Things You'll Need
- Equine Weight Tape
- Thermometers For Large Animals
- Stethoscopes
- Stopwatches
Instructions
Observe general body condition for cuts, abrasions, swelling or asymmetry.
Look into the eyes for cloudiness, foreign objects, tearing, abrasions or ulcers (breaks in the tissue), and around the eyes for cuts and abrasions.
Check breath odor - it shouldn't smell bad - and observe attitude and appetite. If the horse isn't eating, suspect a problem.
Look at stool consistency. Note if soft (diarrhea), dry or normal.
Take your horse's temperature using a thermometer specially made for large animals (see Related eHows). Average range is 99.0 to 101.5 degrees F.
Listen to gut sounds (abdominal auscultation) for abnormalities (see "How to Listen to a Horse's Gut Sounds").
Check hydration and capillary refill time (CRT) by blanching gums. Color should return to the gums in 1-2 seconds. Determine digital pulse strength and heart rate (see Related eHows). An adult horse's pulse should be 30-40 beats per minute. Foals will have a pulse of 70-120 beats per minute while a yearlings pulse will be between 45 and 60 beats per minute.
Determine respiration rate to evaluate pain or respiratory disease (see Related eHows). While you're at it, listen for coughing. An adult horse's respiration rate should be between 8 and 15 breaths per minute.
Check your horse for dehydration. To do this, pinch the skin on your horse's neck. It should return flat within 1-2 seconds. If it remains pinched, he's likely dehydrated.
Check the mucous membranes. These are the pink areas on the gums, around the eyes, and on the inside of the nostrils. They should be pink, if they're very pale or white or bright red, there may be a problem.
Determine approximate weight with a "weight tape" that can be purchased at a feed store or from a farm supply catalog.