How Do You Take A Horses Vital Signs?
Knowing how to take your horse’s vital signs is an important part of monitoring your horse’s health. Detecting changes in pulse, respiration rate, temperature, hydration level and intestinal sounds just might save your horse’s life. In the case that your horse is acting a little “off,” and her vital signs are abnormal, you should call a veterinarian as soon as possible. Have the above information ready. Take your horse’s pulse. Use three fingers and push against the thick artery that runs underneath the jaw bone on either side of the horse’s face (similar to the location on a human). Once you have found the pulse, count each surge of blood over a 1-minute time span. A resting heart rate should fall roughly between 30 and 40 beats per minute. If the heart rate is very fast (80 or more beats per minute), irregular or weak, call your veterinarian immediately. Measure you horse’s respiration rate. Stand where you can clearly notice the changes in your horse’s flank area as he inhales and e
