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SPRING 2017 ISSUE
EQUINE MATTERS
20
I S MY PONY HEALTHY
?
Capillary Refill Time
Gently lift the upper lip and press your
thumb on the gum
(figure 5)
. The gum
should go white and then go back to a
nice healthy pink colour within 2 seconds
of releasing the finger.
Eating
Your pony should eat approximately the
same amount each day
(figure 6)
. If a lot
of food is left or dropped (especially little
balls of hay called quidding), contact your
vet as there may be a problem, for
example with the pony’s teeth.
Feet and Legs
The feet and legs should be checked when
picking out feet
(figure 7)
. The pony should
bear weight equally on all four feet and not
have any stretched out in front, underneath
or behind the body, or resting one all the
time. The hoof wall should not feel overly
warm (unless the pony is standing in a
deep shavings bed) and there should not
be bounding digital pulses. The digital
pulse can be felt by placing your middle
finger just towards the back of the leg
underneath the fetlock joint
(figure 8 and
9)
. It is also a good idea to run your hand
down the tendons and cannon bones to
feel for any heat or swellings.
Droppings
Get to know how often and what quantity
of droppings your pony produces.
Droppings should be well-formed balls
(figure 10)
with at most a little liquid but
no mucus covering or abnormal colour or
consistency. You can also listen to your
pony’s gut sounds by putting your ear near
both sides of the abdomen or using a
stethoscope. You should hear a mixture
of gurgling, with gas-like growls, ’tinkling’
sounds (fluid) and occasional ’roars’.
Temperature
Normal temperature is 99 – 101°F or
37.2- 38.3°C. Place a lubricated
thermometer inside the rectum
(figure 11)
and wait for 30-40 seconds or until it
beeps if it is digital.
It is essential to get to know YOUR pony.
Look at their overall appearance including
how they are acting as well as the signs
above. Know what is normal for them and
if in doubt contact your local XLVets
practice for advice.
Figure 5. Measuring capillary refill time
Figure 6. Monitor feed intake
Figure 7. Examine feet and legs when picking out
Figure 8. Checking the digital pulse
Figure 9. Feel for heat and swelling
Figure 10. Know what is normal for your pony
Figure 11. Normal temperature is 37.2-38.3 o C