Using Telemedicine to Treat Horses

Since the COVID-19-related global lockdowns began in 2020, telemedicine has become increasingly important for monitoring the health of competition horses, says Dr Mac.

- By Dr Mac

Performance horses, particularly racehorses, are monitored regularly so that trainers can design a training programme that suits the animals’ strengths and weaknesses.

Traditionally, racehorse trainers record the pulse and respiration rate of each animal, and check it for lameness after morning gallops. Competitive showjumping and eventing horses are usually monitored in the mornings and evenings by their grooms, who report to the rider or owner of the horse on whether it is lame or injured after lunging or exercising.

Endurance riders regularly monitor heart rate, respiration and lameness, using these findings to get their horses fit for faster ride times, while increasing the kilometres ridden daily.

Before 2020, the owner of a lame horse would contact a veterinarian, who would come out to the yard to examine the animal, make a diagnosis and treat it accordingly. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic instantly changed this dynamic. Lockdown prevented vets from visiting their clients, and the widespread use of telemedicine was ushered in.