B150
Detecting a Pulse

 

The heart is best heard on the left side, behind the point of the elbow. Because the heart is often difficult to hear, place some pressure on the stethoscope and move it around to different areas. The facial artery can be felt using light pressure just under the jaw in this region. This is an excellent place to feel a pulse, and with continued practice, finding a pulse should come easily.

 

 

It is important for horse owners to get a basic feel for their horse’s digital pulses. The above pictures show the two locations a digital pulse can be felt. A horse that has very strong or bounding pulses may be having a problem with laminitis. See page A30, for the exact location of the artery. Record this information on page I 308 in the Appendix.