Equine heat stress
Hauling, competing, even trail riding can put a horse at risk for heat stress on hot or humid days. Stay tuned, when the American Rancher returns we will discuss what to do if your horse becomes dehydrated. Susan, yesterday we talked about the importance of hauling horses in a well ventilated trailer in hot weather but we didn't touch on how to treat heat stress. Jeff, Horses that suffer from mild heat stress will typically have a body temperature above 103 degrees and a capillary refill time of more than two seconds. A horse with mild heat stress needs to be moved at once to a shady spot and cooled off by sponging or a hosed all over, especially the under belly, legs and neck . The horse health care site, Horse.com recommends walking the horse after it has been hosed down for a few minutes to move the heat away from the muscles. Now its another story all together if a horses temperature is above 106 degrees and the animal has an elevated heart rate. That horse needs a vet now! Other signs of severe heat stress are pale or brown gums, a depressed attitude, and no interest in food or water. Again professionals recommend cooling the animal down with hose or sponging until veterinary help arrives. Susan, when it comes to heat and horses it seems common sense should prevail, most ranchers try to work or move cattle early in the morning. Shade and available water are sometimes scarce commodities so ranch horses are given breaks when possible and numerous small drinks of water when the work is completed. A good roll and brushing and they're ready for tomorrow.
