Veterinary Management of Flood Rescues and Injuries in Horses

Floods are unpredictable, and when they strike, veterinarians are often called upon to help manage injured or stranded horses. As equine professionals, our role extends beyond treatment – we are also leaders in disaster preparedness, rescue coordination, and emergency response.

This blog post provides practical strategies for equine veterinarians to manage flood rescues and treat common injuries seen in flood-affected horses.

The Veterinarian’s Role in Disaster Situations

Floods strike fast and often with little warning, leaving horse owners scrambling to keep their animals safe. As veterinarians, we are not only responsible for treating injured horses after the waters recede – we are also seen as key figures in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

The community looks to us for guidance, whether it’s advising on evacuation plans or assessing medical priorities in an emergency.

Veterinarians are often expected to:

• Provide emergency medical care for flood-affected horses.
• Advise horse owners on when to evacuate and when to shelter in place.
• Work alongside emergency responders to manage large-scale rescues.
• Help coordinate resources for feed, water, and medical supplies post-disaster.
• Educate clients about preventative measures to minimize injury and loss.

Flood rescues are often chaotic, and preparation is key to minimizing risk to both animals and responders. Having a plan in place – both for your own veterinary practice and for your clients – ensures you can act quickly when the need arises.

How Veterinarians Can Prepare

1. Build a Local Network

Disaster response is a team effort. Identify key contacts in emergency management, local equine groups, and rescue organizations before disaster strikes. Attend training sessions with first responders and develop a protocol for how veterinary assistance will be integrated into flood response operations.

2. Educate Clients Before an Emergency

Many horse owners underestimate how quickly floodwaters can rise. By providing guidance on evacuation routes, safe sheltering, and emergency kits, you empower them to make informed decisions when time is critical.

Key points to emphasize with clients:

• Evacuate early – waiting too long may leave horses trapped.
• Identify high ground – safe locations need to be pre-planned.
• Practice trailer loading – a frightened horse that won’t load is a major risk.
• Have emergency identification on horses – microchips are great but can only be accessed by those with a microchip reader. The use of stock markers to write phone numbers on the body or tags woven into the mane can be useful and read safely from a distance.

3. Have a Veterinary Emergency Plan

Your own practice should be prepared for disaster scenarios. Keep your emergency supplies stocked, including wound care materials, antibiotics, IV fluids, and sedatives. Ensure you have access to transportation to reach affected areas and coordinate with nearby veterinarians for support.

4. Know the Risks in Your Region

Understanding local flood patterns can help you guide clients effectively. Encourage horse owners to check floodplain maps and to be aware of which areas are prone to rising waters.

Pre-Flood Planning and Emergency Evacuation

Floodwaters are relentless. They come fast, leaving little time for hesitation. In the face of rising water, every second counts. The difference between a well-prepared horse owner and one caught off guard often comes down to planning. 

The Case for Early Evacuation

Time is always the greatest enemy in a flood. Roads become impassable, trailers get stranded, and in the worst cases, horses end up trapped in rising water with no escape.

It’s very common that owners wait too long, either underestimating the severity of the situation or struggling with the logistics of moving large animals. That’s why evacuation plans need to be made long before a flood is even on the horizon.

Every horse owner should have a designated evacuation site. One that is out of the flood zone and accessible even as conditions deteriorate. Ideally, this location should have water, shelter, and adequate space to house multiple horses.

Transport plans should be rehearsed, and every horse should be trained to load quickly and calmly. The reality is, if a horse won’t load onto a trailer in a controlled setting, they won’t load in an emergency. Encourage your clients to practice well in advance.

For owners without trailers, securing transport through local equine networks is critical. Many emergency management agencies will not prioritize large animal rescues, meaning private arrangements are often the only option.

Veterinarians should encourage their clients to establish these contacts before they are needed.

When Sheltering in Place Becomes the Only Option

Sometimes, evacuation isn’t possible. When that happens, the priority shifts to ensuring that horses can survive in place. High ground is the single most important factor.

