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Vital Signs Reference Card

A printable one-page reference card for equine vital signs and emergency contacts.

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Normal Vital Signs

Temperature99.0–101.0°F

Use a rectal thermometer. Above 101.5°F or below 98.5°F — call your vet.

Heart rate28–44 bpm

Listen with stethoscope behind left elbow, or feel under jaw. Elevated at rest — call your vet.

Respiratory rate10–24 breaths/min

Count flank movements. Elevated at rest — call your vet.

Capillary refill1–2 seconds

Press gum above teeth — should return pink in under 2 seconds.

Mucous membranesPink, moist

Pale, dark red, purple, or dry — call your vet.

Gut soundsPresent in all quadrants

Listen in all 4 quadrants. No sounds or excessive — call your vet.

Hydration (skin tent)Snaps back <2 sec

Pinch skin on neck. Stays tented >2 sec — horse may be dehydrated.

Dehydration checkNormal

Sunken eyes, dry gums, lethargy — signs of significant dehydration.

Emergency Contacts

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This card is for general reference only and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for medical decisions.