![]() Mark the time and count the number of breaths over at least 15 seconds. Passively observe the rise and fall of the ribs or flank area. ![]() Stand quietly by the horse’s side, facing toward the ribcage area. Make sure the horse is relaxed either in a stall or on crossties. Measurement of respiration rate is fairly simple. Respiration refers to the inhalation of oxygen and the exhalation of carbon dioxide and water vapor from the lungs. Newborn foals will have a higher heart rate, ranging from 80–120 beats per minute, while yearlings range from 40–60 beats per minute. Larger breeds are on the lower end of the range, while smaller horses tend to be on the higher end. Once you hear the “lub-dub” of the heartbeat, check your watch and count for 15 seconds then multiply by 4 to get the beats per minute.Ī normal heart rate for an adult horse ranges from 28–48 beats per minute. So the heart is beating approximately 48 times per minute.)įigure 3: Assessment of a horse’s pulse using two fingers under the cheek.Īlternatively, if you have a stethoscope you can hear the horse’s heartbeat from the left side, right behind the elbow, around the area where the girth of a saddle would lie. (Example: I counted 12 beats in 15 seconds. Count the pulse for 15 seconds, then multiply the number you get by 4. ![]() Once you find the pulse, start the stopwatch. Apply gentle pressure so that you can feel the “bounce” or pulsation of blood within the vein. Its exact placement will differ from horse to horse, but is always in the same general area. You should feel a large vein-like structure that moves around-the vein will feel like a small pencil or string under the skin. Before taking a pulse, have a watch, stopwatch, or smart phone with a timer handy so you can keep track of seconds while counting heartbeats.Īn easy way to feel a horse’s pulse is by placing your fingers (not thumbs!) under the bottom jawbone, toward the neck and under the cheek (see Figure 3). Note that it is normal for a horse’s temperature to rise during and immediately after exercise, but it should return to normal fairly quickly. If your horse has been at rest before the temperature was taken and the temperature is higher (or lower) than 99–101☏, call your veterinarian immediately. Figure 2: Measuring a horse’s rectal temperature.
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