How often should a horse's temperature be monitored in a clinical setting?

Monitoring a horse's temperature when illness is suspected is critical because it provides immediate insight into the horse's health status. A fever can be an early sign of infection or illness, so taking the horse's temperature allows for timely intervention and treatment. This practice enables caretakers to assess whether the horse is experiencing a significant deviation from its normal temperature range, which typically falls between 99°F and 101.5°F (approximately 37.2°C to 38.6°C).

In contrast, monitoring a horse's temperature once a year or monthly does not provide sufficient oversight of the horse's health, as many conditions can develop suddenly or without obvious signs. Daily monitoring might be excessive and impractical unless the horse is already ill or undergoing treatment that requires close observation. Therefore, taking the horse's temperature specifically when illness is suspected allows for a focused approach to health monitoring, ensuring that any health issues are addressed promptly.