EQUINE MEDICINENormal Resting Values-Evaluation Techniques

Basic Physical Exam

Body Temperature

• Normal-Adult– 99.0-101.5

• Foals– + 1 degree

Body Temperature

Heart Rate

• Auscultation– Adult

• 30-40 BPM– Newborn

• 60-80 BPM– 1-2 weeks

• 75-100BPM

Heart Rate

• Pulse– Submandibular Artery

• Inside of mandible– Transverse Facial

Artery• Lateral to the eye

Heart Rate• Pulse

– Coccygeal artery• tail

– Dorsal Metatarsal artery• Between cannon and

lateral splint

Heart Rate• Pulse

– Lateral and Medial Digital arteries• Fetlock• heels

– Carotid arteries• Deep in neck

Heart Auscultation• Most common-left chest

– S1-”lub”– S2”dub”– Murmurs-may be normal

Respiratory Rate

• Adults-10-20 BPM• Newborn-80-90 BPM• 1-2 wks-20-40 BMP

Mucous Membranes

Gums

Lining of nostrils

Conjunctiva of eye

Lining of vulva

Hydration Status

• Skin pinch test– Normal-1-2 sec

• Capillary Refill Time– Normal-less than 2.0

sec

Abdominal Sounds

May be heard with the naked ear or stethoscope