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

Re: [endurance] Panting and Respiration

Truman Prevatt (truman.prevatt@netsrq.com)
Tue, 4 Jun 1996 16:18:51 -0500

There is a big difference between panting and wide eyed nostrils flared
gasping for air. The former is blowing off heat and the latter indicates
an oxygen debt. By taking the rectal temp, any heat related problems can
be detected. But fast deep heavy breathing indicates the potential of the
onset of problems. BTW many horses in the southeast develop the ability to
pant to remove excess heat that cannot be removed because of high humidity.
While panting should be looked at by the vet, it in and of itsself is not
a serious problem.

Several years ago in Endurance News the results of some studies related to
heat dissipation through the lungs were presented. It turns out that the
lungs can be an important source of heat dissipation - especially in humid
conditions.

Truman

---------- Original ---------------

>
>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 .
>

Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL