HOW TO PERFORM A PHYSICAL EXAM IN YOUR HORSE. Carolina Lopez, DVM Equine Medicine Resident College of Veterinary Medicine Washington State University

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1 HOW TO PERFORM A PHYSICAL EXAM IN YOUR HORSE Carolina Lopez, DVM Equine Medicine Resident College of Veterinary Medicine Washington State University

2 Case Scenario You know your horse Eating behavior Habits Preferences But Today things change

3 Call your vet Depressed and noneating. Can you tell what is the severity of the illness?

4 What you need to know? Basics of a physical examination Temperature Pulse Respiration Idea of the severity of the problem

5 For example Call your vet Depressed and non-eating + Heart rate of 60 beats per minute + Temperature of F Will make it an emergency rather than a regular consult!!!!

6 Another Scenario Horse quiet but doing relatively normal Not terribly interested on his/her grain Nothing else that you could tell was wrong

7 Later that day

8 Where do I start??

9 Tools You Need!! It may help to have a few supplies: Thermometer Stethoscope Watch

10 The Power of Observation

11 The Power of Observation

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13 What to Watch For? Valuable information can be obtained just by observing posture, attitude and the environment Patterns of laying down and rest Normal exercise response Normal appetite Etc.

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15 For example Did the horse eat or drink last night? How many piles of manure where passed? Is the pain mild (Flank watching?) or Is the pain severe (Sings of pacing, rolling in the stall?) By using your power of observation you can determinate what is normal or abnormal!

16 Basic Examination You can perform a basic physical exam before calling your vet Exception of the rule if horse is in severe pain (thrashing, rolling, or severely bleeding) Your power of observation can help determinate what is wrong

17 Rectal Temperature Can be taken easily from most horses Approach the horse from the side DO NOT stand directly behind the horse Petrolleum jelly might help Make sure thermometer is tied to a clip and attached to the tail

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19 Rectal Temperature

20 Rectal Temperature Normal temperature: Adult horse is F Foal F Fever indicates some type of severe stress - often infection somewhere within the body

21 Pulse and Respiration Heart rate (pulse) and respiratory rate can be taken without a stethoscope.

22 Pulse Different Locations 1. Behind the eye 2. Underneath the jaw 3. Fetlock

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26 Pulse Pulse can be taken for 15 seconds, then multiplied by 4 to achieve the heart rate in beats per minute If stethoscope is available, left side of the horse is preferred for the heart rate

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29 Heart Rate Normal Heart Rate: Adult horse beats per minute Foals varied with age Newborn foals ~80 beats perminute Decrease within 3-4 weeks of life Each Lub-dub of the heart is considered one beat!

30 Respiratory Rate Can be taken by watching the horse breathe or feeling the air come out of his/her nostrils Stethoscope can be used to listen the breaths Trachea sound clean and clear

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34 Respiratory Rate The character of the respiration should be noted Is your horse taking a shallow or deep breaths? Any abnormal sounds every time he/she inhale or exhale?

35 Respiratory Rate Normal for adult horse 8 to 12 breaths per minute Normal for foals Newborn ~60 to 80 breaths per minute Foals within first weeks of life ~20 40 breaths per minute REMINDER: If your foal or horse becomes excited for any reason during your examination, it can elevate the heart and respiratory rate temporarily

36 Mucuous Membranes Another indicator of wellness Healthy horses have nice pink gums that are moist to the touch Gums that are dark red, bright red, blue, or even white usually indicate various forms of shock

37 Badness

38 Mucous Membranes

39 Additional tips.. Gastrointestinal sounds

40 Additional tips.. Temperature of the hoof

41 Don t forget the eyes.. Flash light to assess pupillary size

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46 What else do we check in foals? Let s talk about it briefly

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48 Foals Gestation days The Rule 1 hour: Walk 2 hours: Stand up and nurse 3 hours: Placenta out / Passing meconium? If things are not right SAVE placenta for your VET Good suckle reflex Mare is producing milk? Clean and keep an eye of umbilicus Dilute chlorhexidine 1: times/day for 36h

49 Take Home Message Importance of a basic physical examination Power of observation Normal rectal temperature F Normal pulse beats per minute Normal respiration 8-12 breaths per minute Mucous membranes pink and moist Foals: Rule

50 Questions?