Most horse owners will be aware of their horse's usual behaviour to recognise when something is "not quite right", although sometimes these changes can be very subtle. Knowing your horses 3 main vital signs of temperature, pulse and respiration is an important part of horse ownership because your horse is counting on you to find and treat and problem or illness in the early stages. Remember if you have any concern, you should contact your vet or other health professional for advice!
TEMPERATURE
Normal body temperature of the horse is 37 - 38 degrees celsius. If the
temperature is higher than that, it may indicate an infection. A healthy
horse's temperature can vary by 3 degrees depending on environmental factors,
and of course horses do tend to have higher temperatures in hot weather
and during/after exercise, excitement or stress. Fevers don't always indicate
a severe condition but if the temperature is constantly over 39 C or more
following regular checks, you should call your vet.
Digital Thermometers
are quick and easy to use
How to take your
horses temperature:
The most accurate way is to take the temperature rectally. (Note - It
pays to secure a string to the end of the thermometer so that it doesn't
accidently get lost!!) Most saddlerys and chemists sell thermometers,
the easiest and most accurate to use are the digital thermometers that
beep when they have the temperature reading. If using an older style mercury
thermometer, remember to always shake down the mercury before taking the
horse's temperature. The horse should be tied up 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 top of 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, although many
digital thermometers work in less than 1 minute. Remember to always clean
the thermometer thoroughly when finished, especially if used on an ill
horse to prevent the spreading of illness.
PULSE
The pulse of an adult horse at rest averages 30 to 40 beats per minute
(bpm). A pulse of 50 bpm or higher in an adult horse at rest may mean
the horse is in some form of physical distress. The average pulse rates
for young horses are as follows: Foals (70 to 120 bpm), Yearlings (45
to 60 bpm), 2 year olds (40 to 50 bpm).
The horse's pulse rate will obviously 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 take your horses
pulse:
The horse's pulse can usually quite easily be found near the front of
the left jawbone. Under the jawbone, there is a major artery that sticks
out slightly. Using your forefinger (not your thumb because you may feel
your own pulse), press firmly against the artery. Use a clock or counter
to time a 15 second period. Multiply the number of beats you counted by
4 to get the total beats per minute. Another place to locate the horses
pulse is behind the left elbow, although pulse is usually easier to locate
in this spot using a stethoscope.
Using a stethoscope,
you can locate the horses pulse behind the left elbow.
RESPIRATION
The average respiration rate of an adult horse at rest is 8 to 15 breaths
per minute. Respiration rates will increases with hot or humid weather,
exercise, pain or fever. Any rapid breathing at rest should receive 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.
The adult horse at
rest should breath 8 to 15 breaths per minute.
How to measure the
respiration:
Watch or feel your horse's ribcage/belly for one minute. Remember to count
one inhale and one exhale as one breath (not as two). Each breath should
be 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.
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