Horse Health Parameters
| Signs | Normal | Abnormal |
| Temperature | Around 100°F | 102°F + |
| Heart Rate | 28-36 beats per minute | 44 bpm and up |
| Respiration | 12-24 breaths per minute | 36 bpm +/- increased effort |
| Gums | Pink and moist | Pale/dark and dry |
| Gut Sounds | Present | Not present |
| Attitude | Bright, Alert, Responsive | Quiet, Depressed |
| Abdominal Pain | Alert, Standing Quietly | Down, Rolling, Pawing, Kicking at belly |
| Appetite | Hungry | None or light |
Bleeding: Apply lots of pressure and padding to the area. If a wound bleeds through the bandage, apply more bandage on top of the current one and call your veterinarian.
Wounds: Clean and wash gently and thoroughly with Saline and non-soap containing disinfectant (like chlorhexidine solution – not hydrogen peroxide). If deep, near a joint, significantly lame or swollen, check your horse’s temperature and call your veterinarian.
Colic: Signs of abdominal pain see above. Check your horse’s temperature, heart rate, and gut sounds. Walk and call your veterinarian.
If in Doubt: Call Your Veterinarian!
