It will be very useful if you as a horse owner know how to take a horse's temperature. A rise in the horse's temperature can be an early symptom of a horse's health problem, such as an infection or heatstroke. If you know your horse has a fever, it will be easier for you to decide whether or not to take your horse to the vet.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing for the Horse's Temperature Measurement
Step 1. Gather your equipment
Make sure you have all the equipment ready before you start so that everything is ready when you take the horse's temperature. The equipment needed are:
- Digital thermometer: Digital thermometer is the best type of thermometer because it is accurate and easy to use. This thermometer “beeps” when the temperature is stable, and displays the result on the screen so that it is easy to view and record, if needed. Purchase a digital thermometer at the nearest pharmacy. You can choose between an “oral” or “rectal” thermometer, which are basically the same thing. Thermometers for measuring the temperature of horses should not be used to measure people. If you can't get a digital thermometer, please use a mercury thermometer. Double check to make sure the thermometer is clean and there are no cracks as this would be very dangerous for the horse.
- Soft lubricant. You will also need a lubricant to make it easier for the thermometer to enter the horse's rectum. Please try Vaseline or KY Jelly. These products can be purchased at supermarkets or pharmacies.
- A pair of latex or rubber gloves.
- Cotton or tissue and rubbing alcohol.
Step 2. Wait until the horse has just defecated
It is best if the horse's temperature is taken after the horse has defecated. This reduces the chances of you sticking the thermometer in the horse manure. Horse manure is quite hot and does not accurately reflect the horse's temperature.
Try feeding or snacking the horse. In this way, the horse will start to trust you
Step 3. Interact with the horse
Usually, it's best if the horse's master takes the horse's temperature. However, if you're taking care of a friend or relative's horse that's being handled for the first time, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the horse first. You also need to get the horse used to you.
- Speak softly to the horse.
- Give a little snack, such as carrots or apples.
- Scratching the horse's nose or behind its ear.
Step 4. Tie the horse tightly
Make sure the horse doesn't move too much while the temperature is being measured. Tie the horse to a wooden fence or post.
Use a knot that is easy to untie so that it can be removed quickly if the horse is frightened or startled
Step 5. Ask someone for help
The assistant can hold and speak softly to the horse while you take the temperature. This not only reduces the risk of being kicked and/or stepped on, but also helps you concentrate fully on the job while the assistant watches the horse's reactions and tells you what the horse is doing.
Step 6. Check the digital display on the thermometer
If you are using a digital thermometer, turn it on. Make sure the digital display appears on the thermometer screen. This ensures that the thermometer is working properly and the battery is not dead. Wait until the screen displays the letter L flashing (derived from “low temperature”). This blinking lasts for 10 seconds before displaying the low or normal temperature measurement result.
If you are using a mercury thermometer, shake it vigorously 2-3 times to make sure the mercury has returned to the tube before use. If this is not done, the mercury will display a "high" result from the previous measurement, making it inaccurate
Step 7. Lubricate your thermometer
the best way is to dip the end of the tube (the end that will be inserted into the anus) with Vaseline or KY Jelly. If so, you are ready to take the horse's temperature.
Step 8. Stand next to the horse on the riding side
Stand next to the horse to prevent it from being startled. Most horses are trained to be held on the near side (to be ridden, caught, etc.)
Step 9. Approach the horse
Move toward the rear of the horse from the front and side. This way, the horse can still see you because the horse has a blind spot directly behind and in front of it. Horses are not too surprised if you come a little sideways,
- Stroke along the horse's back with one hand to keep the horse's attention and reassure the horse that you are still nearby.
- Stand near the horse's rump so you don't get kicked.
- NEVER stand directly behind a horse. If kicked, you can be seriously injured or even lose your life.
Part 2 of 4: Measuring Horse Temperature
Step 1. Grasp the ponytail with your left hand
When standing to the left of the horse's rump, you are facing the ponytail. Stroke the horse with your left hand (the thermometer is held in your right hand) and up to the horse's rump at the base of the tail. Grasp the base of the ponytail with your left hand and lift it high enough to access the anus.
Step 2. Insert the thermometer tube into the anus
Position yourself so you can see clearly, but don't get behind the horse. Gently push the thermometer into the anus.
- If the horse is "grabbing," it's a good idea to rotate the thermometer slowly to make it easier for the thermometer to pass through the tightened anal muscles.
- Otherwise, wait a few seconds. Most horses don't tighten their anal muscles for too long. Therefore, if the horse's anus begins to feel weak, insert a rectal thermometer.
- You just need to insert the tip of the thermometer into the anus. DO NOT insert more than half the length of the neck of the thermometer. You DO NOT need to insert the entire thermometer into the rectum. This is why the thermometer is often lost in the horse's body.
