Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Shock, Ears & Limbs Seem Cold, Pulse is Weak & Rapid
Summary
Shock is the body's natural response to severe injury or dysfunction. it has vital function in keeping the animal (or person) alive but can in itself lead to other problems. In cardiovascular shock (as a result of blood loss for instance), the blood vessels in the limbs and extremities narrow, reducing blood flow to these areas while keeping blood pressure higher to vital organs. The result is that the extremities feel cold. Heart rate also increases in an attempt to maintain blood flow to vital organs.
Shock occurs as a response to a variety of other underlying life-threatening disease processes too.
Shock occurs as a response to a variety of other underlying life-threatening disease processes too.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to heart rate, gum color, pulse strength, capillary refill time and temperature of appendages. A horse in shock has a high heart rate, abnormal gum color, weak pulse, delayed capillary refill time and cool ears, muzzle and limbs.Shock indicates a veterinary crisis that must be addressed immediately by your vet. Lightly blanket your horse if it is shivering. Offer water. Keep the horse as quiet and calm as possible until your vet arrives.
What Not To Do
Do not move your horse, unless necessary. Do not give medications unless directed to do so by your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will likely begin treatment for shock in attempt to stabilize your horse before they begin performing diagnostics necessary to identify the underlying problem.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Are you seeing other signs of abdominal pain (colic)?
- When did you first notice this?
- Has anything changed in the environment, feed or management?
- Has your horse been ridden or exercised today?
- Have you given the horse any medications, vaccinations or dewormers lately?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Related References:
Kellon E, Dr. Kellon's Guide to First Aid for Horses, 2nd ed. Emmaus: Breakthrough Publications, 2005.