Horse Vital Signs: Checking Capillary Refill Time

Capillary refill time is how quickly blood returns to an area, such as your horse’s gums, after applying pressure. This information is important to share with your veterinarian during times of colic or distress. A horse’s normal capillary refill time should be less than 2 seconds. Sina Parsaye, DVM, of Parsaye Veterinary Services Inc., in Laporte, Colorado, demonstrates how to safely check your horse’s capillary refill time.