I don't think we should be too quick to conclude this, and start pulling
horses for reduced gut sounds. I've had horses with reduced gut sounds
at vet checks many times, and I've never considered that *in and of itself*
to indicate a problem.
True Joe, I was
afraid when I wrote that, that it sounded like "pull for gut
sounds". I wouldn't want that either since my guy regularly has "B" gut
sounds, and is perfectly fine (PPED). Certainly other factors
do play in such as hydration, HR recovery time, etc. I do know
that one ride he was B- and when we went back out I paid a lot of attention to
"everything" he was doing & took extra time to stop at every potential
eating spot. The rider has to consistently remember that their horse is
not invincible & just because it's been OK in the past, this time might be
different.
Hopefully, the Vet
Committee research will show a pattern in Vet Check criteria that may
predict serious gut compromise.
