Page 35 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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VetBooks.ir THE HEALTHY HORSE

It is important to be familiar with the signs of good health, so that any illness or abnormality

can be detected in the early stages. A healthy horse or pony should have:
• a bright, alert attitude, with pricked ears and an interest in the surroundings

• a good appetite

• a shiny coat with healthy skin that is loose and supple
• clear, bright eyes with no discharge

• clean nostrils (a small amount of watery discharge is normal)

• good condition without being fat

• droppings that are passed regularly and are not loose or too firm

• a body temperature of between 37 and 38 °C (98.5-100.5 °F)
• a pulse of 28–42 beats per minute

• a respiration rate of 8–16 breaths per minute (the horse’s breathing movements should be

smooth and gentle)
• salmon-pink mucous membranes (some horses have areas of black pigmentation).

It is important to know what is normal for your own horse. For example, horses will often
have an increased pulse and respiratory rate if they are excited or anxious. They may also

pass loose droppings when they are excited at a competition, but under these circumstances it
is not a sign of illness. If you have any doubts about your horse’s health, the best person to

consult is your vet.

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

Preventive medicine includes the procedures that should be routinely carried out to keep the

horse in good health and protect it from disease.
These procedures include:

• vaccination against equine influenza and tetanus and, depending on the risks of your