South African Equine Veterinary Association Congress 2015 Protea Hotel Stellenbosch
10. Try to obtain a history, in particular prior to the fall, the nature of the fall itself and events
since.
Clinical Examination
Perform a thorough and methodical clinical evaluation, starting from the horse‟s head. Avoid
feeling excessively rushed or pressured while considering the most appropriate course of action.
It is common for conscious but recumbent horses to thrash their head and limbs in attempts to
stand. If no injury is immediately apparent, the horse can be allowed a brief attempt to stand,
however, if unsuccessful, it may then be necessary to have an assistant sit on the horse‟s neck,
holding the head extended. Try to work from the dorsal (rather than the limb) side most of the
time. During your clinical examination it may prove necessary to sedate the horse, although avoid
this if possible. Generally up to double the normal sedation dose of alpha-2 agonist is required.
Head
1. Check that the airway is patent and evaluate the breathing and respiratory rate.
2. Determine whether the horse is conscious and evaluate demeanour.
a. Look for evidence of voluntary movement, pain and vocalisation.
b. If required, elicit withdrawal-type responses. e.g. pinch nostrils
3. Take and evaluate quality of pulse. Check mucous membranes and capillary refill time.
4. Examine pupils for abnormal dilation, position and evaluate blink and pupillary light
reflexes.
5. Look for evidence of haemorrhage or CSF from ears, or nostrils etc.
6. Palpate the bones of the skull and manipulate the atlanto-occipital joint.
Neck, trunk and limbs
7. Auscultate heart and thorax