SIGNS OF GOOD HEALTH
It is very important to know what a healthy horse should look and act like, so if your horse has any variation you can act quickly. It is also essential to know your horse’s normal behaviour and appearance so as to notice any changes. This may stop something simple turning into a real issue.
For Example
A horse turning to bite when girthing up may be the start of a girth gall (a sore situated just behind the elbow which is caused by the girth).
A change in appearance and frequency of manure could be worms, colic or a disagreement with food.
Sweating more than usual could be from something as simple as it has warmed up, to colic, pain or something more serious.
General signs of good health
The horse is alert and ears mobile, they can be sleeping, but when approached they respond.
The coat is shiny and smooth with a good covering over the body.
When you gently pinch a piece of skin it quickly goes flat again. If it stays in a pinched shape, this can indicate the horse is dehydrated.
The horse stands squarely on all four feet, they can rest a diagonal or a hind leg but this should alternate on sides. When asked to stand on all four feet this should be done easily and held easily.
Temperature-100-101 f, 38 c. It is important to know your own horse’s normal temperature. I had a horse whose normal temperature was 37.5 c so if ill, a normal reading was in fact high for him.
To take a temperature, have someone hold the horse on the same side of the horse as you stand. Lightly grease a thermometer with Vaseline, stand to the side of the horse, lift the tail and insert the thermometer into the horse’s rectum at an angle so it touches the horses skin, hold on tight to the thermometer for 60 seconds, wipe the thermometer and read the result.
When I was training, my friend and I were taking a temperature and my friend did not hold on tightly enough to the thermometer, which disappeared up the valuable competition horse’s backside. There then followed the worst hour of our lives while we waited for him to poo, which he did with an intact thermometer thank God.
Respiration 8-12 breaths a minute. Observe the horse’s flanks for 60 seconds whilst counting the breaths taken.
Pulse 35-45 beats a minute. On the inside of the elbow there is a little hollow where the median artery runs, press gently on this and count the beats for 60 seconds. Other places you can take the pulse are: half way along the inside of the jaw bone, where the facial artery lies and just below the fetlock joint. Practise finding a pulse as there is an art to it. It can be very frustrating while you are trying to feel it and remember not to feel with your thumb as you may just be feeling your own pulse.
Droppings should be firm balls that break when hitting the ground. On average, the horse will poo about 10-15 times a day. If they are black (possibly indicating internal bleeding), covered in mucous (digestive problems) or any unusual colour or consistency, it should be investigated.
Urine should be pale yellow. A horse goes on average 4-6 times a day
There should be no unusual lumps, bumps, swelling, sweating, discharge or abnormal behaviour.
The mucous membranes- the gums, under the eyelids and up the nostril are salmon pink in colour.
When you press the gum until it turns white, it quickly reverts to its normal colour showing normal capillary refill.
Final Thoughts
It is very important you know your horse's normal behaviour so you can spot any issues quickly.
This could save you time, money and your horse a great deal of pain or discomfort and ultimately his life.