Owners must identify the highest, driest areas of their property and, if necessary, create pathways that allow horses to reach these areas freely.

Fences can become deadly obstacles in a flood, trapping horses in rising water. Where possible, gates should be opened to allow movement to safer ground.

Horses should never be confined to stalls or small paddocks in a flood-prone area. While it may feel like a protective measure, the risk of drowning or injury from floating debris is far greater than the risk of escape.

If a property floods regularly, encourage your clients to consider permanent modifications such as raised barns, flood-resistant fencing, or elevated shelter areas.

In situations where horses will remain on-site, water contamination is another major concern. Floodwaters carry debris, bacteria, chemicals, and waste runoff, making natural water sources unsafe.

Owners should be advised to store clean water in large containers well before a storm arrives. A single horse requires at least 50 liters (13 gallons) of water per day, so a multi-day supply is essential.

Feed also needs protection. Hay bales left at ground level will be ruined, and grain in unsealed containers will be contaminated.

If floodwaters are expected, hay should be stacked in an elevated location, ideally covered with waterproof tarps. Grain should be kept in airtight, watertight containers. The goal is to minimize loss and ensure horses have adequate nutrition during and after the flood event.

Horses that are trapped on hirer ground with quickly eat out a smaller area, making a backup supply of hay essential. When combined with cold weather and the risks of underfeeding a stressed horse, this is even more important.

Marking and Identifying Horses Before a Flood

One of the biggest challenges post-disaster is reuniting lost horses with their owners. Floods can scatter animals miles from home, and without proper identification, many end up classified as strays.

Permanent identification is invaluable. Microchipping is the gold standard, but additional temporary measures can increase the chances of recovery, especially in emergency situations.

Cattle ear tags, braiding ID tags into a horse’s mane, or using livestock markers to write owner details on the body are simple but effective solutions. Anything that ensures a horse can be identified once waters recede can make a significant difference in the chaos of post-flood recovery.

Do not write numbers on hooves or use bands around the pasterns, it may not be safe for a non-horse person to get close enough to read the number and bands have the potential to restrict bloodflow should the leg be injured with resultant swelling.

The Veterinarian’s Role in Emergency Planning

Every client visit is an opportunity to have these conversations. Does the owner have an evacuation plan? Do they know where they will take their horses?

Have they practiced trailer loading? Do they have emergency identification methods in place? These discussions should be as routine as vaccination reminders.

By providing educational materials, guiding owners through best practices, and emphasizing the urgency of preparation, veterinarians play a key role in keeping horses safe in flood emergencies. The message is simple: act early, plan ahead, and never underestimate the power of rising water.

Managing Flood Rescues: What Veterinarians Need to Know

When floodwaters rise, horse rescues become high-risk operations that require quick thinking, experience, and often, collaboration with emergency responders.

A trapped or stranded horse is not just a medical case, it is a logistical challenge.

The success of a flood rescue depends on understanding when intervention is necessary, how to safely extricate the animal, and what immediate care is required post-rescue.

Assessing Risk Before Attempting a Rescue

Flood rescues are inherently dangerous. Rushing into a situation without assessing the risks can turn a veterinary emergency into a human disaster. Water depth, current strength, hidden debris, and chemical contamination must all be considered before attempting to move a horse.

Veterinarians should never enter floodwaters without proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including waterproof outer layers, gloves, and in some cases, a dry suit and personal flotation device.

The presence of downed power lines, sharp debris, or fast-moving water can make a rescue impossible. In these cases, the focus should shift to keeping the horse calm and stable until conditions allow for a safer extraction.

Encouraging owners to resist the urge to panic and attempt unsafe rescues is critical. A veterinarian’s role is to prioritise safety – both for the horse and the humans involved.

Handling a Stranded Horse

Horses caught in floods exhibit a range of reactions. Some remain still, conserving energy, while others panic, injuring themselves in their attempts to escape. A trapped horse can be exhausted, hypothermic, and in shock by the time a veterinarian arrives.

