Normal Parameters

Knowing the normal values for things such as breathing rate and heart rate in your horse can be very useful in identifying stress or disease early. Any changes form these normal values indicate a problem. Below is a list of the relevant factors and their normal values.

Heart rate:

At rest = 28-48 beats per minute At exercise = up to 200 beats per minute The heart rate is measured with a stethoscope or by feeling the pulse in the lower leg or jaw and a stopwatch. If at rest the heart or pulse rate is raised this may be a sign that the horse is in pain or stressed.

Breathing (respiratory) rate

At rest = 10-14 breaths minute Breathing rate can be measured with a stethoscope or watching the sideways expansion of the chest. The rate can often be raised when the horse is stressed or sick.

Body (rectal) temperature

Normal Temperature = 99.5-101.3°F or 37.5-38.5° C

The temperature is taken by inserting the thermometer into the anus of the horse and holding against the side of the rectum. Low readings may be taken if the thermometer is inserted into a piece of faeces by accident. It is important to seek advice from your veterinary surgeon if you are inexperienced at this.