HORSE AND BLOOD PRESSURE

For a healthy adult horse standing at rest, the average normal blood pressure is approximately 120/70 mm Hg. Normal resting ranges generally span 110 to 160 mm Hg for systolic pressure and 60 to 110 mm Hg for diastolic pressure, with a mean arterial pressure (MAP) around 90 to 120 mm Hg. 
Normal Blood Pressure Ranges
  • Systolic pressure: 110 to 160 mm Hg (pressure when the heart beats)
  • Diastolic pressure: 60 to 110 mm Hg (pressure between heartbeats)
  • Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP): 90 to 120 mm Hg in conscious adults (should stay above 70 mm Hg during anesthesia to ensure good organ blood flow) 
Foals vs. Adult Horses
  • Adult horses: Higher baseline pressure, averaging 120/70 mm Hg up to 160 mm Hg systolic.
  • Neonatal foals: Lower baseline pressure, with a normal systolic range of 80 to 100 mm Hg, diastolic of 40 to 60 mm Hg, and MAP of 50 to 60 mm Hg. 
Factors Affecting Readings
  • Measurement method: Direct arterial catheterization is more precise than indirect cuff methods placed on the tail or leg artery.
  • Environment: Stress or being in a veterinary clinic can slightly elevate readings.
  • Health status: Conditions like shock, dehydration, or anesthesia often cause dangerous drops in pressure (hypotension), while metabolic issues can cause increases.
Circulatory system of the horse – Wikipedia
Although blood pressure may vary greatly between animals, the average blood pressure for a standing horse is 120/70 mmHg.

HOW DO YOU MEASURE A HORSE’S BLOOD PRESSURE?

To check a horse’s blood pressure, a veterinarian uses either an indirect cuff method (placed on the tail or lower leg) or a direct invasive catheter method. An average healthy standing horse has a blood pressure of roughly 120/70 mm Hg. 
Indirect Measurement (Non-Invasive)
  • Tail cuff method: Place a specialized large animal blood pressure cuff around the base of the tail over the coccygeal artery.
  • Digital cuff method: Place the cuff around the leg above the digital artery.
  • Automated monitor or Doppler: Inflate the cuff using an oscillometric monitor or a Doppler ultrasound probe to detect pulse return and measure systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure.
Direct Measurement (Invasive / Gold Standard)
  • Arterial catheterization: Place a small catheter directly into a peripheral artery (such as the facial, transverse facial, or dorsal pedal artery). 
  • Transducer connection: Connect the catheter to a fluid-filled pressure transducer that converts physical pressure waves into real-time digital waveform readings on a monitor. This is mostly used during surgery or critical hospital care. 
Assessing Blood Pressure at Home (Estimates)
  • Capillary refill time (CRT): Press your thumb firmly onto the horse’s upper gum until it turns white, then time how long it takes for the pink color to return.
  • Normal CRT: Color should return within 1 to 2 seconds. A longer time can suggest low blood pressure or poor circulation.

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.