Please acquaint yourself with what the normal pulse, temperature and gum color of a horse are. This will be valuable in recognizing abnormals. In general, cuts where bone, tendon or large tissue deficits are present should be looked at immediately, as should cuts with persistent hemhorrage. Colic or abdominal pain that prevents the animal from walking causes sweating or severe elevation of pulse should be seen immediately. Laminitis is an emergency and the horse will exhibit severe foot pain and stand in a stiff sawhorse position or lie down at abnormal times. A retained placenta of over 3 hours in a mare who has just foaled is just cause for paging the vet. Ask your veterinarian to give a talk to your equine group regarding these types of emergencies and reading vital signs.
