Lab #6 - Equine Management + Milk Quality

normal respiratory rate for an adult horse

10-24 bpm

normal heart rate/pulse for an adult horse

24-44 bpm

normal mucous membrane color

pink-normal

• red → infection

• white → abnormal + anemic

• blue → low oxygen

normal capillary refill time (CRT)

< 2 seconds

normal temperature range

99-101 F

name the blood vessels at the two locations where you can feel a horse’s pulse

transverse facial artery

facial artery

transverse facial artery

right by the eye

facial artery

in the submandibular region

• under the jaw

where to feel for the digital pulse on the leg

above and below the fetlock

• lateral → outside of leg

• medial → inside of leg

what is the significance of a bounding digital pulse?

indicates infection/inflammation in the hoof

• ex. laminitis

where should you place a stethoscope to auscult (listen to) the heart

just below the elbow (nestle it in)

where should you place a stethoscope to auscult (listen to) the cecum

flank area right side

• 1-3 gut sounds per minute

where to auscult for breath rate

• lung area

list 4 factors that may increase a horse’s temperature, pulse and/or respiratory rate

1) increased activity

2) stress

3) body conditioning score

4) illness/pain

5) weather

• foals → everything is higher

list 6 areas that you should evaluate when assigning a body conditioning score to a horse

1) withers

2) crest of neck

3) ribs

4) shoulders

5) loin/back

6) tailhead/dock

scale: 1-9

ideal: 4-5

what is the definition and purpose of the stay apparatus and reciprocal mechanism?

composed of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that allow a horse to support its body weight while standing with 3 legs straight and 1 hind leg relaxed without using significant energy and muscle activity

→ can rest standing up with minimal energy

what is clinical mastitis?

the visible infection/inflammation of the mammary gland or milk

what is subclinical mastitis?

the infection/inflammation of the mammary gland/milk that IS NOT VISIBLE

4 methods of identifying mastitis in dairy cows… clinical, subclinical or both?

• California Mastitis Test (CMT)

  • both clinical and subclinical

• Observing mammary gland

  • clinical

• Observing milk quality

  • clinical

• Culture milk for bacteria

  • both

what is milk made up of?

87% water + water soluble vitamins

4-6% milk fat

7-9% skim solid → proteins, carbohydrates

how is clinical mastitis usually treated on dairy farms?

intramammary antibiotics

what is the role of a farrier for horses?

a specialist in horse hoof care who trims and balances hooves and places shoes if needed

how often should an average horse’s hooves be evaluated and/or trimmed?

every 6-8 weeks to keep them even and prevent damage

what is the rate of hoof growth for adult horses?

0.24-0.4 inches per month

list 3 different reasons for shoeing a horse

1) basic hoof protection

2) traction + support

• sports, work, athletic endeavors

3) treatment of medical conditions