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HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR HORSE
IS MAINTAINING SUITABLE HYDRATION?
THERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TESTS YOU CAN
PERFORM AT HOME TO CHECK THE HYDRATION
STATUS OF YOUR HORSE.
Capillary refill time
1. Using both hands, part the horses lips to expose the upper gum.
2.Press gently on the gum just above the front teeth (incisors) for
3 seconds using your thumb or index finger. This will cause the
blood to rush away from this area, blanching the gum.
3.Remove your finger. Watch and count how long it takes for the
gum to return to its natural pink colour. Colour should return to
the blanched area within 2 seconds. If it takes longer your horse
may be dehydrated or have a circulatory problem.
Skin turgor test
1.Gently pinch and elevate the skin on the horses neck, in front of
the shoulders using your thumb and forefinger.
2.Release the skin and watch to see if the skin snaps quickly (1–2
seconds) back into place. If the skin is slow to return and stays
sticking up, your horse may be dehydrated.
Important note: It is important to take both capillary refill and skin
turgor measurements regularly so you get to know what is normal for
your horse. The easiest way to remember to perform these tests is to
include them in your regular grooming routine. If you are concerned
about your horse’s hydration status, seek veterinary assistance.
HELPFUL
HINT
Older horses may have less elastic skin
that returns slowly to its normal position
even if the horse is well hydrated.
THE SCIENCE OF SWEAT
VIR049 - SOS_20ppBrochure_2014ed.indd 6
11/09/14 6:41 AM