By Dr Kim Johnson
Managing horses in extreme heat by Dr Kim Johnson BVSc (Hons) MANZCVSC (Equine) of the Yarra Ranges Animal Hospital in Lilydale and Yarra Glen
Summer can be a fun time for horse riders with good weather and long hours of daylight, however, as the weather warms up it is important to look after the welfare of our equine friends. As ambient temperature approaches and reaches body temperature, heat stress can develop. Heat stress in severe cases can be life threatening in all species. As well as the direct signs relating to heat stress and stroke, other issues can develop in heat stressed horses such as colic.
Signs of heatstroke include
– lethargy, irritation or distress
– Respiratory rate over 20 breaths per minute
– Heart rate over 50 beats per minute
– Profuse or no sweating
– Tenting, dry hot skin
– Rectal temperature over 38.3 degrees
If a horses is showing signs of heat stroke provide your horses with shade, water, moving air such as a fan, hose starting from the feet and working up and scrape off excess water and call a vet immediately.
It is important to avoid heat stress and other illness during hot weather by ensuring that you:
– Ensure a continuous supply of cool fresh clean water in a shaded location
– Have a plentiful supply of the horses regular feed and avoid fasting or diet changes – Paddocks MUST have shelter and shade from a shed/stable or trees or both, ideally open at one or two sides to allow for breeze
– Ensure any rugs used are breathable or avoid using them
– Ride only in the cooler parts of the day, cool down after the ride with hosing starting at the feet and working up, scrape off excess water and reapply. Provide water (not chilled) and access to a salt lick and electrolytes
Tune in to next week’s Star Mail for tips from Dr Johnson on managing horses in a bushfire.
