How to Treat a Spider Bite in a Horse

Though small and unseeming, a spider can bite a horse and inflict severe pain and suffering. Spider bites are not always severe and may be more irritating than venomous to the horse. Here is how to address and treat a spider bite in a horse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine the area to see if you can locate the spider that may have bitten the horse. This will be useful in identifying whether or not the spider bite is poisonous.

2. Seek medical attention for your horse. If your vet or his assistant are immediately available, see if they can examine the horse bite. Though the bite may not be serious, you may not want to take a chance.

3. Don't irritate the area. This includes not rubbing the area yourself as well as preventing the horse from rubbing the area.

4. Monitor the horse. Make sure you monitor the horse and its reactions to the bite so that when the vet asks, you can give a full and detailed report on any noticeable changes that have occurred or reactions you may have witnessed.

5. Clear the area of spiders and other insects that are visible. This is a preventive measure so no additional spiders bite the horse.

6. Allow the horse to heal once treatment has been administered. Taking precautionary measures like allowing the horse to rest or keeping the area that was bitten from being irritated further will aid in the horse's recovery.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective gear when clearing the area of spiders and other insects. This will aid in protecting you from being bitten by a spider or other insect that may have wandered into the area.

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