Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) is an inherited disease primarily affecting Warmblood horses and their related breeds. This condition is also referred to as Fragile Foal Syndrome Type 1 (FFS). WFFS is characterized by the production of defective collagen, which...
Despite ongoing advances in equine husbandry and veterinary care, achieving a full-term pregnancy in mares can be challenging. The foaling success rate is often measured below 60%, underscoring the complexities involved in equine reproduction. Breeding Soundness Exams (BSEs) are critical...
Dystocia, or difficulty giving birth, is a relatively rare complication in horses occurring in less than 10% of foalings. Dystocia carries significant risks for both the mare and foal, including damage to internal organs, nerves, and blood supply for the...
Antioxidants are important nutrients for horses that help to combat oxidative stress, maintain overall health, and support performance. They work by neutralizing harmful molecules known as free radicals within the body. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules with an electrical...
Mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) is an enigmatic condition first described in Kentucky in 2001, when an estimated 3,500 foals were either aborted, stillborn, or died shortly after birth. Research revealed that abortions and foal death was closely associated with...
Placentitis is a common cause of foal loss and neonatal sepsis in horses. Mares with multiple previous foals, older mares, and mares with poor perineal conformation are most at risk of developing placentitis. Most cases of placentitis arise from bacteria...
Epistaxis is a common condition in horses that refers to bleeding from the nostrils. Nosebleeds can range in severity and may result from trauma, underlying health conditions or exercise. The majority of nosebleeds in horses are caused by minor trauma...
Ivermectin is an over-the-counter medication used to control internal parasites in horses and other animals. It is macrocyclic lactone medication and is one of the most widely used dewormers or anthelmintics in the equine industry. Ivermectin is effective against a...
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), or babesiosis, is an infectious tick-borne disease that affects all equid species, including horses*, mules, donkeys and zebras. It is caused by protozoan parasites that are transferred to the horse via tick bite. The protozoan parasites, Theileria...
Moving a horse to a new barn or facility requires careful planning and consideration. Horses are sensitive animals and are prone to experiencing stress when relocating to a new environment or joining a new herd. This puts them at risk...
Ringbone is a degenerative condition that affects the bones and joints in the horse’s lower limbs. It is characterized by the inflammation of surrounding connective tissue, triggering the formation of bony growths around the affected joints. [ref n="2"][ref n="5"] These...
Twin pregnancies in horses are common but carry significant risks for both the mare and the unborn foals. The horse's reproductive system has developed to carry one fetus to term, and the addition of a second fetus results in competition...
The shape and structure of a horse, referred to as its conformation, significantly influence both its athletic performance and long-term soundness. How a horse is built not only determines how they generate power and speed, but also how their body...
Wood chewing is one of several types of stereotypic behaviors or habits that horses can develop. Stereotypic behaviors, often referred to as stereotypies, are repetitive behavior patterns with no apparent function. They may develop out of boredom or they may...
Miniature Horses are the smallest horse breed in the world. Originating from Shetlands and other pony breeds, modern breeding programs aim to produce minis with physical characteristics that resemble full-sized horses in a smaller package.
The Belgian Draft is one of the largest horse breeds in the world. With roots tracing back to the heavy horses that carried Medieval knights into battle, the Belgian has an impressive stature and exceptional power. In North America, Belgian...
Performance horses have higher energy and protein requirements than horses at maintenance (not exercising). Formulating diets to meet the requirements of horses in work should take into account their level of work and performance goals, as well as help mitigate...
Impaction colic in horses is a painful condition caused by an obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. The term colic describes abdominal pain or discomfort in horses. Cases of colic are generally...
The Morgan horse is a versatile American horse breed known for excelling in a wide range of disciplines. First developed in the Northeastern United States in the 1800s, modern Morgans have long maintained a reputation as dependable companions and willing...
No horse owner wants to face the impossible decision of leaving their animal behind in an emergency. While natural disasters can be unpredictable, an emergency preparedness checklist can help horse owners keep their animals safe when disaster strikes. Not having...
Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or a new horse owner, trailering your horse can be a daunting task but does not have to be uncomfortable for you or your horse. Many factors influence equine welfare while trailering. However, the...
The Coggins test is a standard fixture in a routine annual equine wellness appointment. Veterinarians usually pull blood for this test when they perform spring vaccines but, some horse owners may not fully understand why. Coggins testing is often mandatory...
Grazing fresh forage while out on pasture can provide excellent nutrition for horses. But environmental conditions and horse needs can make it challenging to maintain productive pastures. Some pastures require very little management to support a low density of horses....
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a medicinal plant that is frequently used to soothe skin irritations. The gel of the inner leaf is also commonly fed to reduce or prevent gastric irritations and ulcers in horses. Aloe vera gel contains...
Tying-up in horses is a colloquial term for Exertional Rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving exercise-related muscle cramping and damage. Some horses experience a single episode of tying up whereas others experience recurrent tying-up. During an episode, the affected horse becomes stiff...
Chasteberry is an herbal supplement that is used to support mood balance and hormone health in female and male horses. The Chastetree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) plant is a shrub that grows in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The fruits...
Have you noticed changes in your horse such as weight loss, a dull coat, disinterest in feeding or crib chewing that have resulted in poor performance? Your horse might be experiencing stomach pain, most likely due to gastric ulcers. Equine...
Given the importance of the hoof, it's important to know that what you feed your horse will have a profound impact on its hoof growth and quality. In this article, we will go over what nutrients your horse needs to...
If you have taken the first steps towards feeding your horse a balanced diet that includes a concentrated mineral and vitamin supplement, there's a chance that your horse may turn its head up when first introduced to it. But don't...
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