Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Heat Exhaustion or Stroke
Synonyms: Hyperthermia, Sunstroke
Summary
Horses primarily cool themselves by sweating. Although horses can "pant" through their nose, this is a much less effective means of dissipating heat.
Prolonged exercise or exposure to hot conditions can result in dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This is particularly true in humid conditions, because the humidity inhibits sweat from evaporating off the skin's surface.
"Exhaustion" or "Stroke"? The difference in terminology is a matter of degree, not kind. Heat exhaustion is characterized by dehydration and overheating that may be reversible with prompt treatment. Heat stroke implies something more severe, and is characterized by total collapse, as a horse is in imminent danger of dying. A normal rectal temperature for horses ranges from 98 - 101 degrees.
Generally, a horse is in danger of developing heat exhaustion or stroke if their rectal temperature rises above 104 degrees. The higher the temperature, the more aggressive the treatment that is needed.
Prolonged exercise or exposure to hot conditions can result in dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This is particularly true in humid conditions, because the humidity inhibits sweat from evaporating off the skin's surface.
"Exhaustion" or "Stroke"? The difference in terminology is a matter of degree, not kind. Heat exhaustion is characterized by dehydration and overheating that may be reversible with prompt treatment. Heat stroke implies something more severe, and is characterized by total collapse, as a horse is in imminent danger of dying. A normal rectal temperature for horses ranges from 98 - 101 degrees.
Generally, a horse is in danger of developing heat exhaustion or stroke if their rectal temperature rises above 104 degrees. The higher the temperature, the more aggressive the treatment that is needed.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Guarded to good depending on the severity of the condition, and the horse's response to treatment.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Fever, Rectal Temperature Greater than 101.5 (in Adult)
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Depressed & Not Eating Right after Intense Exercise
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Skin Pinch or Tent at Shoulder Prolonged
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Heart Rate, Pulse Rapid, Greater than 48 BPM at Rest (in Adult)
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Sweating Excessively
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Capillary Refill Time (CRT) Prolonged
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Heat Exhaustion after Intense Exercise
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Rapid Pulse Persists Longer Than Normal after Exercise
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Excessively Hot Weather
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Not Sweating Enough
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- How severely affected is my horse?
Prevention
Avoid prolonged exercise is hot or humid conditions. Consider bathing a horse before exercise, and after. Do not exercise a horse beyond their fitness level. Gradually warm up and cool down your horse before and after exercise. Take regular breaks and ensure that your horse is well hydrated at all times. Monitor your horse's vital signs. Consider your horse's coat length and thickness. If it is thick and long, it may inhibit cooling and you may want to consider clipping.