If
you are responsible enough to own a horse, it is mandatory that
you are responsible enough to educate yourself of taking care of
him. Vital signs should be checked regularly, once a week is ideal,
and every time you suspect any change in his behavior. Learning
to accurately observe and judge your horse's vital signs takes alot
of practice. Your horse is counting on you to find and treat every
problem or illness in its early stages!
If
ANY concern arises, never hesitate to call your veterinarian!
[1]
TEMPERATURE
Normal
body temperature is 99 - 101 F. A temperature higher than
that, may indicate an infection. A healthy horse's temperature can
vary by 3 degrees depending on environmental factors. Horses
tend to have higher temperatures in warm weather and during/after
exercise, stress or excitement. A high fever doesn't always indicate
a severe condition, but it is a good idea to take your horse's temperature
often and if you his temperature is over 102 F, you should call
your veterinarian.
How To:
The most accurate way to take a horse's temperature is rectally.
Always secure a string to the end of the thermometer, so that it
doesn't get lost (some of you know what I'm talking about, or have
experienced it...it's not very fun). Tack shops and pharmacies sell
all types of thermometers. Plastic digital thermometers work very
well and are generally easier to use, and most of them beep when
they are done. Be sure that if you use an older mercury-type thermometer,
that you shake down the mercury before taking the horse's temperature.
The horse should be tied or held still by an assistant. Lubricate
the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly, vaseline or saliva.
Move the horse's tail to the side and out of the way and insert
the thermometer into the horse's rectum, angled slightly towards
the ground. Do not stand directly behind the horse, because some
horses don't like this - but most don't mind. For the most accurate
reading, leave the thermometer in position for at least 3 minutes.
Many digital thermometers work well in less than 1 minute.
Always clean the thermometer well before returning it to its
case...and especially if used on an ill horse, to prevent the spreading
of an illness.
[2]
PULSE
The pulse
rate of an adult horse at rest averages 30-40 beats per minute (bpm).
A pulse rate of 50 or higher in an adult horse at rest may mean the
horse is in physical distress. The average pulse rates for young horses
are as follows:
Foals (70-120 bpm), Yearlings (45-60 bpm), 2yr. olds
(40-50 bpm).
The horse's pulse rate will increase if he is excited or nervous,
in pain, during/after exercise, or has a disease. The higher the heart
rate, the more severe the condition.
How To:
The horse's pulse can be found near the front of the left jawbone.
Under the jawbone, there is a major artery that sticks out slightly.
Using your forefinger (never your thumb - because you may feel your
own pulse), press against the artery firmly. Use a clock or counter
to time a 15 second period. Multiply the number of beats you counted
by 4.
You may also place your hand or a stethescope behind the horse's
left elbow to take his pulse. Be sure to count each lub-dub as 1
beat.
[3]
RESPIRATION
The average
respiration rate of an adult horse at rest is 8-15 breaths per
minute. A horse's respiration rate increases with hot or humid
weather, exercise, fever or pain. Rapid breathing at rest should recieve
veterinary attention, and keep in mind that the respiration rate should
NEVER exceed the pulse rate. A horse should also spend equal
time inhaling and exhaling.
How To:
Watch or feel your horse's ribcage/belly for one minute. Be sure
to count 1 inhale and 1 exhale as one breath (not as two). Each
breath is fairly slow. If you are having difficulty seeing the ribcage
move, try watching the horse's nostrils or place your hand in front
of the nostrils to feel the horse exhale.
An even better method is to place a stethoscope to the horse's windpipe
to listen to his breathing. This will also give you strange sounds
if the horse's windpipe is blocked by mucous or if the he has allergies
or heaves.
[4]
GUT SOUNDS
The gut
sounds that come from your horse's stomach and intestines can be very
important information for your vet to diagnose an illness. Gut sounds
should always be present. The absence of gut sounds is more
indicative of a problem than excessive gut sounds. Usually, an absence
of gut sounds indicates colic. If you don't hear any sounds, contact
your veterinarian.
How To:
Press your ear up againts your horse's barrel just behind his last
rib. If you hear gurgling noises, he's fine. Be sure to check gut
sounds from both sides.
If you do not hear any sounds, try using a stethoscope in the
same area.
[5]
DEHYDRATION
Healthy
horses drink a minimum of 5 gallons of water per day. If your
horse is dehydrated, it is very important that you urge him to drink.
If he refuses to drink water, try adding flavor to it (gatorade or
apple juice is ideal), and contact your veterinarian if he still won't
drink.
Pinch Test:
Pinch the skin on your horse's neck. If the skin flattens back into
place when you let go in less than 1 second, the horse is fine.
If it doesn't, it means he isn't drinking enough water, he is dehydrated.
The longer the skin stays pinched up before flattening, the more
dehydrated he is.
[6]
CAPILLARY REFILL TIME (CRT)
Capillary
Refill Time (CRT) is the time it takes for blood to return to blanched
tissues in the gums. This is an indicator of blood circulation.
Normal refill time is 1 to 2 seconds.
How To:
Lift your horse's upper lip up and firmly press your thumb against
his gums for 2 seconds to create a white mark. This white mark should
return to the normal pink color within 1-2 seconds after releasing
the pressure.
If the CRT takes longer than 2 seconds, the horse may have shock.
[7]
MUCOUS MEMBRANES
The mucous
membranes are the lining of a horse's eyelids, his gums and the inside
of his nostrils. The color of the mucous membranes are another indicator
of blood circulation. A healthy horse's gums are slightly more
pale than a humans. If a horse's gums are very pale, bright red, grayish
blue or bright yellow, call a veterinarian immediately.
Colors:
Moist Pink: Healthy normal circulation.
Very Pale Pink: Capillaries contracted, indicates fever,
blood loss or anemia.
Bright Red: Capillaries enlarged, indicates toxicity or mild
shock.
Gray or Blue: Severe shock, depression and illness.
Bright Yellow: Associated with liver problems.
About the author:
Cheryl's goal is to educate horse owners on how to develop a trusting and respectful
partnership with their horses. The training methods she uses and teaches are
ones that promote a horse's confidence and willingness to please.
As the President of Equusite.com (The Ultimate Horse Resource), Cheryl teaches
her methods of horsemanship online in a simple step-by-step fashion to ensure
that horsemen and women of all ages and disciplines are able to understand and
use her methods easily.
For more information, see Cheryl'
bio page or contact her:
Cheryl McNamee-Sutor
President, Equusite.com
cheryl@equusite.com
(630) 267-9397
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