Evaluation Of Vital Signs
CRT = Capillary Refill Time - thumb pressure on gum under upper lip,
release, and count until color returns.
1-2 seconds = normal
increase = shock/blood loss
Color:
pink = normal
pale = shock/blood loss
blue/gray = cardiovascular shock
Refer to numbers on "Horse Points" drawing for locations of the following:
(1)PULSE - facial artery at middle of lower jaw muscles.
Horse = (23-70) 44
Ass = (40-56) 50
(2) HEART RATE - Behind elbow same as pulse.
(3) RESPIRATION RATE - Trachea (wind pipe) is best.
Barrel for lung sounds.
Normal rate = 12 per minute
(4) 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 ingesta and gas
(5) DIGITAL PULSE - Below sesamoid bones in
front of flexor tendons each side.
Not palpable unless pain or infection in lower leg (hoof), i.e., abscess,
laminitis, fracture.
(6) RECTAL TEMPERATURE = 100 to 101
degrees Fahrenheit.