Equine Triage Scale
|
Triage Level |
Time to be seen |
Classification |
History & presenting signs |
Possible causes |
|
1 |
Immediately |
Life threatening |
Collapse Breathing difficulty Resuscitation required Arrest or impending arrest Object stuck in mouth or throat Arterial bleeding |
Choke Shock Paralysis Known snake bite |
|
2 |
10 minutes |
Urgent |
>= vital signs compromised. Severe pain or trauma, Dyspnoea, Recent toxin ingestion Non weight bearing lameness Unable to urinate Persistent seizures Foal NQR/ not suckling |
Colic (Abdominal Pain, bloating) Dystocia Fractures Luxation Eye trauma Insect sting on face Hit by car Toxin ingestion Caught in fence Swelling around muzzle |
|
3 |
1-2 hours |
Semi-urgent |
Moderate dehydration, Mild to moderate pain, History of seizures |
Diarrhoea Major wounds Discharge from eye Head tilt Walking in circles Inco-ordination/ wobbliness Seizures Swelling/ bulge vagina or rectum Retained foetal membrane Constipation |
|
4 |
(Same Day) |
Non-urgent |
Depression/ lethargy (NQR) Excessive drinking/ urinating Minor bleeding, Minor lacerations, |
Minor wounds Acute lameness Any ear problem Vaginal discharge Swelling of any type Blood in faeces Blood in urine Sudden onset of lumps Abortion or mare that has slipped |
|
5 |
>12 hours (next day) |
Delay acceptable |
Chronic/ intermittent lameness, skin conditions, coughing with no dyspnoea |
Hoof abscess Respiratory infection Unilateral nasal discharge Head shaking |
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Apr 5, 2018.
