How to Take a Horse's Vital Signs
Tie your horse in a safe suitable environment., Know the normal vital signs: The average normal temperature is 37-38ºC but this varies from horse to horse., Use a thermometer., Move the horse's tail to the side, so that it is out the way., Leave the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Tie your horse in a safe suitable environment.
If needed, have an assistant hold the horse. , For a mare, the average is 100ºF (37.8ºC) and for a stallion, the average is
99.7ºF (37.6ºC).The normal pulse rate is 36 to 42 beats per minute.
The resting heart rate is 28 to 40 beats per minute.The normal respiration rate is between 8-12 breaths per minute.
At rest, it is between 8 to 14 breaths per minute.The average capillary refill time is two seconds. , Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or Vaseline. -
Step 2: Know the normal vital signs: The average normal temperature is 37-38ºC but this varies from horse to horse.
Insert the thermometer into the horse's rectum, angled slightly towards the ground. , Take a reading after this time is done.
Always clean the thermometer before storing it. , If the pulse is weak, strong or absent, this can be a sign of heart disease or a specific defect.The horse must be promptly seen by the veterinarian. , The pulse can be found near front of left jawbone; under the jawbone, there is a major artery that sticks out slightly. , Press against the artery firmly. , Multiply the number of beats you counted by four.
Alternatively you can place your hand or a stethoscope behind the horse's left elbow to take his pulse.
Be sure to count each lub-dub as one beat. , Be sure to count one inhale and one exhale as one breath (not as two).
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 its breathing.
This will also give you strange sounds if the horse's windpipe is blocked by mucous or if the horse has allergies or heaves. , Firmly press your thumb against the gum for two seconds to create a white mark. , The mark should return to normal salmon pink color within two seconds of releasing the pressure.
If the CRT takes longer than 2 seconds, the horse may have shock. -
Step 3: Use a thermometer.
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Step 4: Move the horse's tail to the side
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Step 5: so that it is out the way.
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Step 6: Leave the thermometer in position for at least three minutes or until it beeps.
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Step 7: Be aware that the pulse rate will increase if horse is excited
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Step 8: nervous
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Step 9: in pain
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Step 10: has a disease or during/after exercise.
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Step 11: Find the pulse.
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Step 12: Use your forefinger (never your thumb as you may feel your own pulse).
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Step 13: Use a clock or counter to time a 15 second period.
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Step 14: Watch or feel the horse's ribcage/belly for one minute.
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Step 15: Use a stethoscope
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Step 16: if possible.
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Step 17: Lift horse's upper lip.
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Step 18: Check for fast color return.
Detailed Guide
If needed, have an assistant hold the horse. , For a mare, the average is 100ºF (37.8ºC) and for a stallion, the average is
99.7ºF (37.6ºC).The normal pulse rate is 36 to 42 beats per minute.
The resting heart rate is 28 to 40 beats per minute.The normal respiration rate is between 8-12 breaths per minute.
At rest, it is between 8 to 14 breaths per minute.The average capillary refill time is two seconds. , Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly or Vaseline.
Insert the thermometer into the horse's rectum, angled slightly towards the ground. , Take a reading after this time is done.
Always clean the thermometer before storing it. , If the pulse is weak, strong or absent, this can be a sign of heart disease or a specific defect.The horse must be promptly seen by the veterinarian. , The pulse can be found near front of left jawbone; under the jawbone, there is a major artery that sticks out slightly. , Press against the artery firmly. , Multiply the number of beats you counted by four.
Alternatively you can place your hand or a stethoscope behind the horse's left elbow to take his pulse.
Be sure to count each lub-dub as one beat. , Be sure to count one inhale and one exhale as one breath (not as two).
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 its breathing.
This will also give you strange sounds if the horse's windpipe is blocked by mucous or if the horse has allergies or heaves. , Firmly press your thumb against the gum for two seconds to create a white mark. , The mark should return to normal salmon pink color within two seconds of releasing the pressure.
If the CRT takes longer than 2 seconds, the horse may have shock.
About the Author
Janice Kennedy
Creates helpful guides on creative arts to inspire and educate readers.
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