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Do You Know the Normal Vital Signs of Your Horse?


Temperature:

  • Normal Range: 37.2 to 38.6 degrees Celsius.

  • How to Measure: Use a digital rectal thermometer. Lubricate the thermometer and gently insert it into the horse's rectum, holding it in place until it beeps.

  • Concerns: Temperatures above 38.6°C can indicate fever or infection, while temperatures below 37.2°C can suggest hypothermia or shock.

Pulse (Heart Rate):

  • Normal Range: 28 to 44 beats per minute.

  • How to Measure: The pulse can be taken at several sites, including the facial artery (under the jaw), the digital artery (inside the knee), or with a stethoscope placed just behind the left elbow.

  • Concerns: A heart rate consistently above 44 bpm (tachycardia) can indicate pain, excitement, or stress, while a heart rate below 28 bpm (bradycardia) is less common and can indicate a health issue.

Respiration Rate:

  • Normal Range: 8 to 16 breaths per minute.

  • How to Measure: Observe the flank or place a hand near the nostrils to count the breaths. Each rise and fall of the flank counts as one breath.

  • Concerns: Rapid breathing (tachypnea) can indicate pain, fever, or respiratory distress, while slow breathing (bradypnea) is less common but can occur in deep sedation or severe illness.

Capillary Refill Time (CRT):

  • Normal Time: 1 to 2 seconds.

  • How to Measure: Press on the gums with a finger until they blanch, then release and count the seconds until the color returns.

  • Concerns: A CRT longer than 2 seconds can indicate dehydration, shock, or poor blood circulation.

Mucous Membrane Color:

  • Normal Color: Pink.

  • How to Check: Lift the horse’s lip to examine the color of the gums.

  • Concerns: Pale gums can indicate anemia or shock, while bluish gums can indicate a lack of oxygen. Bright red gums may suggest poisoning or sepsis. Gut Sounds: Hydration Status:

  • Normal Sounds: Regular gurgling, bubbling, or growling sounds in all four quadrants of the abdomen.

  • How to Check: Use a stethoscope placed on the flank to listen for bowel sounds.

  • Concerns: The absence of gut sounds (ileus) can indicate colic or intestinal blockage, while hyperactive sounds might suggest diarrhea or gastrointestinal irritation.

Monitoring these vital signs regularly helps in the early detection of health issues and ensures prompt veterinary care when needed.

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