B890
Using a Stethoscope

Note: Divide each side of the horse into two sections or quadrants. Some sort of gut sound should be heard in each quadrant every minute. Normal gut sounds that are routinely heard include gurgling, sloshing, and even a dripping faucet sound. It should be considered abnormal to hear continuous noise (hypermotile) or hear no sounds at all (hypomotile).

Listening to gut sounds in the cecum.

 

Listening to gut sounds in the top right quadrant.

 

Listening to gut sounds in the bottom right quadrant.

 

Listening to gut sounds in the top left quadrant.

 

Listening to gut sounds in the bottom left quadrant.

 

Lungs
A horse’s lungs lie below the rib cage and do not extend beyond the last rib. To listen to the lungs, choose a location that is between the ribs. It is best to listen to multiple areas in many different rib spaces.

 

Trachea
The trachea region should also be listened to.

Note: It is not uncommon to hear the normal passage of air in and out of the lungs. It should be considered abnormal, if fluid, crackles or wheezes are heard.

 

Lungs
Listen to both sides of the animal. With practice, normal and abnormal lung sounds can be identified. See page A560 for normal respiratory rates.

Note: Signs of respiratory problems include nasal discharge, coughing, rapid breathing, and swollen glands under the jaw.