HOW TO TAKE A HORSE’S TEMPERATURE

Taking your horse’s temperature once a week or so is a good practice. Not only will you learn what’s normal for him, you’ll also be able to notice developing illnesses and infections early. Plus, your horse will be accustomed to the procedure, so he’s less likely to resist should you need to do it when he’s not feeling well. Keep notes of your readings so you can spot trends over time.

If you haven’t already done so, it’s high time to upgrade your old mercury thermometer to a new digital one. “We recommend using human digital thermometers,” says Katherine Wilson, DVM, DACVIM, of the Virginia– Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. “The digital ones are just as accurate and not as risky. With the old mercury thermometers you run the risk of mercury poisoning if they break.”

To take your horse’s temperature, stand close by the side of his rump, where you are less likely to be injured by a kick. Drape one arm over the top of his hindquarters and grasp the base of his tail. Gently lift the tail—if he clamps down, wiggle it gently until he relaxes. Once he’ll let you hold up his tail, insert a lubricated thermometer into his anus with your free hand. Keep hold of the thermometer until it is finished getting a reading. Most digital models will beep when ready.

“The main thing when taking temperature rectally is to make sure the thermometer is not in an air pocket or stuck into a ball of manure, or it will give an inaccurate low reading,” says Wilson. “We try to insert it with some lube or water on it (or even spit on it) to make it slide in more easily. Once you’ve inserted it, gently hold it against the wall of the rectum to get the most accurate reading.”