ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Panting and Respiration

Re: [endurance] Panting and Respiration

BECHACK@aol.com
Tue, 4 Jun 1996 12:59:45 -0400

As a nurse with too many years experience, may I suggest that UNLESS the
horse is panting, or really breathing hard with nostrils flairing badly, the
actual rate is of no consequence. The vets I am sure are looking if not
counting. After many years of counting, you get the hang of not needing to
actually count to see a horse in distress, the not normal ones jump out at
you. Then you count.

The horse that is breathing a little faster than at rest is to be expected in
the middle of a race. No so for panting, flaring sides heaving, etc. These
are all signs of problems in oxygen or heat or both .

So remember that the vet may not COUNT the respirations, but he/she is aware
of HOW the horse is breathing with an educated glance.

I was able to pick up on an early colic just because of heavy breathing I saw
on a mare at rest. IT JUMPS OUT AT YOU.

Just my .02

Becky Hackworth
Jam (slowly back at work) Gina ( finished Mt Laguna with only 2 B's out of 3
vet checks...her best ever) and other assorted kids and critters
Alpine,CA