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
Hypersensitive to Touch on Flanks & Belly
Summary
When a horse seems to react excessively to a hand touching these areas, the problem can be strictly behavioral or can relate to any of a variety of underlying conditions.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you notice significant swelling or pain at the site.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp>101F/38.3C), or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- To rule out physical issues that may be causing the problem.
- If this is the only sign you notice. The horse seems well to you otherwise.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to the area of concern. Look for any abnormality like swelling, heat or skin abnormalities. Then, try to determine whether this is a behavioral issue or physical problem resulting in pain or discomfort by performing the two skills Modify Behavior, Desensitize to Touch.If you have any doubt, or notice any other signs of illness or disease, contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet evaluates general health and repeats the stimulus and observes the behavior. Through this assessment, they should be able to differentiate physical from training issues.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Can you detect swelling or heat in the area?
- When did you first notice this behavior develop?
- When did you last think your horse seemed normal?
- Has the horse been showing signs of abdominal pain (colic)?
- 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)
