Clinical exam of the horse Flashcards
What general questions can you ask about the horse?
What is it used for?
how old?
how is it kept?
What does use of horse tell us?
potential problem
future expectations
timescale for resolving
drugs/treatment
What does age of horse tell us?
type of problem
owner expectations
type of treatment
what does the way it’s kept tell us?
problems with management
pastured horse more vulnerable to trauma
problems with change of routine
influence treatment
Specific question that can be asked?
when did it start?
how has it progressed?
has he had it before?
have you given any treatment yourself?
What is the food test?
horses = greedy
so if turn food down = problem
if eating can wait till next day
What is the heart rate a good indication of?
reflection of pain/stress
what does pyrexia suggest?
systemic inflammation
When would you take a rectal temp? what is this good for?
Any dull horses
good indication if they will tolerate rectal exam
What does a coughing horse indicate?
airway inflammation
allergic/infectious causes
If a horse is off colour, what should you try ruling out?
colic
neurological disease
pyrexia
What considerations should be taken with wounds?
how serious?
what structures are involved
-decide on management
What should be considered with weight loss?
pathological problem?
ill/healthy horse?
