Week of September 10, 2000

SIGNS OF DISTRESS PART 2.

Last week I discussed the normal range for vital signs in the adult horse. There are several, more visually and physically apparent, signs that can be observed in a horse in stress. I’ll mention a few here, but remember, each horse is an individual, and may manifest warning signs of stress that are unique to him or her. It is important that you, as that horse’s owner and/or caregiver, become familiar with what is normal behavior and physiology for that individual. Activities outside of that norm could be potential warning signs of present or impending distress from illness or injury. It’s important to contact your vet if you notice any of these signs, and suspect that your horse is in distress.

*Skin pliability as a test for dehydration--If you pinch a flap of skin on the neck and release it, the skin should immediately return to normal. Slow return indicates possible dehydration.

*Tissue color--The gums, nostrils, inner eye tissue, and inner lips of the vulva should be a healthy pink. Pale pink or white, red, or bluish-purple color may indicate a problem.

*Feces and urine--color, consistency, frequency, and amount should be within the norm for that individual horse. Straining during excretion, or markedly increased or reduced output should be considered a sign of physical distress.

*Gut sounds--increased sounds or absence of sounds could indicate a problem.

*Evidence of lameness--head-bobbing, reluctance to move, odd stance are a few indications of lameness.

(Information from the AAEP and Bayer Corp. web site, and The New Equine Sports Therapy, by Mimi Porter)