Walnut Cove, North Carolina Call us: (336) 593-5422
Latitude 36 Mobile Veterinary Services
E-mail: lat36vet@aol.com
(copy & paste this address into your mail program)
When to Call the Vet - for horses
Whether or not to call the veterinarian will depend on each horse owner’s personal experiences and abilities. However, there are some crises that are more than the average individual can handle. Some of these situations are outlined below and guidance is offered on when the veterinarian’s attention is urgently needed, no matter what time of day or night it is.
Observation:
TEMPERATURE
Normal:
99 - 101 degrees F
Call the vet when...
* higher than 102.5 F or
* lower than 98 F
* cold and/or patchy sweat
PULSE
30 - 48 beats/minute
* higher than 60 in a resting horse
* weak or irregular rhythm
RESPIRATION
8 - 16 breaths/minute
* labored breathing; unusual flare of nostrils
* short, grunting, shallow breaths in a resting horse
* loud breathing noises
INTESTINAL SOUNDS
a variety of gurgles,
squeaks, and bubbling
* no gut sounds
CAPILLARY REFILL
1 - 2 seconds
* greater than 3 seconds
* dark red, brown, yellow, or blue gums
HYDRATION
skin fold remains elevated
for less than 2 seconds
* skin remains elevated for more than 6 seconds
POSTURE
standing squarely on four legs
or resting alternating legs
* "sawhorse" stance or extending forefeet
* not using one leg
ATTITUDE
relaxed but alert
* depressed; eyes too bright or dull; drooping ears; lips retracted
* grinding teeth
MOBILITY
coordinated and sure-footed
* unwilling to move; falling; unable to rise
* staggering, uncoordinated
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