Despite what we may wish, animals can’t speak our language. This makes it much more difficult to know when your horse is in pain. It is important to know the signs that may indicate that your horse is in pain. Reviewing the signs of pain in horses can help you prevent them from staying in unnecessary pain and indicate when you should consult your veterinarian.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a common sign of stress and pain in horses. Taking note of the time when your horse grinds its teeth may help you pinpoint the problem. If your horse grinds its teeth after eating, it is likely caused by ulcers. When the horse grinds its teeth while being ridden, it may indicate a skeletal problem that is exacerbated by the additional weight.
Unusual Posture
Unusual posture often indicates that the horse is trying to protect a sore limb. Consistently moving its weight or limping almost always indicates pain. In this scenario, it is especially important to consult a veterinarian to ensure that your horse’s problem doesn’t worsen.
Disinterest
A horse that is in pain may show disinterest in its surroundings. If your horse has a distant look or doesn’t pay attention to everything around them, they may be in pain.
Abnormal Sweating
Abnormal sweating is a common sign of stress in horses. When the horse has patchy sweating, sweats without exercise, or sweats in cold weather, there is a good chance that something is wrong.
Looking at Stomach
A horse looking at its stomach likely indicates colic or another stomach problem. Colic is an extremely dangerous problem that must be resolved as soon as possible. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your horse is showing signs of colic.
Knowing the signs of pain will help prevent your horse from staying in pain. Some horses don’t show obvious signs of pain, so it is important to know your horse’s regular behavior and monitor any changes.
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