Equi-First Aid Middle Ga

What You Didn't Know Wednesday: Colic doesn't always look like rolling

One of the most dangerous myths in horse care is that colic only counts if a horse is violently rolling.

Most colic cases start quietly.

Early or subtle sings can include: standing away from the herd, reduced appetite/slow eating, fewer or drier manure piles, repeatedly lying down and getting back up, stretching out like they can't p*e, a dull expression (what we used to call "Ain't doing right"), and a change in gut sounds.

Waiting for dramatic symptoms is waiting too long.
Knowing baseline vitals, recognizing behavior changes and understanding when to call the vet can significantly affect outcomes, especially in the early hours.

Local reminder: recognizing early colic signs and making timely decisions are core components of equine first aid education. Upcoming class dates, times, and registration details are available on the website.

Colic awareness saves lives.

www.toplineanimalservices.com

Equi-First Aid Middle GA is glad to host two hands-on, all-day certification classes this March at our Newnan facility.

Upcoming Classes

Lots and lots of good things coming for our home facility! Check it out, and don't forget to register for the Mare and Foal class here, March 14.

I've been working on so many things in the background over here on my little island!
(I've been running the FES, bought a cryotherapy machine and am starting intern Taylor on her certification, put myself on the wait list for the Regulation and Release of the Equine Nervous System, my microcurrent came in the mail, hopefully hired 2 interns, and have my appointment with the county for our hopefully final meeting before I can schedule my public hearing on Thursday to FINALLY get this grand opening going! More on all of that later)

In the meantime I am Proud to Announce: Topline is Now a Certified Safe Facility

Topline Animal Services & Rehab LLC has officially earned Certified Safe Facility status through Equi-First Aid USA — meeting nationally recognized standards for equine emergency preparedness and response.

What this means for your horse:
✔️ All interns, volunteers, and employees are required to complete Equi-First Aid USA certification (not instructor level certification)
✔️ Staff must demonstrate aptitude and practical understanding, not just attend a class
✔️ Emergency readiness is built into our daily operations, not treated as an afterthought
✔️ Clear protocols for injury response, colic recognition, wound care, and emergency decision-making
When horses come into our care — whether for rehab, bodywork, or support services — they are handled by a team trained to recognize early warning signs and respond appropriately if something goes wrong.

Because rehabilitation isn’t just about movement and recovery —
it’s about preparation, accountability, and safety.

For more information on how you can become a safe certified facility or any classes and clinics you would like to attend, please peruse the website (which I'm hoping to update today 🤞)

Remember, we are hosting a Mare and Foal class March 14, and registration is open.
Clinic/Class Registration https://share.google/PFW7xBagLGe0RJQ7s

404.857.8571

!!! WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW WEDNESDAY !!!
Removing embedded objects does not make things better; it makes them worse!

Your instinct may be to pull it out (and that's ok, we are human!); When it comes to embedded objects, including nails in the hoof, removal is not always the safest first step.

But why?
An embedded object could be limiting bleeding or contamination. Removing it without a plan can actually increase bleeding (or hemorrhage), increase internal damage, introduce more bacteria, and even give your vet misleading information.

This is really important with hoof punctures.
A nail in the foot can affect sensitive structures; pulling it before full veterinary evaluation can change treatment, prognosis, and recovery time. (Remember, the hoof is a highly vascular area!!)

What we DO recommend:
• Keep the object in place if possible
• Stabilize it to prevent movement
• Restrict motion and keep the horse calm
• Call your veterinarian immediately, and even send them some pictures
• Note the location, depth, and angle if safe to do so

When would removing a foreign body be appropriate:
Only under veterinary guidance or in very specific, controlled circumstances.

This is exactly why education matters. Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do.

This picture I actually had generated through an ai creator. I wanted you to see the layers of pe*******on; notice that if we were looking at the bottom of the foot it would look small, but actually it would be detrimental to remove without knowing the size of the object.
Follow along for more What You Didn’t Know Wednesday! Stay tuned!
www.toplineanimalservices.com