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Equine Physical Exam Guide: Common Mistakes When Monitoring Vital Signs

This document provides guidance on conducting a physical exam of an equine patient. It lists normal ranges for vital signs like temperature, pulse, respiration, gut sounds, and skin tent response. Potential issues that could be detected by examining digital pulses or mucous membranes are also mentioned. The document concludes by identifying some common mistakes to avoid when monitoring equine vital signs, such as not leaving the thermometer in long enough or allowing the horse to become nervous.

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vetthamil
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256 views1 page

Equine Physical Exam Guide: Common Mistakes When Monitoring Vital Signs

This document provides guidance on conducting a physical exam of an equine patient. It lists normal ranges for vital signs like temperature, pulse, respiration, gut sounds, and skin tent response. Potential issues that could be detected by examining digital pulses or mucous membranes are also mentioned. The document concludes by identifying some common mistakes to avoid when monitoring equine vital signs, such as not leaving the thermometer in long enough or allowing the horse to become nervous.

Uploaded by

vetthamil
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Equine Physical Exam Guide

Gut Sounds: movement should be


audible in all 4 quadrants
650-275-3091

Mucous Membranes: pink and moist


Capillary Refill: <2 seconds
Temperature: 99.5-101.5F

Respiration: 12-24 breaths per minute

Skin Tent: pinched skin should


return to normal shape in 2 seconds
if patient is well hydrated Pulse: 24-40 beats per minute

Digital Pulses: strong pulses may


indicate hoof inflammation
(laminitis, abscess, sole bruising)

Common Mistakes When Monitoring Vital Signs


• Not leaving the thermometer in long enough (false low temperature reading)
• Taking vital signs on a nervous horse (horses' pulse and respiration rates can increase dramatically if they are nervous)
• Allowing the horse to sniff your hand to measure respiration rate (they will sniff far more quickly than their regular breathing rates)
• Double-counting heartbeats (lub-dub=one beat)
• Not regularly practicing on your horse to know what is normal!

Monday, January 6, 14

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