– Heart rate: 60-90 BPM, found by listening (auscultating) with a stethoscope in the fleece-free area below the elbow. Heart rate may increase due to exercise/exertion/excitement, stress, fever, or pain. Arrhythmias are common in SAC, usually not a big deal.
-Temperature: Varies from 99.5 to 102F. Newborns cannot thermoregulate and have a wider temperature range. Ambient temperatures can greatly influence body climate. SACs are prone to heat stress and care should be taken to ensure cooling systems (shade, sprinklers and fans) are used.
– Respiratory rate at rest: Varies from 10 to 30 BPM, it can be difficult to hear with the stethoscope due to the fleece. Watch for the rise and fall of the chest/flank area or place your hand in front of the nostrils to feel for warm breath.
Respiratory rates may increase due to exercise/exertion/excitement, stress, fever, illness (eg, pneumonia), obstruction, or pain
– Mucous membranes and capillary refill time: Check non-pigmented areas of gums, they should be light pink, moist and when pressed with fingertip, color should return in 1-2 seconds. The vulva can also be examined if the pigment covers the entire oral cavity.
– Temperament/attitude: Every animal will be different, so your observations are vital! Be aware of “normal” behaviors for both individuals and the pack. Watch for isolation, lack of feeding competition, excessively quiet animals, sudden aggression…anything unusual
– Body condition: The ideal is to weigh the animals throughout the year. The fleece can hide even a severely emaciated condition, so a full palpation of the body (especially the bony parts) should be done as soon as possible.
– Gait: Does the animal move all extremities normally when walking, walking, trotting and galloping? Not bearing weight on a particular limb probably indicates pain or injury.
-Conformation: When evaluating health, pay close attention to the carriage of the head and neck. A weak, sick, or depressed SAC will hold the head lower (extended) or arch it back over the chest.
– Eyes, ears and mouth: The eyes must be wide open and clear. The balloon must be smooth. Squinting and watering are signs of a problem. The ears should be in a normal position and move according to the stimulation. A droopy ear (especially with a tilted head) or foul odor indicates a potential problem. The mouth must be symmetrical and functional. Observe animals during feeding to ensure normal chewing and swallowing behavior.
– NOTE: Everyone (!) should have a thermometer dedicated to animal use. Also, know where it is and feel comfortable using it. An inexpensive stethoscope can also help. Always have basic wound care supplies on site (betadine or novalsan scrub, triple antibiotic ointment, vet wrap, nonstick pads, saline eye irrigation, clean washcloths or towels…) if you have multiple animals, discuss the common medications you may want with your vet.