Vaquero Equine Hospital, Waco's leading equine veterinary practice, recognizes the vital role of regular health checks for horses. These routine examinations can prevent small issues from escalating into serious problems, helping to keep your equine companion healthy and happy.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through 10 essential health checks that every horse owner should perform regularly.
Temperature Check
A horse's normal temperature ranges from 99°F to 101°F (37.2°C to 38.3°C).
How to check: Use a digital thermometer rectally. Lubricate it and insert gently at a slight angle.
What to look for: Any temperature above 101°F may indicate illness. If elevated, contact your veterinarian.
Pulse Rate
A normal resting pulse for an adult horse is 28–44 beats per minute.
How to check: Place your fingers on the facial artery under the jaw, or use a stethoscope on the left side of the chest behind the elbow.
What to look for: An elevated pulse could indicate pain, stress, or illness.
Respiration Rate
The normal respiration rate for a horse at rest is 8–16 breaths per minute.
How to check: Watch your horse's ribcage or nostrils for one minute, counting each breath.
What to look for: Rapid breathing might indicate pain, fever, or respiratory issues.
Body Condition Score
Assessing your horse's body condition helps monitor their overall health and nutrition status.
How to check: Use the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System, which rates horses on a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese).
What to look for: Aim for a score between 4 and 6 for most horses. Significant changes warrant a veterinary check-up.
Hoof Condition
Healthy hooves are crucial for your horse's overall well-being.
How to check: Clean and inspect the hooves daily. Look for cracks, bruises, or signs of thrush.
What to look for: Any abnormalities, heat, or sensitivity should be evaluated by a farrier or veterinarian.
Skin and Coat Health
A horse's skin and coat can provide valuable insights into their overall health.
How to check: Run your hands over your horse's body, feeling for lumps, bumps, or areas of sensitivity.
What to look for: A dry, dull coat, excessive shedding, or skin issues may indicate nutritional deficiencies or health problems.
Dental Check
Dental problems can significantly impact a horse's ability to eat and maintain weight.
How to check: Observe your horse while eating and look for signs of discomfort. Check for sharp edges on the cheek teeth.
What to look for: Dropping feed, bad breath, or reluctance to eat may indicate dental issues. Schedule regular check-ups with your equine veterinarian.
Gum Color and Capillary Refill Time
Gum color and capillary refill time can indicate your horse's circulation status.
How to check: Lift your horse's upper lip and press your thumb against the gum. Release and count the seconds it takes for color to return.
What to look for: Normal gums are pink, and color should return within 2 seconds. Abnormal color or slow refill time may indicate health issues.
Eye Health
Clear, bright eyes are a sign of good health in horses.
How to check: Examine your horse's eyes in good light. Look for clarity, symmetry, and any discharge.
What to look for: Cloudiness, excessive tearing, or swelling around the eyes warrant immediate veterinary attention.
Manure Consistency
Your horse's manure can provide valuable information about their digestive health.
How to check: Observe the consistency and frequency of your horse's manure.
What to look for: Normal horse manure should be formed, moist, and break apart when it hits the ground. Report any significant changes to your vet.
In Conclusion
Regular health checks are a crucial part of responsible horse ownership. By performing these 10 checks routinely, you can detect potential health issues early and ensure your equine companion receives timely care.
At Vaquero Equine Hospital, we're dedicated to partnering with horse owners to provide the best possible care for their animals. If you notice any concerning changes during your health checks, don't hesitate to contact our experienced equine veterinary team.
Remember, while these checks are valuable, they don't replace professional veterinary examinations. Schedule your horse's annual check-up with Vaquero Equine Hospital today to ensure optimal health.