If a horse is standing in deep water but able to keep its head above the surface, the best approach is often slow, steady encouragement to higher ground. Rushing a horse to move through floodwaters can cause unnecessary panic, increasing the risk of drowning or injury.

If the horse is down, physically trapped, or unable to move, sedation may be necessary before extrication attempts begin.

For horses caught in debris or mud, a large animal rescue glide, webbing harness, or specialized rescue sling can be used to lift and move them to safety. The difficulty of handling a struggling 500kg (1,100lb) horse in water cannot be overstated.

Specialized equipment and trained personnel are often required. In some extreme cases, aerial extractions using helicopters have been used to lift horses out of flood zones.

Transporting Horses Through Water

Owners often ask whether horses can be led or swum to safety. The answer depends on the situation. Horses can swim, but they do not swim efficiently.

Their body weight is unevenly distributed in water, with their head and front end floating higher while their hindquarters sink. This means they tire quickly, and if forced to swim long distances, they can drown.

If water is moving rapidly or there is no visible, reachable high ground, swimming a horse out is rarely a viable option. Even in calmer conditions, veterinarians must assess whether a horse is physically capable of swimming to safety without collapsing mid-rescue.

In some cases, horses have been successfully led behind boats, but this must be approached with extreme caution. The risk of entanglement, exhaustion, and panic is high.

Veterinarians should never recommend swimming a horse unless there is no other viable option and the conditions are assessed as safe. Remember that the safety of humans will always come first.

Minimizing Injury During and After Rescue

Once a horse is removed from floodwaters, attention must immediately turn to preventing further complications. If injuries are present, wound care should begin immediately, with attention given to decontaminating any cuts or abrasions to reduce infection risk from contaminated water.

Hypothermia is a serious concern, especially in cold floodwaters, and horses should be dried off and blanketed if necessary. 

Flood rescues often result in musculoskeletal injuries, exhaustion, and aspiration pneumonia. Horses that have struggled in deep water or have been trapped for extended periods are at risk of rhabdomyolysis (tying up), dehydration, and shock. A full veterinary assessment should include:

• Respiratory evaluation for signs of aspiration pneumonia.
• Hydration and electrolyte assessment, with IV fluids if necessary.
• Muscle enzyme levels to monitor for exertional myopathies.
• Limb palpation and ambulatory evaluation (if appropriate) to check for soft tissue injuries.
• Hoof examination for flood-related damage or early signs of abscess formation.

In some cases, euthanasia may be the most humane option. Horses that have suffered severe trauma, prolonged exposure, or significant internal injuries may not recover, even with aggressive treatment.

Making these decisions in the field is difficult but essential to prevent prolonged suffering.

Common Flood-Related Injuries and Their Management

Once a horse is rescued from floodwaters, the real work begins. While some horses appear physically unscathed, the effects of flood exposure can manifest in the hours and days following the event.

From skin infections to respiratory complications, flood-related injuries require immediate and strategic veterinary intervention. Horses do not simply “bounce back” from floods. Without proper treatment, many will deteriorate quickly.

1. Skin and Hoof Conditions

One of the most immediate concerns after a flood rescue is skin and hoof integrity. Prolonged exposure to water, especially contaminated floodwaters filled with mud, debris, and chemicals, creates the perfect conditions for bacterial and fungal infections.

Horses often suffer from “flood hoof”, a condition similar to trench foot in humans. Standing in wet, unsanitary conditions weakens the hoof structure, leading to soft soles, bruising, abscess formation, and secondary bacterial infections.

Horses emerging from floodwaters should have their hooves cleaned and dried as soon as possible. Veterinarians should watch for early signs of laminitis, as hoof trauma, systemic inflammation, and stress can all contribute to its onset.

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is another common post-flood issue. Horses with abrasions on their lower limbs, especially white-legged horses with sensitive skin, are highly prone to cellulitis and secondary bacterial infections.

