Equine Fevers: Immediate Concern, Or Wait And See?

One of the first things an equine caretaker may do when a horse isn’t acting quite like himself is to take his temperature. A horse with a temperature above normal (99 to 101.5 degrees F) is often experiencing a viral or bacterial infection, reports EQUUS magazine.

A fever is not often a concern if it is only slightly raised from the horse’s normal baseline temp: 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit typically isn't an emergency. A horse that runs slightly hot could be warm from the ambient temperature, recent exercise or even being blanketed too heavily. A horse in this condition – called hyperthermia – will have his temperature return to normal once the situation changes.

A horse whose temperature doesn’t drop even with a change in condition may truly be ill and a call to the vet is warranted. If the fever is slight, no treatment may be suggested; a fever is the immune system’s way of responding to a challenge, so lowering a horse’s temperature may prolong his illness.

However, if a horse’s temperature is 103 degrees F or higher, a vet should be called without hesitation. A fever this high can be indicative of serious disease for which immediate intervention is critical. If the horse’s temperature is trending toward 106, tissues and organs may bee damaged; the horse needs to be seen by a vet or trailered to a clinic without delay.

Read more at EQUUS magazine.