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Vital signs include resting heart and respiratory rates, and capillary refill time (checked by pressing your thumb into your horse's gum and seeing how long it takes for the pink color to come back). When you know what your horse's normal, healthy baseline signs are, you can compare them to when you think he's ill. If the numbers are off, you'll know something's wrong, and depending on what they are, they can give your veterinarian important clues to diagnosing the possibilities and gauging how severe the problem might be. If you don't already know how to take vital signs have your vet show you.
Also, learn how to listen to intestinal sounds on both sides of his flank so you can recognize what is normal for your horse's intestinal movement.
Check his temperature using a rectal thermometer-in both the morning and the evening of several different days-so that you can get an average reading. Normal temperature ranges from 97 to 1 01 degrees Fahrenheit.
Count how many times your horse passes manure per day over a week, and note the consistency and color of the manure.
Check to see how much water your horse drinks and how much he really eats throughout the day.
When your horse seems sick, it's a wise decision to contact your vet and at least let him or her know your concerns. If you relay your horse's normal vital signs and behavior, and describe the variations, your vet can determine whether this is an immediate emergency or can wait; she can also explain steps for you to take until she arrives. Don't give any medication without your vet's approval first, as some drugs will mask symptoms of a potential surgical situation.