Deep fissures and crusting scabs in the fetlocks and pasterns can progress to full-thickness skin infections, requiring aggressive treatment.

Veterinary Management:

• Hoof care: Clean and dry hooves, trim any loose or damaged hoof wall, and monitor for abscesses or laminitis.
• Skin decontamination: Wash the entire body with mild antiseptic solutions (such as chlorhexidine or iodine-based shampoos) to remove floodwater contaminants.
• Topical treatments: Apply silver sulfadiazine cream or zinc-based ointments to prevent secondary infections. Avoid overuse of caustic substances that may delay healing.
• Systemic antibiotics: If cellulitis, skin sloughing, or deep infections are present, systemic antimicrobials may be required.

2. Respiratory and Internal Conditions

Horses trapped in floodwaters for extended periods often aspirate dirty water, leading to aspiration pneumonia. The combination of exhaustion, stress, and contaminated water inhalation creates a high-risk situation for serious lung infections.

Early detection and aggressive treatment are critical. Horses with flood-related pneumonia may not show symptoms immediately but should be monitored closely for coughing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, and fever.

Gastrointestinal complications are also a concern. Horses forced to drink floodwater may ingest toxins, bacteria, and debris, leading to colic, diarrhea, and systemic illness.

Rapid dietary changes, stress, and dehydration contribute to gastrointestinal disturbances, sometimes resulting in esophageal obstruction (choke) when horses ravenously consume hay or grain post-rescue.

Veterinary Management:

• Pneumonia treatment: Broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and nebulized therapy for severe cases. Monitor for pleural effusion or worsening respiratory distress.
• Hydration support: IV fluids or oral electrolyte solutions for horses showing signs of dehydration or systemic distress.
• Colic management: Gradual reintroduction to food, small frequent meals, and monitoring for impactions or diarrhea.
• Monitoring choke risks: Horses should be fed soft, wet mashes post-rescue, especially if they were without food for extended periods.

3. Neurological and Systemic Concerns

Floods introduce a range of systemic risks, including neurological diseases, toxic exposures, and metabolic complications.

Horses may be exposed to contaminated water containing pesticides, industrial chemicals, or decomposing organic matter, leading to toxicity-related symptoms such as muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures.

Tetanus and botulism are also real threats. Floodwaters create ideal conditions for Clostridium bacteria, particularly in deep wounds or horses that have ingested spoiled hay.

Veterinarians should assume that any horse with wounds from flood debris is at risk of tetanus infection and should receive a tetanus toxoid booster if vaccination status is unknown.

Veterinary Management:

• Tetanus prevention: Immediate administration of tetanus antitoxin and toxoid boosters for unvaccinated or high-risk horses.
• Botulism suspicion: Horses showing signs of weakness, difficulty swallowing, or flaccid paralysis should be treated with botulism antitoxin.
• Neurological toxin exposure: If a horse displays tremors, ataxia, or abnormal mentation, activated charcoal, IV fluids, and supportive care should be initiated while assessing for toxic ingestion.
• Managing exhaustion and metabolic stress: Horses suffering from rhabdomyolysis (tying up) post-rescue should receive fluid therapy, muscle relaxants, and electrolytes to prevent further damage.

4. Post-Rescue Monitoring and Long-Term Recovery

The hours and days following a flood rescue are critical. Even horses that appear stable can deteriorate quickly, especially if underlying injuries or infections were missed in the initial assessment.

Routine follow-up exams should be scheduled to track healing progress, detect secondary infections, and monitor systemic recovery.

Key post-rescue monitoring includes:

• Checking rectal temperatures twice daily for early signs of infection or pneumonia.
• Assessing hydration and mucous membrane color to detect ongoing systemic stress.
• Monitoring hoof condition for abscesses, bruising, or early laminitis.
• Observing appetite and manure production to prevent gastrointestinal complications.
• Evaluating wound healing and ensuring secondary infections are controlled.

