Horse Health

Question 1

Summary of needs/demands of horses?

Answer 1

common themes among domesticated horses
different demands placed on wild horses & domesticated
wild horses provide a benchmark for a range of normal health indicators

Question 2

importance of time spent eating to horse?

Answer 2

lowered head (respiratory health)
benefits of fibre (trickle feeding, salivating, dental/intestinal health, acid balance, thermoregulation)

Question 3

importance of social activity?

Answer 3

gregarious animals
hierarchy
learn through play
normal behaviour

Question 4

importance of grooming?

Answer 4

blood circulation

establishing hierarchy

Question 5

importance of exercise?

Answer 5

fitness

blood flow

Question 6

importance of resting?

Answer 6

prevent “system overload”
anti-stress
allow tissue repair

Question 7

How do we tell if a horse is healthy?

Answer 7

monitor:
behaviour
appetite
water intake
locomotion
defecation/urination
body/coat condition
demeanour
vital signs

Question 8

What are the vital signs? normal levels are?

Answer 8

TPR
Temp. Pulse. Respiratory rate

heart rate at rest (30-35bpm)
rectal temp. (37 to 38.5 C)
resp. rate resting (8-16 breaths/min)

capillary refill (<2 seconds)
gut sounds
mucous membranes