With many equine health conditions having favourable outcomes with early detection and treatment it is a great practice to keep record of your horse’s normal vital signs. Keeping these records to hand can help aid you and your veterinarian in detecting changes down the line which could indicate that they are experiencing pain, suffering from disease, or other medical concerns.
Typically a normal horse will have the following vitals:
Heart Rate: 38-44 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate: 12-20 breaths per minute
Rectal Temperature: 99-101.5 F (37-38.5 C)
Intestinal Sounds: Present on both sides of the abdomen 1 to 3 borborygmi (gurgles) per minute
Gums: Light pink moist with a capillary refill time less than 2 seconds
Water Consumption: 20-25 litres per day
Excretion: 6-10 Manure Piles, 3-4 Urinations per day
When possible we advise asking your veterinarian to perform a simple vitals exam while your horse is in good health as their normal basis may differ from that of the norm. By having a formal exam not only will you have a formal record on file at your veterinarian’s office, but you can request a copy for your own records. While your vet is performing their initial vital exam be sure to ask if they can show you how to check your horse should you need to do so in the future. Knowing how to perform these simple checks can help you keep an eye on your horse’s health between annual check ups and can help you communicate with your veterinarian when an emergency farm call is necessary.
Additional baseline testing can also be helpful such as blood testing, cultures, lameness exams, X-Rays, and Ultrasounds. It is best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure you select the options that are relevant and helpful to your situation.