By: Matthew M. Brendal
TEMPERATURE (You will need a digital thermometer)
I believe the best way to take this reading is by using a digital thermometer. The ones I recommend are wedge shaped and have the sensor on the last 1/4-inch of the tip. I prefer digital thermometers for two reasons. First they are wedge shaped and will not usually be allowed to pulled inside the horse or break like the glass type. Secondly they beep when the highest temperature reading is reached, which ensures a complete reading. A normal temperature of a resting mature horse is about 99.5 degrees F to 101.5 degrees F. If you prefer the glass/mercury thermometer, ensure it is the veterinarian type with a small hole at the holding end. A light string should be tied securely to the thermometer and a clothespin and attached to the horses tail so you can recover the thermometer, if by chance the thermometer starts to fade inside the horse.
It may help if you have someone hold the horse while inserting the thermometer into the rectum. To aid in the insertion you can add a few drops of water or petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer. Insert the thermometer gently into the rectum to about an inch and hold the thermometer the entire time it is inserted. Ensure the horse cannot back into any objects and don't allow the tail to drop over the thermometer.
You should have determined your temperature average before you set on the "normal" temeperature of your horse.
Below I have listed an outline by age and corresponding temperate or possible condition for above or below a normal temperature. Again these are guidelines. Pretty soon when you take the horse's temperature you will know almost immediately when there may be a condition that is abnormal.
Temperature Range Guide
Severe Shock-------------------------97.0 F and Lower
Mild Shock or Hypothermia------------97.5 F to 99.0 F
Normal Range
Mild Infection----------------------102.0 F to 104.5 F
Serious Infection or Heatstroke-----105.0 F and Higher
-------------------------99.5 F to 101.5 F
