Petplan Equine veterinary expert Gil Riley explains how you can help you can check your horse's vital signs.
Being able to identify certain problems and provide adequate equine first aid while awaiting the vet can help minimise suffering for both you and your horse. It will also reduce the likelihood of any complications that could result from delay.
What’s normal?
It’s important to have a good sense of what your horse’s normal parameters are. ‘What’s normal’ not only refers to your horse’s general demeanour and behaviour, but also their vital signs, including their temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate and effort.
Watch Petplan Equine's video to find out more about checking your horse’s general demeanour.
How to take your horse’s temperature
An increased temperature is often the first sign something is amiss, and being able to tell your vet what your horse’s temperature is and how abnormal that is for them can be a really useful indicator of the severity of the situation. A normal horse temperature is 37.5–38.5°C (99–102°F) and knowing how to take your horse’s temperature is essential.
Watch Petplan Equine's video to find out more about taking your horse’s temperature.
How to check your horse’s heart rate
Taking your horse’s pulse will tell you their resting heart rate, and the easiest place to do this is under the jaw. Normal heart rates can vary from 24 to 40 beats per minute. Usually ponies tend to have higher heart rates than larger horses.
Watch Petplan Equine's video to find out more about checking your horse’s heart rate.
How to assess your horse’s respiration
Respiratory rate and effort can change with allergic responses, pain or an increased temperature where it is an effort to help cool the horse down. A horse's respiratory rate is normally between eight and 12 breaths per minute. You can assess your horse’s respiratory rate and effort by watching their chest and nostrils.
Watch Petplan Equine's video to find out more about checking your horse’s respiratory rate.
Horse lameness – what to do
If your horse is severely lame or showing signs of laminitis, you should call your vet immediately. Mild lameness can be harder to recognise, so knowing how to tell whether your horse is lame is a useful skill as veterinary advice will differ depending on the likely cause. If you are at all unsure, it’s always best to seek advice from your vet.
Watch Petplan Equine's video to find out more about assessing subtle lameness.