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
Not Sweating Enough
Summary
Sweating is a vitally important way for mammals to reduce body temperature during and after exercise and in hot conditions. A condition occurs in horses known as anhidrosis, in which the normal sweating function is lost.
Usually, the problem occurs in horses raised in temperate climates and moved to hot, humid climates. Performance horses are most commonly affected. The lack of sweating ability can cause a rise in body temperature, labored breathing, collapse and even death.
Horses with this problem typically show other more visible signs like exercise intolerance, heat stroke, hair coat changes and weight loss. Most commonly it is seen as a "failure to acclimatize" to a hot and humid climate and a failure to perform to expectations.
Usually, the problem occurs in horses raised in temperate climates and moved to hot, humid climates. Performance horses are most commonly affected. The lack of sweating ability can cause a rise in body temperature, labored breathing, collapse and even death.
Horses with this problem typically show other more visible signs like exercise intolerance, heat stroke, hair coat changes and weight loss. Most commonly it is seen as a "failure to acclimatize" to a hot and humid climate and a failure to perform to expectations.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
If you have recently moved your horse to a hotter, more humid climate, be on the lookout for this problem. If you notice that the horse is not sweating at all, or sweating considerably less than what you consider normal, this is a serious concern and warrants a call to your vet. Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to heart and respiratory rates, and rectal temperature, especially after exertion.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Where, geographically, does the horse live?
- How long has the horse lived here and where were they prior?
- Does the horse's appetite and attitude seem normal?
- 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.
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)