- While some recommend tying a string around the thermometer so it doesn't get lost in the horse's body, this is highly discouraged. If the thermometer goes all the way into the body and changes direction by 90 degrees, pulling the string will be dangerous for the horse. This is similar to entering a ladder standing upright through a door. This method will not work. Instead, be careful with the length of the thermometer that goes into the horse's anus.
Step 3. Keep talking to your horse. While inserting the thermometer, keep talking to the horse to calm it down
Many horses don't like having a thermometer inserted in their anus and a gentle voice will calm them down.
Step 4. Rest the tip of the thermometer against the anal wall
Put a little pressure on the thermometer and push it on the side near the horse (towards you). Don't be too pushy, enter only until there is little resistance. This will ensure that the tip of the thermometer rests against the wall of the anus, and not inside it.
This is important so that the thermometer does not get into the manure, because the horse manure is at a higher temperature than the horse's body temperature
Step 5. Take the horse's temperature
The mercury thermometer will increase slowly so it is necessary to wait for it to stop rising and settle at a constant temperature. The digital thermometer will beep when the result is out.
Temperature measurement time ranges from 30 seconds to 2 minutes
Step 6. Take the thermometer slowly
Remove the thermometer by gently pulling it from the horse's anus at the same angle as it was inserted. Make sure you don't flick or pull on the thermometer too quickly, as this will pull the dry skin around the thermometer.
- If you slip or leave the thermometer tucked in, you may lose or drop the thermometer, or hurt the horse.
- Be aware of the gas that horses sometimes emit during this process. Better hold your breath.
Step 7. Measure the temperature again
If you feel your horse's temperature rising, repeat the procedure two or three more times. This will ensure that you get an average temperature instead of just one measurement. Sometimes, factors such as animal droppings or a faulty thermometer can affect the measurement results.
Step 8. Disinfect the thermometer
Make sure the thermometer is off, or has been shaken. Rub the thermometer with a tissue or cotton swab. Wet a cotton swab or tissue with rubbing alcohol and wipe it all over the thermometer. The alcohol will disinfect the thermometer.
Make sure you clean any horse manure that is stuck to the thermometer
Step 9. Take the temperature for 3-5 days
Monitor the horse's temperature reaction depending on the time of day, weather and other conditions. For example, in the morning the temperature should be a bit lower, while in the evening or before sunset the temperature should be higher.
If you take a horse's temperature when it's not sick, you get a baseline temperature that is comparable to the abnormal temperature
Part 3 of 4: Reading Temperature Measurement Results
Step 1. Record the measurement results on a chart or diary
Make sure you do it before forgetting the measurement result. If you record your measurements in a diary, the horse's temperature can be monitored for some time.
Step 2. Know the horse's normal body temperature
The average body temperature of a horse is 37.5-38.5 degrees Celsius.
Step 3. Consider the breed of horse when Reading the measurement results
Your horse's temperature may vary somewhat depending on the breed of horse you have. There are several types of horses: cold-blooded, warm-blooded, and warm-blooded. This division does not mean that the temperature variation of the horse is very drastic. The difference is only slight.
- Cold-blooded: Ponies, such as Welsh, Fjord, and Fell breeds are better suited in colder climates and have naturally cooler body temperatures.
- Warm-blooded: These horses are usually more athletic with great strength and stamina. His body temperature tends to be a bit high. Examples of these horses include the Irish Draft, Lipizzaner and Quarter Horse.
- Hot blooded. These horses are usually the most athletic of the horses. This horse is often used for races and long distance travel. For example, these include the Arabian horse, Shagya, and Thoroughbred.
- However, keep in mind that in general the horse's temperature ranges between 31-38 degrees Celsius. A temperature above 38.6 degrees Celsius may indicate an infection.
Step 4. Consider the weather conditions
If the weather is very hot or cold, the horse's temperature may vary slightly.
- In winter weather, a horse's normal temperature usually does not exceed 38.6 degrees Celsius.
- During the summer, a horse's core temperature can rise to 38 degrees Celsius or more.
- Call your vet immediately if the horse's temperature exceeds 38.6 degrees Celsius.
Step 5. Also consider the horse's activity level
If the horse has entered into a tough competition, such as a race or show, the temperature may be higher than normal. Some racehorses even have a core temperature rise of up to 40 degrees Celsius.
It's a good idea to call your vet if your horse's temperature doesn't drop to the normal range within 90 minutes
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When to Call the Vet
Step 1. Call the vet if the horse's temperature continues to be high
If you take your horse's temperature several times over the course of a few hours or days, and the results continue to show a high temperature, contact your veterinarian.
Call your vet if your horse's temperature continues to stay above 38.6 degrees Celsius
Step 2. Call your vet if your horse has other symptoms
If your horse's temperature is above the normal range and has other symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
Monitor your horse and watch for other symptoms, such as loss of appetite or lack of enthusiasm
Step 3. Call the vet if the thermometer gets inside the horse
It could be that your thermometer goes all the way into the horse's rectum. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
