Pony kicked in the head, Concussions ?

maree t

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Hi, one pony has kicked the other this morning. The NF has a small but nasty cut on his forehead not enough to need stitching I think. There is a small amount of swelling and I have treated the cut and put a fly mask on but he is very quiet. He is picking at the grass a bit but not tucking in. Could he be concussed ? Is there anything else I should be doing ? Dont suppose there is anything the vet could do ? Worried about him but dont think there is much else I can do. Should I bring him in ?
 
Not sure if this is really worth dragging my vet out of his meeting for. He doesnt seem too bad and is eating so hoped for some helpfull advice of somebody on here who perhaps had some experience of this.
He is not unsteady on his feet and is moving around eating and drinking.
 
I wouldn't worry too much, he's probably got a nice headache going on!
I'd imagine the treatment would be the same for humans with concussion, just rest and let it pass.
He may be better coming into his stable if it is cool and shaded, nothing worse if you have headache than bright sunshine, although i'm sure his fly mask will help.
 
Thanks for that, I have been checking him every ten mins or so and he seems ok but I think I will bring him in over the hottest part of the day. Might be a bit cooler and less flies.
 
I'd still be tempted to call the vet and have a chat about things to look out for etc.
Better a phone call today, than an emergency call out over the weekend - although not sure what they would be able to do.

Hope your pony perks up, the fact that it's nasty, and there is swelling suggests a pretty hard blow.
 
I would bring him in out of the sun/heat/flies. I would give him a small amount of water and check him every 20-30mins and top up as required. Maybe not give him hay/feed as you have said he is picking grass but not eating it so he may choke. If no improvement by mid afternoon (2pm) call vet out. Better call a vet today then weekend. He may just advise you over the phone. Thats what vets are there for and thats what they get paid for to
 
Thanks for your help. I have put him in the field shelter so he can see his so called friend:rolleyes:. The swelling is minimal now and the cut small so think he will be ok.The other pony has no shoes on the back . Perhaps he is just quiet because it is so damn hot and his winter coat is coming through ? Probably just worrying too much about this precious beastie. He seems better in himself but will keep a close eye on him.
 
yes, he could be concussed, i'd keep him quiet and in the dark if at all possible, and keep a close eye on him, make sure he's drinking okay etc.
years ago a livery at the yard i was at got a fractured skull (front of skull around central whorl/star area), star fracture, from hitting its head on a farm implement in the field. they x-rayed her at Newmarket, and said keep her in a darkened stable for months to let it heal... she just seemed v v quiet and lacklustre, no other symptoms really.
 
Thanks for those that helped yesterday, he seems fine today is eating and drinking and moving round the small paddock ok. The swelling has virtually gone so I think a quiet weekend and a rest from the others with the shade of the field shelter and he will be fine. Maree
 
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