Learn how to recognize and treat hypothermia in horses, including early warning signs, effective rewarming methods, when to call a vet, and essential winter horse care tips to keep your equine safe.
Horse owners have plenty to worry about in the winter season, but hypothermia in horses may not be the first threat to cross their minds. After all, horses are notably hardy when it comes to braving the elements, and even though many people blanket their equine friends for cold weather horse care, it is usually because they fear the horse growing cold and uncomfortable rather than truly hypothermic. For a horse to be diagnosed with equine hypothermia, their body temperature must be lower than 99.5℉. Such dangerous drops in horse body temperature are seldom reached by exposure to the regular winter cold—they are most commonly the result of a horse falling into frigid water or being stranded in especially damp and freezing environments.
Call a vet for hypothermia
First things first: if you suspect your horse is hypothermic, call a veterinarian! Know beforehand if there is an emergency vet that will travel to your location or if you will need to haul your horse to an emergency veterinary facility. While owners can perform basic care like drying their horse off and giving them a warm, dry blanket, anything beyond that should be seen to by a veterinarian. Horses can enter a state of shock if their body temperature changes too abruptly, so it is best to let a vet handle most of the treatment.
Equine Hypothermia Symptoms
Your veterinarian is most likely going to ask for your horse’s symptoms when you call, so here are signs to look for and mention: irregular breathing, blue gums, trembling, reluctance to move, slow heart rate, and a low rectal temperature. Hypothermia causes some horses to lie down on their sides (known as lateral recumbency) and be unable to get up; if your horse has reached this state, it is paramount that they receive intense care immediately. Make sure to tell your vet if your horse is exhibiting any of these symptoms or any other strange behavior, and of course include all you can about the horse’s accident or extreme weather exposure.
Options for Rewarming
There are several ways to go about heating up a hypothermic horse, but they must be used carefully to avoid burning the horse or causing it to go into shock. According to the article “Hypothermia in Horses - Causes, Treatment and Associated Conditions" from Vetster, there are three categories of treatment options: passive external rewarming, active external rewarming, and active internal rewarming. Passive external rewarming is performed by using blankets and tarps to stop more heat from escaping the horse’s body, while active external rewarming uses heat sources to put more heat in, such as through heated air or water (caution must be taken not to burn the horse when using these treatments). Active internal rewarming is performed by
administering warm fluids intravenously; this method in particular must be done by a vet. If rewarming is not handled properly, the resulting shock can cause the horse’s organs to shut down. Another aspect of treatment involves giving antibiotics and other medicines to ward off the potential pneumonia that often accompanies hypothermia.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Some horses are more at risk for developing hypothermia than others. Young or elderly horses, horses with endocrine issues such as Cushing’s, and undernourished horses may all be more susceptible to hypothermia. There is not much to be done when it comes to prevention since hypothermia in horses is often caused by accidents, but proper blanketing can help, especially with high-risk horses. Additionally, horses that have adequate shelter, adequate hydration, and adequate nutrition are less likely to have a hypothermic episode.
Hypothermia may not be common, but it can be fatal when it strikes. Owners should always have an emergency plan in place for getting their horses veterinary attention when they need it. Knowing the symptoms and treatments for hypothermia can make all the difference in the event of a crisis, helping owners ensure that their horses stay safe all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypothermia in Horses
Q: What are the early signs of hypothermia in horses?
A: Early signs of hypothermia in horses include trembling, irregular or shallow breathing, reluctance to move, cool extremities, and a rectal temperature below the normal range. As the condition progresses, horses may develop blue or pale gums, a slow heart rate, or weakness that makes standing difficult. Any suspected drop in body temperature should be treated as a veterinary emergency.
Q:What temperature is considered hypothermia in horses?
A: A horse is considered hypothermic when its body temperature drops below 99.5°F. Normal equine body temperature ranges from approximately 99–101.5°F. Temperatures below this threshold indicate a dangerous loss of body heat that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Q: Can horses get hypothermia in winter weather alone?
A: Hypothermia in horses is rarely caused by cold air alone. Most cases occur when a horse is exposed to wet, windy, and freezing conditions, such as falling into icy water or being stranded in damp environments without adequate shelter. Moisture dramatically increases heat loss, even in otherwise hardy horses.
Q: How is hypothermia treated in horses?
A: Treatment for hypothermia in horses depends on severity and should be guided by a veterinarian. Options include passive external rewarming with blankets, active external rewarming using controlled heat sources, and active internal rewarming with warmed intravenous fluids. Improper or overly aggressive rewarming can lead to shock, making veterinary oversight critical.
Q: When should you call a vet for a hypothermic horse?
A: You should call a veterinarian immediately if you suspect hypothermia. Because rapid temperature changes can cause shock or organ failure, professional medical guidance is essential. Owners should avoid attempting advanced rewarming techniques without veterinary instruction.
Q: Are certain horses more at risk for hypothermia?
A: Yes. Foals, senior horses, undernourished horses, and those with endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s disease are more vulnerable to hypothermia. Horses lacking adequate shelter, nutrition, or hydration are also at increased risk during extreme winter conditions.
Q: How can hypothermia in horses be prevented?
A: While accidents cannot always be prevented, proper winter horse care can reduce risk. Providing adequate shelter, appropriate blanketing, consistent access to food and water, and close monitoring during severe weather can help protect horses—especially those considered high risk.
