RE: [RC] Don't touch my mouth!!!! Testing capillary refill. - Susan E. Garlinghouse, DVM
No, CRT is only checked via gums at rides, though the vets only
need a second or so to check. As Kristin posted, work on rubbing her face and
desensitizing her to that, then work on rubbing lips and such. The Lyons
desensitizing methods work well. So does clicker training.
I certainly encourage you to solve the problem before going to a
ride. AERC rules do clearly state that horses have to stand quietly for
inspection, and while most vets can make do if necessary, I also know a fair
number are getting a bit weary of having to school horses at vet checks that
won’t allow gentle and routine handling. I commend you for spotting an issue
beforehand and trying to find a solution. Good luck.
Susan Garlinghouse, DVM
From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Mellifluous Sent: Friday, January 11, 2008 12:04 PM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Don't touch my mouth!!!! Testing capillary refill.
I have an older mare that I was thinking of conditioning up so that my friend
can do some LDs with me. She has fabulous ground manners and is very
sweet until you try to touch her mouth. Her previous owners really did a
number on her mouth and she will NOT let you even get close to touching her
mouth unless she is sedated. Trust me, I have tried to work her through
her fears with a variety of methods with little success. So, instead of
pushing the issue, I ride her in a hackamore and squirt her wormer on her feed.
Is there any other way that the vets can check capiallary refill besides
pressing on her gums. Even if they could get their fingers in her mouth,
they would be hard pressed to keep them their long enough to tell what is going
on. This is the only obstacle I have to entering this mare in an LD.
Thanks!
Mel
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