As soon as you notice your horse is ill one of the first things you reach for is your cell phone.  Many horse owners have their most important numbers in that phone, but there are few steps you should take prior to making the call.  If the horse is sweating profusely, or seems very hot to the touch, you will want to take your horse’s temperature.  Often times the vet will ask you if the horse has a temperature and you need to be prepared to answer that question.  A fever can be a symptom of various illnesses and your vet will need all the clues you can give him.

You first need a horse thermometer with a string tied to it.  A regular human mercury or alcohol thermometer will work, but you will need to be certain you don’t let go of it.  You can also use a digital thermometer as well.  You will also need a lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.  It is best that you don’t use petroleum jelly as it can irritate the rectum.  You also want to be certain that you use an ample amount of lubricant as the tissues of the rectum are extremely thin and fragile in horses and can tear easily.

Here is how to do the not-so-fun deed of taking your horse’s temperature. 

1. Prepare your thermometer.  If you are using the old style thermometer you will need to shake it down to 96 degrees F or below.  If you have a digital thermometer, then you will simply turn it on.  You also want to prepare it with an ample amount of lubricant around the tip and lower part of the thermometer.
2. Prepare your horse.  Many horses don’t care about having their temperature took, while others want to know what the heck you are doing under that tail!  It is best if you have someone who can hold your horse’s head for you while you inset the thermometer. 
3. Insert the thermometer.  Stand to the side of your horse’s hindquarters and gently lift the tail.  Slowly insert the thermometer about 3 inches into the rectum.  The thermometer should slide gently in.  If you hit a fold of skin and it won’t move in any farther, simply pull it out and insert again.  Do not force the thermometer as the tissues here are very thin and fragile. 
4. Wait 3 minutes. You will need to hold the thermometer in place for three minutes.  Hold onto the thermometer and the string the whole time.  There is a vacuum effect in this part of the horse’s body and you do not want to lose the thermometer up there, especially a mercury/glass thermometer.
5. Read the thermometer.   Remove the thermometer and read it. 

Normal Horse Body Temperature:

• Adult horses: 99-101 degrees F.
• Foals: 100-102 degrees F.

If a horse is above or below the normal, then you will want to give your veterinarian a call and alert them to the temperature along with any other important symptoms.