How to Determine if a Horse Is Sick

Become accustomed to your horse's moods and physical condition. The more you understand what's normal for your horse, the more you'll be able to detect what's abnormal.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rectal Thermometers For Large Animals
• Stethoscopes
• Local Horse Magazines
• National Horse Magazines
• Horse Comb/brush Set

1. Give your horse a brief visual exam every time you see him.

2. Learn how to take your horse's temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate (see Related eHows).

3. Perform a physical exam (see Related eHow) if a horse that's usually bright, alert and responsive is acting dull, slow and depressed.

4. Notice if the horse is exhibiting a decrease in appetite. Be especially concerned if your horse has stopped eating or drinking.

5. Notice signs of pain or discomfort such as pawing, looking or biting at a flank, getting up and down frequently, favoring a leg and rolling. Be sure to distinguish between your horse's normal and abnormal rolling habits.

6. Take your horse's temperature using a rectal thermometer. It's impossible to tell if a horse has a fever by visual inspection alone. A horse's normal temperature is between 99 and 101 degrees F.

7. Call the vet immediately if you determine that your horse is not feeling well.

8. Be cautious of non-veterinarian advice, regardless of how well-intended it may be.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, call your veterinarian. It is better to be overly cautious.
• Do not take a "wait and see" approach. A horse declines rapidly upon the onset of symptoms.

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[maryladd]

on 9/1/2009 Really good article thanks for the information. maryladd

[thehorsecoach]

on 11/12/2007 It's great that you advise readers to call the vet at the first sign of a problem. Too many horse owners wait to call the vet until there is a serious illness or injury, at which time it is often too late.

on 3/29/2006 Try mucking out toward the end of the day, so that their mess can gather and be collected. Also, this gives them a nice clean bed to lay in. Try doing this before they start eating so you can get under them when they're out having fun! You should empty the manure in a round pen or arena, this helps them not be as tempted to buck because their hooves sink in.

on 12/16/2005 Check their eyes and their gums. If the white is yellow or if the gums are yellow, get their blood tested as soon as possible.

on 12/8/2005 Your horse should have a glossy coat all year round, except when he's shedding his winter coat or when he's growing his winter coat. Oils may help bring a shine to his coat' but if he's looked after properly he won't need oils (except for joints).