Is Your Horse Healthy? Know When to Call the Vet

Take the guesswork out of diagnosing your horse's health. Here are a few simple 'tests' and 'observations' which will help you decide when to call the vet - and when your worries are unfounded.

Like healthy people, horses reveal a lot by the way they act, and the way they look. A healthy person typically has a lift to their step, a sparkle to their eye, and what we call a 'healthy appetite'. The same applies to our four-legged friends. Step back and take a good look. Does your horse's coat shine? Is he alert? Does he have a hearty appetite? If so, you're most likely looking at a healthy horse. However, here are some tips to help you determine 'normal'.

• Watch your horse's feed intake. If he suddenly turns his nose up at his daily rations, or seems to be spending most of his time standing around instead of grazing, it's time to take a closer look.
• Watch your horse's water intake. In a typical day, most horses will consume between 5 and 10 gallons of fresh water. Of course the water content in his feed, the temperature, and his activity level will effect this variable.
• While it can be difficult to determine with pasture or paddock kept horses, it is wise to also watch your horse's output. Even if you can't tell the number of piles per day (around 8 per day is considered normal), you should keep an eye on the condition of his manure. Like their human counterparts, a horse with a runny stool is a sign of a horse with stomach issues.
• Watch for unusual lumps and sore places. Keep an eye out for a runny nose or eyes.
• Although not usually considered a 'health' issue, conditions relating to your horse's feet can put you out of business faster than you'd expect - and last longer than you'd like. Watch for cracks, splits, smelly secretions, and loose shoes.

If you get to know your horse while he is healthy, it will be much easier to spot an 'issue' when it comes up. Give your horse a mini-physical - checking heart rate, temperature, and respiration, when he's feeling well. Then, if you get suspicious something might be wrong, you have a baseline from which to determine if your suspicions are well-founded.

Pulse: The average pulse for a riding horse is between 27 and 43 beats per minute. Of course, your horse's physical condition will play into this a bit. In addition, smaller animals, like ponies and miniature horses have slightly higher averages.

To take your horse's pulse either use a stethoscope or press two fingers into the large artery which runs under your horse's cheekbone. If you're using a stethoscope, place the scope just in front of the girth area. If using your fingers, press them firmly against the vein.

Time yourself. Count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four. This will give you the number of beats per minute. Take your horse's pulse several times over several days to get an average baseline from which to work.

Temperature: The normal body temperature of a healthy horse is between 98 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Do NOT take your horse's temperature with a standard thermometer. If you don't have one, purchase a livestock thermometer (available at most feed and supply stores) which has a string attached.

Insert the thermometer into your horse's rectum. If you do not have the kind which beeps when it reaches maximum temperature, wait two minutes. Remove the thermometer and record your findings. Take your horse's temperature several times over the next few days to determine a normal baseline.

Respiration: If your horse is average, he will take 8 to 12 breaths per minute. Count the number of breaths your horse takes by watching his flanks. Try to do this when you horse is standing peacefully - relaxed - as it can be very hard to get an accurate count if he is excited, eating, or sniffing at something. Again, check this vital sign several times over the next few days to get an average baseline from which to work.

When to Call the Vet

• Your horse suddenly goes off his feed or water and has an elevated temperature, respiration, or pulse.
• Your horse develops an unusual swelling.
• Your horse has a seizure.
• Your horse behaves in an unusual manner such as depression, staggering, or shivering.
• Your horse develops a runny stool which is clearly not related to hauling stress or some other over-excitement.
• Your horse's pulse is elevated for no good reason.
• Your horse strains to urinate, his urine turns color or appears to have blood in it.
• Your horse has a wound which develops a secretion or becomes foul smelling.
• Your horse appears constipated.
• Your horse is agitated - kicking at his belly, biting at his flanks, and sweating.
• Your horse develops a persistent cough.
• Your horse comes up lame.