Things You'll Need:
- Equine Weight Tape
- Thermometers For Large Animals
- Stethoscopes
- Stopwatches
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Step 1
Observe general body condition for cuts, abrasions, swelling or asymmetry.
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Step 2
Look into the eyes for cloudiness, foreign objects, tearing, abrasions or ulcers (breaks in the tissue), and around the eyes for cuts and abrasions.
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Step 3
Check breath odor - it shouldn't smell bad - and observe attitude and appetite. If the horse isn't eating, suspect a problem.
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Step 4
Look at stool consistency. Note if soft (diarrhea), dry or normal.
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Step 5
Take your horse's temperature using a thermometer specially made for large animals (see Related eHows). Average range is 99.0 to 101.5 degrees F.
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Step 6
Listen to gut sounds (abdominal auscultation) for abnormalities (see "How to Listen to a Horse's Gut Sounds").
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Step 7
Check hydration and capillary refill time (CRT) by blanching gums. Color should return to the gums in 1-2 seconds. Determine digital pulse strength and heart rate (see Related eHows). An adult horse's pulse should be 30-40 beats per minute. Foals will have a pulse of 70-120 beats per minute while a yearlings pulse will be between 45 and 60 beats per minute.
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Step 8
Determine respiration rate to evaluate pain or respiratory disease (see Related eHows). While you're at it, listen for coughing. An adult horse's respiration rate should be between 8 and 15 breaths per minute.
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Step 9
Check your horse for dehydration. To do this, pinch the skin on your horse's neck. It should return flat within 1-2 seconds. If it remains pinched, he's likely dehydrated.
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Step 10
Check the mucous membranes. These are the pink areas on the gums, around the eyes, and on the inside of the nostrils. They should be pink, if they're very pale or white or bright red, there may be a problem.
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Step 11
Determine approximate weight with a "weight tape" that can be purchased at a feed store or from a farm supply catalog.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 8/22/2006 Skin and coat: Is hair missing in places? Any dandruff or crusty areas? Any sores or wounds? Lumps or bumps that could be tumors and not just fly bites? Check under the mane and tail (as well as the rest of the horse when you brush him) for ticks.
Legs and hooves: watch your horse walk (and trot)--is he lame or does he move stiffly?
Are there cracks in the hoof wall? If shod, are the nail clinches square-shaped and all similar? Does the shoe's edge follow the curve of the hoof or is the shoe smaller than the ground surface of the hoof, off to one side a little, or loose? From the side view, does the angle of the front of the hoof match the angle of the front of the pastern?
Lift each hoof and clean it with a hoofpick--does the bottom of the hoof smell more than a little stinky? Does the material you remove with the hoofpick seem solid or is it wet with a consistency of tar or fluid? Does the hoofpick 'sink' into soft, blackish areas? Does he react by trying to pull his foot away, as if the hoofpick causes pain? Is the frog triangular and firm (like car tire rubber) or narrow/soft/receded so it doesn't touch the ground when he stands? No hoof, no horse.
Add this to the very good physical exam suggestions already posted.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If your horse has swollen legs, it is best to get a veterinarian or a very knowledgeable horse person to take a look at them. If it is low (sitting on the fetlock) it could be wind puffs or a low bowed tendon. It is very hard to tell the difference. Swollen legs are serious. While you are waiting, if possible spray the leg with cold water from a hose or put cold water in a bucket and have the horse stand in it.