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Vital Signs in Horses

Performing a Gum

Refill Test and taking

heart and respiration

rates.

+Capillary or Gum Refill Test (CRT)

This test allows us to get a

quick assessment of the

vascular system of the animal.

Another possible problem

indicated by slow refill time is

shock.

Soft fleshy pink

Should NEVER be

grayish, reddish, blueish, or any

color ending in –ish.

Should not appear blotchy or

patchy

Why is this test vital be able to

perform?

What should normal gum color

be?

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Measuring Heart Rate In HorsesPulse can be found near the front of the left jawbone

Using your forefinger, press firmly against the jaw boneFor 15 seconds count the number of beats and multiply by 4

Normal Pulse Rates Adult horse at rest

30-40 beats per minute (bpm)

50 or higher may mean horse

is in physical distress

Young horse

Foals- 70-120bpm (only

immediately after birth)

Yearlings- 45-60bpm

2yr olds- 40-50bpm

+Measuring Respiration Rate

Adult horse

8-15 breaths per minute

The respiration will increase with hot or humid weather, exercise, and fever or pain

The respiration rate should never exceed the pulse rate

The time spent exhaling and inhaling should be equal

Watch horse’s belly (the area

just behind the ribs is the

best place to see) for one

minute or place you hand in

front of the nostrils and feel

the breathing

Count 1 for each inhale and

exhale (don’t count them

separately!)

Normal Rate How to Take Respiration Rates

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Sources•http://finpowrie.com/fin/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=166:th-

normal-horse&catid=56&Itemid=140

•http://www.equusite.com/articles/health/healthVitalSigns.shtml

Any Questions?