Monitoring vital signs is a way for you to keep track of the health status of your horse. A change in vital signs can be an early warning sign of illness, as well as a red alert in an emergency. There are differences among individuals and in different situations, so it is important to measure vital signs on a regular basis to get an idea of what is normal for your particular horse.

Do you know your horse’s vital signs?

Vital Sign                    Normal                                   Variances

Temperature:              99 to 101.5°F                     In winter, temperature can be as low as 97 degrees F

Heart Rate:                 28 - 42 beats per minutes    Pulse will be higher after exercise

Respiratory Rate:        8-16 breaths per minutes     Respiration will be higher after exercise

Capillary Refill Time:  Less than 2 seconds

Mucus Membranes:      Pink (bubble gum color)

Hoof temperature:      Warm

Basic Guidlines for calling your veterinarian:  Body temperature > 102 degrees F, Pulse > 44 bpm, Respiration > 20 bpm, capillary refill time > 3 seconds, Mucus membranes white, red, or blue (purple), Hoof temperature is hot, or if your horse is not eating or listless.  You know your horse best, please use your judgement as well as these guidelines to determine when to call your veterinarian.  Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.