How to Listen to a Horse's Gut Sounds

This procedure evaluates the condition of the large intestine (colon) but not the small intestine or stomach.

Things You'll Need

  • Stethoscopes
  • Women's Watches
  • Local Horse Magazines
  • National Horse Magazines
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice listening to gut sounds (abdominal auscultation) when your horse is healthy to determine and get used to what sounds normal for your horse.

    • 2

      Place a stethoscope on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (flank).

    • 3

      Listen 3 to 5 minutes for a complete cycle of sounds.

    • 4

      Repeat for each of the lower right, upper left and lower left quadrants.

    • 5

      Listen for a decrease or increase in frequency and intensity of gut sounds; this may indicate a problem.

    • 6

      Call your veterinarian if changes in gut sounds accompany other signs of a physical ailment, such as distress, pain, diarrhea, fever or loss of appetite.