Do you know when your horse is in pain?
Research has shown that horses actually have a “pain face”, i.e., facial expressions which clearly signals pain. You just have to learn these characters to know and practice to interpret them.
Recognising subtle signs of pain in horses can be challenging even for experienced horse owners. Often with mild or moderate pain, the clinical signs are subtle and easily go undetected. However, with the latest research in pain recognition, the Equine Pain Face, owners can detect pain earlier and seek assistance quickly when necessary.
Thanks to the team at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia Pty. Ltd. the following images outline the different signals your horse may be using to tell you how they are feeling.
They have also provided a downloadable Equine Pain Scale e-form for you to use if you suspect your horse may be experiencing pain.
Ears
The distance between the ear canal becomes larger. The ears fall down to the side and turn simultaneously outwards. They often move in different directions or are positioned asymmetrically.
Eyes
The muscles around the eye are stretched which gives the upper eyelid a very distinctive angled appearance. This can cause the sclera (white of the eye) to become more evident in the medial canthus (inner angle of the eye). The stare becomes withdrawn and intense during the induction of pain.
Nostrils
The nostrils are dilated in a side to side direction and change from a normal elongated shape to a square with more marked edges. It is especially noticeable in the medial part of the nostrils, where they are drawn more sharply towards the medial plane.
Face Muscle
The jaw muscles on the side of the horse’s face become more stressed and marked – especially m. Zygomaticus and m. Caninus, but also m. Masseter may be tense.
Muzzle
Increased tonus of the lips and tension of the chin during pain stimulus results in a more edged shape of the muzzle.
The Equine Pain Scale
Any Questions?
If you suspect your horse might be in pain or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the SWE team on 0437 380 302 or email info@swequine.com.au