Many horses require weeks or months of rehabilitation post-flood. Proper nutrition, physical therapy, and progressive exercise are crucial in preventing muscle atrophy and joint stiffness from prolonged immobility.

Owners should be advised on reintroducing work gradually to prevent reinjury.

Post-Flood Recovery and Disease Prevention

Rescuing a horse from floodwaters is only the first step in a long recovery process. The real challenge begins in the days and weeks that follow, when secondary complications – many of them life-threatening – begin to appear.

A horse that initially seems stable may develop infections, respiratory distress, or metabolic complications, making post-flood monitoring and veterinary intervention essential.

Recovery is not just about treating injuries; it’s about rebuilding the horse’s strength, ensuring proper nutrition, and preventing long-term health issues.

1. Decontamination: Removing the Hidden Dangers

One of the most overlooked aspects of post-flood care is thorough decontamination. Floodwaters are filled with contaminants – sewage, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and bacteria – that can cause dermatitis, systemic toxicity, and delayed wound healing.

Even horses that were only partially submerged should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent long-term health effects.

The best decontamination method is a full-body wash using a mild antiseptic shampoo such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine. Special attention should be given to skin folds, hooves, and wounds, where bacteria and debris can accumulate.

Pressure washers or strong hoses should never be used as they can drive contaminants deeper into the skin or wounds. Instead, gentle scrubbing with warm water and a soft brush is ideal.

Horses should also be given fresh water to drink immediately. Many will have consumed floodwater, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal infections and systemic toxicity.

A veterinarian should assess kidney and liver function in horses exposed to contaminated water for extended periods.

2. Reintroducing Feed and Water: Avoiding Colic and Metabolic Crises

Horses rescued from floods are often dehydrated, malnourished, and stressed. Some will have gone days without food, while others may have ingested spoiled hay or debris. Reintroducing feed too quickly can lead to colic or refeeding syndrome.

A controlled refeeding program should be followed, beginning with small, frequent meals of high-fiber, easily digestible forage. Fresh grass, soaked hay cubes, or well-soaked alfalfa pellets are ideal.

Grain and high-starch feeds should be avoided for at least the first five to seven days, as they can overwhelm the digestive system.

Hydration must be closely monitored. Horses should have access to clean, fresh water at all times, but veterinarians should assess for electrolyte imbalances before administering large volumes of IV fluids.

Oral electrolytes may be useful in cases where mild dehydration is present but IV therapy is not required.

3. Preventing Infection: The Silent Threat

Even small scrapes and abrasions from flood debris can become infected quickly in flood-affected horses. Systemic infections, including cellulitis, pneumonia, and septicemia, are among the most common causes of post-flood fatalities.

Veterinarians should conduct a full-body examination, paying close attention to:

• Hooves and lower limbs for signs of abscesses, skin sloughing, and infections.
• Wounds or lacerations that may have been contaminated with floodwater bacteria.
• Mucous membranes and eyes for signs of chemical burns, irritation, or infections.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be considered in cases where wounds are deep, flood exposure was prolonged, or early signs of infection (heat, swelling, discharge) are present.

Tetanus toxoid boosters should be administered immediately if vaccination status is unknown.

4. Respiratory Complications: The Hidden Killer

Aspiration pneumonia is one of the most serious post-flood complications. Horses that struggled in deep water, inhaled contaminated floodwater, or were trapped for extended periods must be monitored closely for signs of respiratory distress.

Symptoms of pneumonia to watch for:

• Increased respiratory rate or labored breathing.
• Nasal discharge, especially if thick or yellow.
• Persistent coughing or reluctance to move.
• Fever or depression in the days following rescue.

Early intervention is critical. Horses showing signs of respiratory infection should be started on aggressive antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and nebulization therapy if available.

If left untreated, flood-related pneumonia can develop into pleuropneumonia, which carries a high fatality rate.

