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The Vet Check Arthur B. King DVM, Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMING THE VET CHECK ON YOUR HORSE | | Parameter | Normal | Caution | Danger | | Eyes | bright, clear | glassy | fixed stare, sunken eyeball | | Mucous Membranes | pink, moist | pale, tacky | dry, purple, blue | | Capillary Refill | 0-1 seconds | 2-3 seconds | 4+ seconds | | Jugular Refill | 1-2 seconds | 2-3 seconds | 4+ seconds | | Skin Pinch | 0-1.5 seconds | 2-3 seconds | 4+ seconds | | Heart Rate (after strenuous exercise) | <64 in 10 minutes | 64 in 10-30 minutes | >64 in 30 minutes | | Gut Sounds | normal | reduced/increased | absent | | Respiratory Rate | relaxed/regular | panting/inversion | laboured/abnormal | | Joints/legs | no heat/no swelling | heat/swelling | heat/swelling/pain | | Wounds/Saddle/ Girth | no visible marks | heat/swelling | painful/raw/bleeding | | Muscles/Back | relaxed | tight/ tender | very tight/painful | | Anal Tone | tight | slightly loose | anus/penis relaxed | | Rectal Temperature | <38.6EC pre-ride
<39.6EC during ride | 39.5E-40.5EC
during ride | >40.5EC | | Impulsion | free, willing, animated stride | stumbling, short strided, unwilling | stiff, very reluctant | | Attitude | bright, eating, drinking | depressed, lethargic | dull, disinterested, lack of thirst, appetite, urine, or feces | | Gait | no abnormal gait | slight gait change, inconsistent | consistent gait change, non-weight bearing |
© 2002 Arthur B. King DVM
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