lines, and is often required for boarding or showing purposes. This certificate, authorized by a veterinarian, certifies that the horse has been tested recently and does not have an incurable disease called equine infectious anemia (EIA). First-aid kit A well-stocked equine (and human) first-aid kit should be kept in a place where it is easily accessed. Any used or out-of-date items should be replaced as soon as possible. However, other than for minor injuries, a veterinarian should be consulted before treating a sick or injured animal. The basic items any equine first-aid kit should include are: Tools & Diagnostic Equipment Rectal thermometer Petroleum jelly (to use as lubrication for thermometer) Stethoscope (for listening to heartbeat, respiration and, in the case of suspected colic, gut sounds) Pulse and respiration can be determined without a stethoscope. Gut sounds can be heard by putting one's ear to the horse's side, but doing so increases the risk of being kicked by the horse. Sharp, clean scissors, reserved for first aid kit only Wire cutters (for freeing a tangled horse) or equivalent such as a fencing tool or lineman's pliers; though these objects are often kept in a well-organized barn, an extra set in a first-aid kit is helpful for major emergencies. Flashlight and extra batteries (for nighttime emergencies or to add a light source in a shadowed area). Twitch, a device for holding the animal still during minor treatment Cleaning supplies Clean bucket, reserved for first-aid kit only, for washing out wounds Clean sponge, reserved for first-aid kit only Gauze (for cleaning wounds) Cotton balls or sheet cotton for absorbing liquids, particularly good for dipping into liquid products and then squeezing or dabbing the liquid onto a wound. (Cotton used to clean a wound may leave fibers in the injury; gauze is a better product if the wound must be touched.) Hypodermic syringe (without needle), for cleaning wounds. (Using the syringe to wash out a wound is preferable to cleaning it with cotton or gauze.) An old syringe, if cleaned first, works fine for this. Sterile saline solution, which is used to clean wounds. Contact lens solution may be used for this purpose. Latex/medical gloves, unused Clean towels and rags Disposable rags or paper towels Bandages and other forms of protection Absorbent padding, such as roll cotton or a set of cotton leg wraps (keep a clean set sealed in a plastic bag) Gauze