Horses: Physical Evaluation Info (Normal TPR Values, Injection sites, Gut sounds, etc)

What is the normal temperature range for a horse?

37-38°C

What is the normal heart rate for a horse?

30-40 bpm (80-120 bpm for foals up to 2 days old)

What is the normal respiratory rate for a horse?

8-16 breaths/min (20-40 breaths/min for foals up to 2 days old)

What are the common pulse locations in a horse?

1. Facial artery (under the mandible)

2. Transverse facial artery (depression caudal to the eye)

3. Median artery (medial carpus)

4. Metatarsal artery (lateral hock)

5. Ventral coccygeal artery (ventral surface of tail)

Where are IM injections given in a horse?

Lateral cervical neck muscles, pectoral muscles, gluteal muscles, or hamstring muscles

What is the safest area in the neck for IM injections?

The triangular area ventral to the nuchal crest, dorsal to the jugular groove, and cranial to the scapula

Why should the nuchal ligament and carotid artery be avoided during injections?

To prevent damage to critical structures

What is the normal frequency of gut sounds in horses?

1-3 sounds per minute in all 4 quadrants.

Where are the four quadrants for gut sound auscultation?

1. Upper Left: Small intestine

2. Lower Left: Cecum

3. Upper Right: Small intestine

4. Lower Right: Cecum

What does the absence of gut sounds indicate?

A serious digestive problem

What does hypermotility (>3 sounds/min) suggest?

Increased gut activity

What does hypomotility (<1 sound/min) suggest?

Decreased gut activity

How is capillary refill time (CRT) measured in horses?

Press on the gums for 2 seconds; normal CRT is 1-2 seconds

What does healthy mucous membrane (MM) color look like?

Pink and moist

What does delayed CRT indicate?

Dehydration or poor circulation

What might pale mucous membranes indicate?

Shock or blood loss

What do bright red mucous membranes indicate?

Toxemia or toxicity

What do yellow mucous membranes indicate?

Jaundice or liver disease

How is dehydration assessed in a horse?

Perform a skin turgor test by pinching the skin on the neck or shoulder and checking how quickly it returns