MS AS 380 Physical examination is a scheme of activities hopefully resulting in determination of whether the examined animal is sick and what parts of the body are affected. Vital signs are an important part of physical examination because the findings are a good monitor of overall body well being. Two types of thermometers are used.
Mercury thermometers are very accurate but breakable.
Also mercury thermometers require 3 minutes to rise to body temperature after being shaken down. To take body temperature, approach the horse from the side and stand beside the rear leg on the horse's left side. Lift the horse's tail and slip the lubricated thermometer into the rectum. Wait until the electronic thermometer beeps. The range of normal body temperature for horses is 100 to 102 F for foals and 99.5 to 101.5 adult horses.