Signs of pain

Pain in the horse is designated as acute or chronic. Acute, or recently developing, pain is associated with a reluctance to be handled, restlessness, inappetance (yet the horse may play in its water bucket), anxiousness, increased respiratory rate, sweating, pawing and muscle tremors.

If the acute pain relates to a musculoskeletal injury or problem, the horse also will be reluctant to move and may stand in an awkward manner. Placing a leg in an unusual position and leaving it there, or constant movement as if a limb cannot be made comfortable, are indications of problems and should be evaluated.

A horse with abdominal pain will look at, bite or kick at its abdomen. It may "park out," or strain, to urinate and defecate. These horses will tend to get up and down frequently, sweat and roll on the ground.

Chronic pain can be associated with weight loss or with smaller, subtle changes in eating or drinking behavior. Horses with chronic pain often change their daily routines to include less motion, less social interaction and reduced response to external stimuli.

— Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM