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| Spotting Signs Your Horse Isn't Feeling Well |
Understanding your horse's normal behavior is key to identifying when something is wrong. Here's what to look for and how to respond if you suspect your horse is under the weather.
Getting to Know Your Horse's Typical Habits
Before you can recognize abnormalities, you need to know what's normal for your horse. Observe your horse when he doesn't realize you're watching. Note details like:
- Pasture behavior: How much time does he spend grazing, interacting with other horses, rolling on the ground, etc.?
- Stall habits: Does he nap or nibble on hay often? Does he seem relaxed?
- Herd dynamics: Who does he choose to stand near? Does he avoid or pick on certain horses?
- Eating and drinking patterns: How much hay and water does he consume daily? How often does he approach water/feed sources?
Understanding baseline healthy behaviors allows you to spot changes that could indicate illness. Subtle differences can be early clues that something is amiss.
Changes in Demeanor and Activity Levels
Shifts in your horse's typical attitude or energy levels warrant a closer look. Here are changes to watch for:
Lethargy
Signs of lethargy:
- Holding head lower than usual
- Moving slowly or less willing to walk/trot
- Not showing interest in food or horses approaching
- Standing alone away from the herd
- Ears slightly back more often
Restlessness
Signs of restlessness:
- Frequently getting up and down
- Pacing or box-walking in stall
- Kicking at or nibbling stomach
- Increased tail swishing
- Struggling to get comfortable
- Appearing distracted/irritable
Colic often causes restlessness - call the vet immediately if acute colic is suspected.
Physical Examination and Vital Sign Checks
In addition to behavior, physically examine your horse and check vitals. Contact the vet if anything seems off.
Palpation Findings
Carefully run your hands down each leg, feeling for signs of swelling, heat, or sensitivity. Make sure hoof temperature matches the opposing side.
Check the abdomen for tightness or distension. Run your fingers along the back feeling for areas of muscle tension.
Appetite and Hydration Checks
Note if your horse is finishing all hay and grain as usual. Time how long it takes to fully drink a bucket of water.
Check gum color - it should be moist and bubblegum pink. Pale gums suggest anemia or dehydration.
Manure Evaluations
Manure shares insights on gut health. Look for:
- Normal, semi-firm manure balls
- Lack of manure (constipation)
- Loose manure or diarrhea
- Presence of whole grains
Track daily manure output - most horses pass manure 8+ times per day.
Measuring Vital Signs
Using a rectal thermometer, take your horse's temperature.
To measure heart rate, find pulse inside cheek and count beats per 15 secs, then multiply by 4.
For respiration, watch flank movement and count breaths per 15 sec, multiply by 4.
Compare vitals to normal ranges:
- Temperature: 99°-101.5°F
- Heart rate: 28-44 bpm
- Resp rate: 10-24 breaths/minute
Recognizing Additional Red Flags
Be on high alert for other symptoms like:
- Runny nose and/or cough
- Uveitis (eye inflammation)
- Lameness or visible wounds
- Sudden loss of coordination
- Bleeding from anywhere
Also track:
- Weight loss over weeks/months
- Failure to shed out winter coat
Write down all observations - your records help the vet determine what's wrong.
Getting Veterinary Assistance
Call your vet if anything seems off with your horse's condition, attitude or habits. They can advise next steps, such as:
- Monitoring at home
- Bringing the horse in for diagnostics
- Starting medications/treatments
Don't delay - early action is key with horse illness. Catching subtle early signs gives your vet the best chance of effective treatment and your horse the greatest opportunity for a full recovery!