Pulse
The average pulse is 28-45 beats per minute (bpm) in a mature horse, but it can reach more than 250 bpm during maximum exertion. Depending on cardiovascular fitness and the horses response to exercise, this drops significantly within 15–30 seconds after the horse stops galloping. A 2-year-old horse may have a slightly faster pulse, and a 2-4 week old foal normally has a pulse between 70-90 bpm. Heart rate may also increase when the horse is excited, overheated or suffering severe dehydration, has a fever, has an infection or septicemia, has experienced a great deal of blood loss, has advanced heart or lung disease, or is in shock. In these cases, the resting heart rate may be above 80 in an adult animal. When the heart rate is below 20, the horse may be hypothermic, or have pressure on the brain, heart disease, or collapsed circulation.
Read more about this topic: Circulatory System Of The Horse
Famous quotes containing the word pulse:
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—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
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Or ere your pulse twice beat.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“My pulse as yours doth temperately keep time,
And makes as healthful music. It is not madness
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—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)