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Welcome to Pre-Vet School

• Sweating.

• Increased heart rate.

• Less than normal or no manure production.

• Off-colored mucous membranes.

• Poor appetite.

• Depression.

• Frequently looking at their side.

• Abdominal sounds absent for more than a minute.

MAGNUS TALKS

Now that you’ve learned my vital signs, if you notice any
of these signs of colic, write down how my vital signs are
and call your vet right away. Take my feed away to keep the
colic from getting worst. Don’t let me lay down because I
may get worst, and walk me, unless you notice severe signs
of muscle pain, foot pain or rib pain (Malone, 2018). Infor-
ming the vital signs to your vet in advance will help him or
her evaluate the severity of the disease.

Laminitis

Dr. Redden (2013) explains laminitis as “an inflammation of the sensitive tis-
sues (laminae) that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone and other structures
of the horse’s foot”. Laminitis is extremely painful for horses because the hoof
walls are rigid, and don’t allow inflammation to spread. This inflammation can
cause the coffin bone to start turning and sinking into the hoof. When the lamini-
tis is very advanced, the coffin bone can break the lower wall of the hoof, causing
lifelong damage (Royal Veterinary College, 2018). Many horses with laminitis are
euthanized, but if they are treated early, they can be cured.

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