our Horse’s Numbers “If your horse has an increased temperature, contact your veterinarian,” said Dr. Reuss. “They can guide you through the next steps based on the horse’s condition.” Pulse: 28 to 44 beats per minute The average pulse rate can vary based on the age and size of the horse. For example, a fit racehorse may have a resting pulse of 30, whereas a nervous pony may be closer to 40. Foals also have higher pulse rates at birth and through the first few months of life.
pulse rates can point to pain, dehydration, illness, and distress. Respiration: 10 – 24 breaths per minute How to measure: Count the number of breaths for 15 seconds. Watch the horse’s sides as he inhales and exhales. Again, multiply by four. Then, hold one hand or a mirror by the horse’s nostrils to feel for breath out of each nostril.
What it means: Horses in heavy work can take as many as 150 breaths per minute. In addition, How to measure: Along the jawheat, humidity, exercise, and fitness line and at the fetlock are the easiest level can influence respiration rates. places to locate a pulse. Place two “Get to know how long it takes a fingers in either location and feel for horse to recover after exercise to espulsing. Count the pulsations for 15 tablish a baseline for what is acceptseconds and multiply the result by able and to signal a potential issue,” four. said Dr. Reuss. “Continued rapid breathing can suggest respiratory “If you have a stethoscope, you can disease, pain, or discomfort, and it listen for the pulse just behind the is essential to work with your vethorse’s left elbow,” said Dr. Reuss. erinarian.” Horses with fevers often “Listen for a ‘lub-dub’ sound. Count have an increased respiratory rate for 15 seconds and then multiply by as well, so be sure to check all vitals four.” if you notice any one of them being abnormal. What it means: It’s normal for a horse to have an elevated pulse af3 additional vitals to know ter exercise. However, if the horse In addition to T-P-R other physical has not worked or takes more than a clues can offer insight into a horse’s few minutes to return to normal dehealth. pending on the intensity of exercise, it’s time to call the veterinarian. High Mucous membranes: Healthy tis29 • The Sound Advocate • Issue 1, 2023