Taking Care in the Heat (cont.)
Make sure your animals are safe!
A simple test that can be used to determine dehydration in a horse is the pinch test. When a section of skin on the neck or shoulder is pinched, the skin recoil will be immediate in normally hydrated horses. Dehydration will delay skin recoil. It is important to make sure the horse is properly cooled-down following exercise work-outs and that proper electrolytes have been provided all along. The built up heat must be released from the horse's body through respiration and sweat. Air flow is vital to remove heat off the horse's body. Heat loss through sweat requires moving air and evaporation. Walking a hot horse allows the air movement to continue to help evaporate heat, if left standing still, the lack of air movement could force the internal temprature to rise even higher. The length of cool-down will depend on the amount of work, the environmental conditions and the individual horse.
In dogs Signs of heat stroke include (but are not limited to): body temperatures of 104-110F degrees, excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or vomiting, coma, death. Brachycephalic breeds (the short-nosed breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pugs), large heavy-coated breeds, and those dogs with heart or respiratory problems are more at risk for heat stroke. If you suspect heat stroke in your pet, seek Veterinary attention immediately! Use cool water, not ice water, to cool your pet. (Very cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede cooling.) Do not aid cooling below 103 F degrees - some animals can actually get HYPOthermic, too cold. Offer ice cubes for the animal to lick on until you can reach your Veterinarian. Just because your animal is cooled and "appears" OK, do NOT assume everything is fine. Internal organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, etc., are definitely affected by the body temperature elevation, and blood tests and veterinary examination are needed to assess this. There is also a blood problem, called DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) that can be a secondary complication to heat stroke that can be fatal.
Goats can suffer heat stress and stroke as well and need special attention due to their sensitive natures. Some of the signs of heat stress or stroke in goats are rapid breathing, open mouth breathing, nasal flaring, high respiratory rate, staggering and unwilling to stand. If the goat can walk, isolate it in the shade and take its temperature. If the temperature is over 105o F, set a fan for direct ventilation, spray the coat with water, and wet the head, legs and stomach with water. Apply rubbing alcohol on the belly and between the rear legs to maximize natural cooling and, of course, call your vet. Use common sense and good judgement. Provide clean, fresh water and shade at all times for your animals. If you need help in choosing a watering or shade system, ask us! We're happy to help!
