How to Listen to a Horse's Gut Sounds

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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This procedure evaluates the condition of the large intestine (colon) but not the small intestine or stomach.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Practice listening to gut sounds (abdominal auscultation) when your horse is healthy to determine and get used to what sounds normal for your horse.
Step 2

Place a stethoscope on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (flank).
Step 3

Listen 3 to 5 minutes for a complete cycle of sounds.
Step 4

Repeat for each of the lower right, upper left and lower left quadrants.
Step 5

Listen for a decrease or increase in frequency and intensity of gut sounds; this may indicate a problem.
Step 6

Call your veterinarian if changes in gut sounds accompany other signs of a physical ailment, such as distress, pain, diarrhea, fever or loss of appetite.