Stethoscope - to hear gut sounds and heartbeat.
Watch - with second hand to time heart rate and respiration (15 seconds
x 4 = rate/minute)
Ring Top Thermometer with string and clip.
EVALUATION OF VITAL SIGNS
CRT - Capillary Refill Time - thumb pressure on gum under upper
lip / release / and count until color returns. This test is a measure
of heart and circulatory function.
1-2 seconds = normal - Longer times 2-5 seconds indicates an impaired
circulatory function such as shock, dehydration or endotoxemia.
Color of Gums. Pink is normal, Pale or white color may indicate shock or blood loss. Blue or gay may indicate dehydration or toxemia
Pulse Rate. Feel submandibular artery pulse at middle of lower jawbone. Normal resting rate is 40-45 beats per minute. Rate normally increases with exercise (80-100), and returns to normal after rest. Sustained high heart rate (80-100) may indicate stress pain, toxemia or shock.
Heart Rate: Listen with stethoscope on chest behind elbow. Normal resting rate is 40-45 beats per minute.
Respiration Rate: Listen to the trachea (Wind Pipe) or chest for airway sounds or watch chest movement. Normal rate is 12-18 per minute. Rate normally increases with exercise, stress or fright, and returns to normal with rest. Sustained high respiratory rates may indicate pneumonia or abnormal lung function.
Gut Sounds: Approximately 1-2 per minute. Check right and left sides. High pitched tinkling gut distention with fluid and gas. Low pitched rumbling movement of large volumes of ingesta and gas. No sounds may mean loss of gut function as in severe colic.
Digital Pulse: Feel over sesamoid bones on back of fetlock or along back of pastern. Normally barely palpable. Digital pulse becomes more prominent with some hoof disorders such as infection or laminitis (founder).
Rectal Temperature: Normal 99.5-100.5 Fahrenheit. Elevated temperatures (102-105 F) may indicate heat stress, bacterial or viral infections.
Skin Fold Test: Pinch a tent of skin over neck or shoulder.
A delayed return (several seconds) to normal position my indicate dehydration.