5. Monitoring for Laminitis: The Long-Term Risk

Horses recovering from floods are at a significantly increased risk of laminitis, particularly if they suffered prolonged stress, dehydration, hoof trauma, or sudden changes in diet.

Even if no outward signs are present initially, veterinarians should assume every flood-affected horse is at risk.

Preventative measures include:

• Providing deep bedding to reduce concussion on damaged hooves.
• Using anti-inflammatory medications (such as flunixin or phenylbutazone) judiciously to control systemic inflammation.
• Monitoring digital pulses daily for early signs of laminitis.
• Feeding a low-sugar, high-fiber diet to avoid metabolic overload.

If any signs of laminitis – heat in the hooves, reluctance to move, a “rocked-back” stance – appear, immediate intervention is required.

Cryotherapy (ice boots), pain management, and modified hoof support should be implemented as soon as possible.

6. Behavioral Recovery: Addressing Trauma and Stress

Floods are not just physically damaging – they are psychologically traumatic for horses. Many rescued horses will show signs of stress, anxiety, or abnormal behaviors for weeks or even months after the event.

Common post-flood behavioral issues include:

• Refusal to load onto trailers due to negative associations.
• Heightened flight responses or increased reactivity.
• Loss of appetite or lethargy due to stress-induced ulcers.

Veterinarians should assess each horse’s mental state as part of their post-flood recovery plan. In many cases, gastroprotectants such as omeprazole may be beneficial in preventing stress-induced gastric ulcers.

Owners should be advised to reintroduce handling and training gradually, allowing the horse to regain confidence in a controlled environment.

7. Owner Education and Future Preparedness

A veterinarian’s role in post-flood recovery extends beyond treating the immediate crisis. Ensuring that owners are better prepared for the next disaster is critical.

Veterinarians should encourage clients to:

• Create an evacuation plan that includes prearranged transport and safe locations.
• Microchip and tag their horses for easier post-disaster identification.
• Store emergency feed and water supplies in elevated, waterproof locations.
• Train horses to load quickly and calmly in case of future evacuations.

Every flood provides an opportunity to improve preparedness. By reinforcing best practices and encouraging proactive disaster planning, veterinarians can help prevent repeat tragedies in future flooding events.

Flood recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Even after the waters recede, the effects of flood exposure can linger for weeks or months.

With careful veterinary oversight, strategic medical management, and ongoing monitoring, horses have the best chance of making a full recovery. But without proper intervention, even a seemingly healthy flood survivor can deteriorate rapidly.

Veterinarians play an essential role in guiding post-flood recovery, preventing complications, and ensuring owners are better prepared for future disasters. Our job doesn’t end at the rescue – it continues long after, ensuring that every horse gets the second chance it deserves.

Conclusion: Standing Together in Equine Disaster Response

As I write this, a cyclone is heading towards my hometown, Brisbane. I know firsthand the feeling of watching the forecast, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

It’s a familiar story for many veterinarians – being the ones our communities turn to when disaster strikes, expected to have the answers, the solutions, and the calm in the chaos.

Floods leave a lasting impact, not just on the horses we treat but on the veterinarians who step in to help. We’ve all seen the heartbreak of horses lost to floodwaters, the frustration of owners who waited too long to evacuate, and the exhaustion of trying to triage injuries that could have been prevented.

And yet, we also see resilience – the horses that recover against the odds, the owners who listen and prepare better next time, and the colleagues who show up, sleeves rolled up, ready to do whatever it takes.

If you’re facing similar challenges, if you’ve been through this before, or if you’re about to, you’re not alone. Whether you have questions about treatment protocols, need support, or just want to share your experiences, please reach out.

Disaster response isn’t something we do alone – it’s something we navigate together.

We may not be able to stop the next flood or cyclone, but we can be ready.

And by supporting each other, we can make sure more horses make it through safely. Stay safe, stay prepared, and know that you have a community of veterinarians standing with you.

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