Is my horse too hot?
The normal rectal temperature of an adult horse is 37C38 5C 99101 5F that of newborn foals tends to be a little higher at 37 5C39C 99 5102 2F while that of donkeys is 36 5C37 8C 97 2100F. Rectal temperature is a useful parameter to measure when assessing your horses health. If you are unsure of how to take the temperature be sure to ask your vet who will be able to advise you. Most people tend to use a standard digital thermometer available from any chemist shop.
Table of contents
What does an increased temperature mean?PyrexiaHeat strokeWhat should you do if you suspect heat stroke?Remember you cannot cool a horse too quickly and cold water will not increase the risk of colic or other illnesses. In summary overheating is dangerous to horses
When considering the cause of an increased rectal temperature history is very important. If the horse has been exercising during high environmental temperatures heat stroke is more likely. Whereas if they have a history of exposure to others with an infectious disease then pyrexia due to a bacterial or viral cause may be more likely. However a clinical examination by a vet may be necessary to determine the cause and to provide appropriate treatment.
In general we can categorise a higher temperature as either pyrexia or hyperthermia. In the case of pyrexia the bodys internal mechanism for regulating core temperature is reset to a higher level usually in response to inflammation or infection. And in hyperthermia the bodys ability to cope with excessive heat is overwhelmed either due to excessive heat production or exposure or both and the body overheats. It is important to differentiate as treatment of these conditions is different. Antipyretic drugs for example will not help in cases of heat stroke.
The list of possible causes of pyrexia is a lengthy one. It can be broken down into infectious or noninfectious causes. Your vet will need to ask you about your horses recent history as well as that of any horses yours has been in contact with to start to narrow down this list to the most likely causes.
Some common infectious diseases include Streptococcus equi equi strangles Equine influenza Equine Herpes 1 or 4. Noninfectious causes include peritonitis pneumonia colitis endocarditis or less commonly neoplasia such as lymphoma. Immune mediated diseases can cause pyrexia but are quite rare.
Your vet will need to carry
