Normal Adult Equine Vital Signs
|
It is important for every horse owner to know his or her horse's normal resting temperature, heart rate, and respiration (breathing) rate and to have trained their horse to stand quietly while the information is collected. Trying to learn during the stress of dealing with an injured or sick horse can prove difficult. Challenge yourself to take your horse's vitals once a week, this will make you and your horse comfortable with the procedure and help you learn what is normal. Remember, when trying to determine if your horse is within the normal range, many factors can cause values to increase in a healthy horse, including high heat and humidity, excitement, and exercise. If you are uncertain if a value is normal, contact your veterinarian.
|
|
If you need some help, ask Dr. McCleery at your next well horse visit; she will be happy to take some time to teach you the basics!
Temperature
Learn to take your horse's temperature. It will get you both comfortable with the procedure and help you learn what is normal. For many contagious diseases, a fever can be the earliest indication that a horse is ill. The normal temperature for a horse is 99 to 100.0 °F, although a healthy horse's temperature can vary by 3 degrees depending on environmental factors. Although a high temperature doesn't always indicate a severe condition, we recommended calling the veterinarian if your horse's temperature is over 102°F.
How to get a temperature reading ...
A horse's temperature is taken rectally. The plastic digital thermometers available at any drug store work well, as they are easy to read and fast (it does not need to be a "veterinary" thermometer).
The horse should be tied or, better yet, held by an assistant standing on the same side as you. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer (petroleum jelly, Vaseline, or saliva work well). 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. Stand close to the horse's hip. Do not stand directly behind the horse, because some horses don't like this and might kick out - but most don't mind. If this is the first time you have taken your horses temperature, take a few minutes to get him used to you feeling his rump and moving his tail before you insert the thermometer.
How to get a temperature reading ...
A horse's temperature is taken rectally. The plastic digital thermometers available at any drug store work well, as they are easy to read and fast (it does not need to be a "veterinary" thermometer).
The horse should be tied or, better yet, held by an assistant standing on the same side as you. Lubricate the tip of the thermometer (petroleum jelly, Vaseline, or saliva work well). 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. Stand close to the horse's hip. Do not stand directly behind the horse, because some horses don't like this and might kick out - but most don't mind. If this is the first time you have taken your horses temperature, take a few minutes to get him used to you feeling his rump and moving his tail before you insert the thermometer.
Heart Rate
A normal heart rate is around 28 and 44 beats per minute. A rise in heart rate can be an indication of fever, stress, excitement, exercise, or pain and becomes a particularly valuable piece of information when trying to determine if a horse merely has mild depression or is actually in critical condition. The higher the heart rate, the more severe the condition.
How to get a pulse rate....
If you have a stethoscope, you can listen to the heart on the left side of the chest just behind the left elbow.
If you don't have a stethoscope, you can feel for a pulse on the inside of your horses jaw bone.
Make sure you are not double-counting heartbeats (lub-dub=one beat)!
How to get a pulse rate....
If you have a stethoscope, you can listen to the heart on the left side of the chest just behind the left elbow.
If you don't have a stethoscope, you can feel for a pulse on the inside of your horses jaw bone.
Make sure you are not double-counting heartbeats (lub-dub=one beat)!
Respiration
The normal respiratory rate for horses is between 8 and 12 breaths per minute. The characteristics of breathing can also be indicators of a problem, including: deep heavy breathing, flared nostrils, breathing with abdominal effort, abnormal noise, labored breathing, outstretched neck and/or gasping. Report any observations that are anything but quiet and easy breathing to the veterinarian when you call.
How to get a respiratory rate...
Watch or feel your horse's ribcage or belly for one minute. Count 1 inhale and 1 exhale as one breath (not as two).
If you have a stethoscope place it over your horse's windpipe and listen to his breathing. Allowing your horse to sniff your hand to measure respiration rate can lead to a falsely increased number (they will sniff far more quickly than their regular breathing rates).
How to get a respiratory rate...
Watch or feel your horse's ribcage or belly for one minute. Count 1 inhale and 1 exhale as one breath (not as two).
If you have a stethoscope place it over your horse's windpipe and listen to his breathing. Allowing your horse to sniff your hand to measure respiration rate can lead to a falsely increased number (they will sniff far more quickly than their regular breathing rates).
