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Equine Basic Vital Signs
Temperature
Normal - 99.5 to 101.4 degrees Farenheit
Young horses can have normal temperatures up to 102 degrees
Normal temperatures may run slightly higher in hot, humid weather, if horse is in direct sunlight or with exercise.
Heart Rate
Normal adult - 26 to 40 beats per minute
Young horses have a faster heart rate
Foals 2-4 weeks old = 70 to 90 beats per minute
Weanlings 6 to 12 months old = 45 to 60 beats per minute
2 to 3 years old = 40 to 50 beats per minute
Feel for a pulse inside the curve of the jaw or on the chest wall behind the left elbow.
Respiration
Normal - 8 to 16 breaths per minute
Often faster in foals
Increases with work, hot weather, overfilling of the stomach, and pregnancy
Gut Sounds
Normal sounds are tinklings and bubblings in the flank area
No sounds or rapid churning can be signs of colic
Mucus Membranes
Usually light pink with capillary refill time of 1 to 2 seconds
Dark red or purplish color indicates lack of oxygen in the blood
Yellow color indicates jaundice
Blotchy or very pale color are also signs of illness
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