First aid for livestock encompasses the immediate treatment and stabilization of injured or suddenly ill animals pending veterinary care. The farm first aid kit is organized to handle First Aid, injuries, poisoning, birthing complications, and acute illness. Every homestead that keeps livestock should maintain a well-stocked first aid kit.
A basic livestock first aid kit includes: sterile gauze pads and rolls, adhesive bandage wrap (Vetwrap), non-stick wound dressings, elastic bandages, antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine), wound ointment, eye wash, blunt-tipped scissors, tweezers, stethoscope, rectal thermometer, obstetrical gloves and lubricant, syringes (3 to 60 milliliters), needles of assorted gauges, a dosing syringe for oral medications, activated charcoal for poisonings, and a flashlight.
Fresh wounds are cleaned with a mild antiseptic solution and assessed for depth and contamination. Puncture wounds are particularly dangerous due to the risk of tetanus. The wound is flushed with dilute antiseptic and monitored for signs of infection including swelling, heat, and discharge. Bleeding is controlled with direct pressure using sterile gauze. Tourniquets are rarely used on livestock and only for severe arterial bleeding of the limbs.
Choke in horses and ruminants appears as excessive salivation, head extension, coughing, and distress. The animal is kept calm while waiting for veterinary assistance. Bloat in ruminants presents as a distended left abdomen, labored breathing, and restlessness. Walking the animal uphill or administering an anti-bloat product may provide temporary relief. Heat stress causes panting, drooling, weakness, and collapse. Animals are moved to shade, sprayed with cool water, and provided fresh water.
A veterinarian is contacted for any of these conditions: dystocia (difficult birth) that has not progressed after 30 minutes of active labor, prolapse of the uterus or rectum, severe bleeding, poisoning, suspected fracture, eye injury, and any animal that is recumbent and unable to rise.