How to Check Vital Signs On Your Horse

Summary

Dr. Erica Latcher from Spring Hill Equine educates horse owners on measuring vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, with a bonus section on gut sounds, digital pulses, and gum color. She emphasizes the importance of these signs for early detection of health issues like colic and provides practical tips for taking accurate readings, ensuring better communication with veterinarians.

Takeaways

• 🙌 Dr. Erica Latcher emphasizes the importance of knowing how to take vital signs for horse owners.
• 📊 Vital signs include heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, which are crucial for assessing a horse's health.
• 🎧 A stethoscope is essential for accurately measuring heart rate, with the Littman brand recommended for its quality.
• 👂 The correct way to wear a stethoscope is with the earpieces angling forward to align with the ear canal.
• 🐎 The heart rate should be taken on the left side of the horse, just above the elbow, with the stethoscope's bell pressed firmly.
• 🔍 A normal horse heart rate ranges from 28 to 48 beats per minute, with over 60 being a significant concern.
• 🌀 Respiratory rate is measured by listening behind the elbow and along the flank, with normal horses often showing no distinct lung sounds.
• 🌡️ Temperature is taken rectally using a pediatric digital thermometer, with a normal range between 99 and 100.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
• 🌊 Gut sounds should be a mix of gurgles, rumbles, and pings, indicating proper digestive function.
• 🏃‍♀️ Digital pulses can indicate lameness or other issues, with the pulse felt on the widest part of the horse's fetlock.
• 👅 Gum color and capillary refill time are important indicators of a horse's hydration and health status.

Q & A

What is the normal heart rate range for a horse?

The normal heart rate range for a horse is between 28 and 48 beats per minute.

Why is it important to know a horse's vital signs?

Knowing a horse's vital signs is important because it can help identify health issues such as colic or other illnesses, and provide crucial information to veterinarians for diagnosis and treatment.

What is the significance of a heart rate over 60 beats per minute in a horse?

A heart rate over 60 beats per minute in a horse, especially when not post-exercise, is a red flag indicating potential illness or distress.

How can you accurately measure a horse's heart rate?

To measure a horse's heart rate accurately, use a stethoscope on the left side of the horse, about a hand's length up from the bottom of the body wall, and count the beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get the beats per minute.

What is the normal respiratory rate for a horse?

The normal respiratory rate for a horse is not explicitly stated in the script, but it is suggested that listening for crackles, wheezes, or abnormal sounds is more important than a specific number.

How do you check for respiratory issues in a horse?

To check for respiratory issues, listen to the horse's flank area for normal breath sounds and watch for any unusual noises like crackles (like Rice Krispies) or wheezes, which can indicate asthma.

What is the normal temperature range for a horse?

The normal temperature range for a horse is between 99 and 100.9 degrees Fahrenheit.

How should you take a horse's temperature?

To take a horse's temperature, use a pediatric digital thermometer and insert it about an inch into the rectum, then wait for the beep indicating the temperature reading.

Why is it beneficial to teach a horse to be calm during temperature taking?

Teaching a horse to be calm during temperature taking is beneficial for the safety of the handler and to ensure accurate and stress-free temperature readings.

What additional vital signs does Dr. Erica Latcher discuss in the bonus section?

In the bonus section, Dr. Erica Latcher discusses gut sounds, digital pulses, and gum color as additional vital signs to monitor in horses.

How can you tell if a horse is dehydrated by checking its gums?

A horse is likely dehydrated if its gums appear dry and lack moisture, and if the gum feels tacky when touched, rather than moist and glistening.