Physical Exam Basics

Understanding how to perform a basic physical exam is a tremendous asset for the horse owner. By knowing normal ranges for vital signs and behavior, a horse owner can better decide if veterinary intervention is necessary and provide veterinarians with a more accurate description of what is wrong with the horse.

Temperature
The thermometer should be inserted almost completely into the horses rectum and remain until it beeps (if digital) or at least a minute (for standard thermometers).
Do not force the thermometer this part of the horse is delicate and susceptible to injury a small bit of lubricant (KY Jelly or water) is a good idea.

A normal temperature for horses ranges between 99 and 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Infection, overheating, and some diseases are all a cause of increased temperatures call a veterinarian if your horses temperature is above or below range.
Remember that exercise and hot weather can cause a rise in temperature consider these factors when evaluating your horses temperature.
Make sure you have a reliable thermometer if your horses temperature seems very high or low, check another horses temperature (to make sure the thermometer actually reading different temperatures).
Finally be careful! Horses can kick quickly and with incredible force if there is any sign that your horse will not cooperate, do not risk injury to yourself. Instead, call a veterinarian.

Pulse/Heart Rate
A horses pulse can be difficult to obtain the easiest method is with a stethoscope. Place the bell of the stethoscope against the chest, just under or behind your horses left elbow. A double thumping sound should be heard this is the heartbeat you will be counting.
In a foal or thin horse, the heart rate can often be obtained by simply placing your hand against this area of the chest and feeling the heart beat.
By placing your hand along the underside of your horses jaw, you can feel the pulsing of an artery this is an acquired skill that may take some practice.
Count the number of beats (remember the heart beat is lub-dub lub-dub) in 10 seconds and multiply that number by 6. For example, 5 beats in 10 seconds: 5X6= 30beats per minute

A normal heart rate for adult horses ranges from 24-48 beats per minute.

The range is higher in foals and miniature horses.
Anxiety, pain, and illness are all causes of elevated heart rates call a veterinarian if a heartbeat exceeds 48 beats per minute.

Respiration
The best way to obtain a respiratory rate is to watch your horses flanks as they rise and fall. Count the number of rises in 10 seconds and multiply by 6.

A normal respiratory rate for adult horses ranges from 12-30 breaths per minute

If the rate is high or the horse seems to have difficulty drawing breath, call a veterinarian.

Mucous Membranes
Gum color can be a helpful indicator in determining whether a horse is in shock or has lost a large amount of blood. Normal color is pale pink and if the gums are pressed with a finger, the area should blanch and the color should return within about 2 seconds. White, dark red, bluish, or gums that take longer than three seconds to return color are signs of a serious problem call your veterinarian immediately.

Attitude
You are probably the best judge of your horses attitude. A horse that is reluctant to move, eat, drink, or stand warrants immediate attention, and performing a physical exam is a good first step. Signs of colic include rolling, restlessness, getting up and lying down repeatedly, and flank-watching. Call your vet if you see this the sooner a colicky horse is treated, the better the chance of survival.