Immune-mediated myositis (IMM) is a muscle disorder in horses where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own muscle fibers, resulting in severe muscle atrophy. IMM is one of the two disorders classified under Myosin Heavy Chain Myopathy (MYHM) in horses....
Psyllium is a rich source of soluble fiber that can be incorporated into equine diets. Soluble fiber remains undigested by enzymes in the stomach (gastric juices), but passes into the hindgut where it may be partially digested by microbes. Psyllium...
Clipping a horse’s coat is often messy and time-consuming. It can also be stressful for both horses and humans. With the right approach, clipping your horse doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. Clipping offers numerous benefits, particularly for horses...
The overo pattern is one of three coat patterns in American Paint Horses (APHs) recognized by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), along with Tobiano and Tovero. Among Overo variations, the frame overo subtype stands out for its distinctive markings....
Wolf teeth in horses are short teeth sometimes found in the space between the front and cheek teeth on both sides of the upper jaw. Wolf teeth are normal, but have no particular function for horses. Wolf teeth have traditionally...
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a treatment modality for horses where a machine produces pulses of electromagnetic fields directed at a specific part of the body. Research suggests that PEMF can improve bone healing rates, regenerate and protect cartilage...
Corticosteroids are a class of medication used to treat inflammation and pain. Corticosteroid joint injections are a common treatment for arthritis in horses. When injected directly into a joint, corticosteroids produce an anti-inflammatory effect that reduces pain associated with arthritis...
Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER), commonly known as tying-up or azoturia, is an exercise-induced condition in horses characterized by the excessive breakdown of muscle tissue. This results in muscle spasms, pain and impaired performance following bouts of exercise. [1] In severe cases,...
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is commonly spread to horses through direct contact with contaminated food and water sources. While there are many different species of the Leptospira bacteria, symptoms in horses are most commonly caused by Leptospira interrogans.
Sesamoiditis in horses refers to pain and injury around the sesamoid bones, pairs of small triangular bones found at the back of the fetlock. Inflammation in this area can cause pain and changes to the bony structure of the sesamoid...
Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality that has been adapted over the centuries to suit various species, including horses. Treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into specific landmarks on the body to provide pain relief or improve function of body...
Managing manure is an inevitable aspect of equine stable maintenance and requires careful consideration. A successful manure management program will depend on multiple factors including the number of horses at the location, the amount of available land, and the stable/facility...
The Breton horse is a French draft breed from Bretagne, or Brittany, a province in northwest France. There are three types of Breton horses: the Postier Breton, the Central Mountain Breton, and the Heavy Draft Breton. This breed profile will...
The Appendix horse is a mixed breed produced by crossing an American Quarter Horse with a Thoroughbred. The cross is also known as an Appendix Quarter Horse. Appendix horses can become eligible for permanent registration with the American Quarter Horse...
Looking for ways to reduce swelling in your horse's legs? Several factors can lead to leg swelling in horses, ranging from mild conditions such as "stocking up" to more severe issues such as cellulitis. If your horse is experiencing limb...
Sacroiliac pain is a common cause of poor performance and low-grade lameness in performance horses. The sacroiliac joint is the point on the horse’s body where the pelvis and the spine connect, playing an important role in their stride.
Pedal osteitis in horses is a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the pedal (coffin) bone within the hoof. Affected horses can experience pain and lameness, which may be worse after exercise or hoof trimming. Pedal osteitis typically develops...
Sidebone in horses is a common condition that affects the collateral cartilages of the hoof. It occurs when the normally flexible cartilage plates in the horse's hoof gradually become hardened and calcified into bone. According to research, an estimated 80%...
Cobs are small draft-type horses known for their hardiness and versatility as recreational riding mounts. The cob isn’t a distinct breed. The term refers to a common body type in several popular horse breeds. This guide will discuss the history,...
The Swedish Warmblood is a sport horse breed that originated at the state studs of Sweden. While less popular than some warmbloods from mainland Europe, many Swedish Warmbloods excel at the top level of equestrian sport. This Scandinavian breed was...
Keratomas in horses are abnormal growths or benign tumors that develop within the hoof capsule, potentially resulting in lameness and discomfort. These non-cancerous masses comprise overgrowths of keratin, typically forming near the coronary band.
Synovial infections in horses refer to infections in the synovial structures, which include joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. These infections can be severe and potentially career-ending for equine athletes. Most horses develop synovial infections from wounds over top of a...
Ionophore toxicosis, a severe and often fatal condition in horses, arises from the ingestion of ionophores, antibiotic compounds that are common in livestock feeds. Common ionophores in livestock feeds include monensin, lasalocid and salinomycin. These antibiotics increase growth rates in...
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in horses is a cardiac rhythm disorder, characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. This condition can affect horses of any breed, age, or discipline, but it is more...
Scratches in horses, also known as pastern dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin conditions that affects the lower limbs of horses. It is characterized by irritation and sometimes infection of the skin, usually around the hind pastern or fetlock. The condition...
Umbilical disorders in newborn foals can arise due to bacterial infection or improper closure of the umbilicus after birth. The three most common umbilical disorders in horses are omphalitis, patent urachus, and umbilical hernia. If not addressed promptly, these conditions...
There are hundreds of horse breeds found around the world, each uniquely adapted to their local environment and their role in human society. These breeds vary widely in appearance, size, and conformation, reflecting the particular conditions of their selective breeding....
The Przewalski’s horse is an endangered equid native to the steppes of Central Asia. Named after the Russian explorer Nikolai Przewalski, who first described them in the late 19th century, these horses have a robust build, a thick, upright mane,...
The typical gestation period for horses ranges from 340 to 342 days. During this time, foals undergo extensive development of their organ and skeletal systems, ensuring their survival outside of the mare after birth. In some cases, foals are born...
The Carolina Marsh Tacky is a critically endangered horse breed native to the low country of South Carolina. These horses belong to a group of Colonial Spanish breeds descended from Iberian horses brought to America by early Spanish explorers.
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