Defining a parasite Other Parasites Anthelmintics Pyrantal pamoate/tartrate (Strongid™) Fenbendazole (Panacur™ or Safegard™) Ivermectin (Eqvalan™, Zimecterin™, etc.) Moxidectin (Quest™) Praziquantel To Rotate or Not? The Preventicare Program The Coggin’s Test Quarantine Conclusion Chapter 4: Reproductive Emergencies – The Pregnant Mare Normal Gestation Education Breeding Emergencies Stallions Paraphimosis Penile Hematoma Scrotal hernia Mares Vaginal Bleeding Rectal Bleeding Abortion Placentitis Dystocia Redbag (Placenta Previa) Conclusion Chapter 5: Neonatal Emergencies - The Newborn Foal The First 24 Hours Mare/Foal exam Environment Normal vs. Abnormal Normal Parameters Neonatal Problems Prematurity Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome Sepsis Colic/Diarrhea Foal pneumonias Limb Deformities Umbilical Diseases Mare Rejection Neonatal Isoerythrolysis  (NI) Conclusion

Chapter 6: Digestive Emergencies Colic Colic Examination What to do when horses colic Causes of Colic Choke (Esophageal obstruction) Diarrhea Ulcers Conclusion Chapter 7: Respiratory Emergencies Upper Respiratory Airway Obstruction Tracheal Collapse Esophageal Choke Shipping Fever (upper and lower respiratory) Strangles Snake Bite/Blunt trauma to muzzle Epistaxis Lower Respiratory Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)/Heaves Pleuropneumonia - Pleuritis and Pleurisy Aspiration Pneumonia Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia  (Foal) Pneumothorax/Chest Trauma Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (Thumps) Smoke Inhalation Conclusion Chapter 8: Trauma Emergencies Lameness and Injuries Skin Lacerations Bleeding. Tendon Lacerations Puncture wounds Infection Burns Hives Acute leg swelling and cellulitis Venomous Bites Hematomas Exuberant granulation tissue (Proud flesh) Foot problems Hoof Exam Emergencies of the foot Hoof Punctures Fracture of the Coffin Bone Foot Abscess/Bruise Leg Fractures Conclusion Chapter 9: Miscellaneous Emergencies Corneal Ulcers Eyelid lacerations Equine Recurrent Uveitis Seizures Exertional  Rhabdomyolysis (Tying up) Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Poisonous plants and Toxins Heat stress/ Anhidrosis Allergic reactions Sudden Death Conclusion Index About the Author