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Horses are beautiful animals and require specialized care to keep them healthy and happy. Do you know how to recognize the symptoms that may indicate your horse needs to see the vet?
If not, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it’s not always easy to determine when to call the vet for your horse.
We’ve put together some information about when to call the vet for your horse. Let’s get started!
Recognizing the Signs of Illness in a Horse
When you’re a pet parent, it’s important to learn the symptoms that indicate your horse is injured or could be ill. Here’s a list of symptoms that indicate it’s time to call the vet:
- Acute abdominal pain or colic
- Serious injury that involves deep wounds, severe hemorrhage, bone fractures, damage to the eyes
- Straining for more than 30 minutes when a mare is foaling
- Unable to rise or stand
- Unable or reluctant to move
- Severe diarrhea
- Unusual or prolonged sweating, high temperature
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Head bobbing
- Any other symptoms of an injury or pain
- Respiratory issues
Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms that a horse could present. However, they are good indicators that your horse has a condition that must be checked by the vet. The vet can advise you on whether the horse should be monitored or if he needs to be examined right away.
Then there are conditions that require a vet if they don’t resolve or improve within 48 hours:
- Marked lameness that has not responded to normal first aid treatment
- Injury that has not responded to normal first aid treatment
- Sings of strangles or other infectious conditions
- Nasal discharge
- Raised temperature
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Cough
- Hair loss
- Lack of appetite
- Persistent weight loss
- Skin conditions that have not resolved with treatment, including saddle sores and girth galls
- Other non-acute illness or injury
Purchasing a New Horse
When you’re purchasing a new horse, it’s always recommended that you call the vet. The horse should have a thorough physical examination.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSumming It Up
You know your horse better than anyone. If you notice he’s showing symptoms that are on these lists or that are concerning, it’s highly recommended that you call the vet right away. Your vet has the knowledge and experience to offer the right advice. They’ll let you know if your horse can be treated at home or needs to see the vet right away.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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