Equine Vital Signs

Equine Vital Signs

Introduction to Equine Vital Signs

(Photo Courtesy of Pitzer Ranch)

EQUINE VITAL SIGNS

Unfortunately, horses aren't able to tell us when they don't feel well. Luckily there are three different vital signs we can look at to gain a better understanding of the horse's current state of health. 

Temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) are the basic health signs every horse owner or care provider should know if he or she wants to take proper care of a horse. These three vital signs are very important and can greatly help you and your veterinarian when you think your horse might be sick. Just knowing the normal values for these three vital signs can provide great insight about your horse's health. 

You greatly increase your horse's chance of surviving a serious illness or accident by knowing your horse's normal vital signs and being able to take its vital signs in an emergency.

Temperature

Taking the temperature of a horse will allow the handler to discover if there is something bad going on in the horse's body. If a horse has a fever it may be a sign that the horse is sick. Also, if the horse has a temperature below normal it can be a sign that the horse's body isn't working like it should.

Equipment Needed:

• Thermometer with string and clip

What's a Normal Temperature?:

• The normal rectal temperature of a horse is 99.5 to 101.5°F (37.5 to 38.6ºC). 
• Foals less than 1 month of age have a normal temperature of 100.0 to 102.0°F (37.7 to 38.8ºC). 
• Newborn foals can easily suffer from hypothermia (low body temperature), so if the foal's temperature is below 98.0°F (36.6ºC), call your veterinarian. In the meantime, rub the foal with towels or blankets to stimulate blood flow and/or dry its coat.

If the horse's rectal temperature is above normal, it has a fever, not a temperature. All horses have a temperature, either above normal (fever), below normal (hypothermia), or normal. 

How to Take Temperature:

Rectal temperature is easily taken on most horses by placing a small amount of lubricant (petroleum jelly) on the thermometer. Approach the horse from the side; do not stand directly behind the horse in case they decide to kick. Raise or move the horse's tail and insert the thermometer into the anus. Thermometers designed for use with livestock have a ring on the top. This ring can be attached to a string and a clip attached to the opposite end of the string. The clip can be clipped to the horse's tail when you take the horse's temperature. 

Watch this video on How to Take Your Horse's Temperature

http://www.thehorse.com/videos/30267/take-your-horses-temperature

Pulse

A horse pulse is created by the heart contracting and relaxing to pump blood throughout the horse's body.  A heart rate is found by locating the horse's pulse and counting the number of contractions (or heart beats) heard in one minute.

Equipment Needed:

• Watch
• Stethoscope (optional)

How to take a Horses Pulse:

The heart rate can be taken without a stethoscope, but having a stethoscope makes the job easier. If a stethoscope is not handy, the pulse can be taken from the facial artery, which is on the bottom side of the jaw in a shallow groove beneath the last cheek tooth. Count the number of beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to calculate the heart rate in beats per minute. Remember, any excitement by the horse will increase the pulse rate.

If a stethoscope is available, listen to the heart on the left side of the horse's chest, just behind the elbow. Each sound of the heart is considered one beat. 

What's a Normal Pulse?:

• The normal heart rate for an adult horse is about 30 to 40 beats per minute.
• Foal heart rates vary depending on age.
• Newborn foals have a heart rate of between 80 to 100 beats per minute.
• Foals which are a few weeks to a few months of age will have heart rates of 60 to 80 beats per minute. 

Watch this video on How to Check Your Horse's Heart Rate

Respiration

Equipment Needed:

• Stethoscope (Optional)

How to Find a Horse's Respiration Rate:

Respiration can be taken by watching the horse's chest move in and out (an inhale and exhale is one breath) or feeling the air come out of the nostrils. The stethoscope can be used to listen to the breaths as the air travels across the trachea (wind pipe) when the horse inhales and exhales. Respiration characteristics should also be noted. Is the sound clear? Are the breaths shallow or deep? Is there any abnormal squeaking or crackling sound associated with the breathing? 

Count the number of breaths a horse takes for 15 seconds. Take that number and multiply it by 4 to find the horses respiration rate. 

What's a Normal Respiration?:

Remember, if your horse or foal becomes excited for any reason, the respiratory rate can be temporarily elevated.

• The normal respiratory rate for adult horses is eight to 12 breaths per minute. 
• Newborn foals have respiratory rates that are 60 to 80 breaths per minute. 
• Older foals have resting respiratory rates from 20 to 40 breaths per minute. 

Watch this video on your Horse's Respiration

Capillary Refill Time

Color of the gums can indicate the status of a horse's health.  Healthy horses have nice pink gums that are moist to the touch.

Equipment Needed:
None

How do you test capillary refill time?:
Capillary refill time is tested by pressing your finger firmly on the gum above the front incisors and removing it quickly. The time it takes for the area to turn from white back to pink is the capillary refill time.

What is a normal capillary refill time?:
Normal refill time is about 2 seconds. If capillary refill time is longer than 2 seconds you should note the color of the mucous membrane and contact your veterinarian.
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       (Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army)