Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS), or coat colour dilution lethal (CCDL), is a rare and lethal disorder in Arabian horses and crossbreeds. Foals with LFS are born with neurological problems and a lightened coat colour. Lavender Foal Syndrome is a genetic...
Fescue toxicosis in horses results from ingestion of fescue grass contaminated with the fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum. The fungus produces ergot alkaloid toxins which cause changes in hormone concentrations and blood flow in pregnant mares grazing contaminated pastures or hay. Nearly...
Endometritis is a condition involving inflammation of the uterine lining, and is a very common cause of infertility in broodmares. Mares with endometritis develop fibrosis and inflammation that prevent embryonic development, resulting in failure to conceive or early embryonic loss....
Although donkeys and horses are kept similarly, they are two distinct species that have evolved separately from one another. As such, donkeys and horses have different nutrient requirements. In developed countries, donkeys are more commonly kept as leisure mounts and...
Proud flesh, also known as granulation tissue, is a type of healing tissue in horses that forms naturally as part of the wound repair process. This tissue aids in wound healing by closing the gap between exposed soft tissue and...
The Highland Pony is a mountain pony breed native to Scotland. These ponies are one of the largest native pony breeds from the British Isles. While written records of the breed date back to the 18th century, ponies have inhabited...
The Dales Pony is a large working pony breed that originated in the Dales of Yorkshire in North England. Dales ponies are the largest native pony breed from England and are closely related to the smaller Fell Pony.
The Knabstrupper, also known as the Knabstrup horse, is a Danish warmblood breed renowned for its distinctive spotted coats. This breed has a relatively recent origin, with its lineage tracing back to a single spotted mare who relocated to Denmark...
The Norwegian Fjord is one of the world's oldest horse breeds. The breed is easily recognizable today by its dun colouring and primitive markings that trace back to prehistoric horses. Although they resemble wild Przewalski horses, they are not closely...
The Shire horse is an iconic draft breed originally developed for heavy farm work in the rural shires of Great Britain. The Shire is one of the world’s largest horse breeds, known for its impressive size and strength. The record...
Strongyles are considered the most significant internal parasite that affects horses. It is estimated that these parasites affect between 80 – 99% of equids worldwide. There are two main types of strongyles: large strongyles and small strongyles. Both types can...
Congenital hypothyroidism and dysmaturity (CHD) syndrome is a common manifestation of hypothyroidism in foals, resulting in dysmature foals that are born weak with contracted tendons, poor ossification of the cuboidal bones, and poor muscular development. The basic cause of CHD...
Whey protein is a cost-effective, high-quality protein source that is safe to feed to horses. Whey is a common ingredient in commercial horse feeds and is also available as a standalone supplement. Whey protein is considered a complete protein source...
The Akhal Teke is an ancient horse breed with a legendary history and elegant looks. Sometimes referred to as “golden horses” for their distinctive metallic coats, Akhal Tekes are best known for their intelligence, endurance, and beauty. This breed originated...
Also referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an important water-soluble vitamin for horses. It works together with vitamin E and selenium to provide antioxidant protection against cell damage. Vitamin C has additional roles in the equine body including...
Supraspinous bursitis, more often known as fistulous withers, is not a common problem in horses — at least in North America. However, it is a serious condition that more often affects horses and donkeys in developing nations. Fistulous withers involves...
Equine abortion and stillbirth refer to delivery of a non-viable fetus or foal. Most causes of abortion and stillbirth do not affect the mare’s future fertility; however, the loss of the foal can cause significant economic losses for the breeder....
Pergolide mesylate (Prascend®) is a medication used to treat horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), previously referred to as Equine Cushing’s disease. This common endocrine disorder, typically observed in older horses, can cause tendon and ligament breakdown, abdominal wall...
Your horse's conformation impacts their overall performance, soundness, and ability to excel in various disciplines. When it comes to evaluating forelimb conformation, judges will look at the withers, shoulders, elbows, leg, knee and pastern. The horse's forelimbs should exhibit symmetry...
Bleeding disorders can significantly affect your horse’s performance and overall health. These conditions can be present from birth or develop later in life and are characterized by abnormal bleeding or hemorrhage. Some bleeding disorders, such as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH),...
Cellulitis refers to bacterial infection and inflammation that affects tissues under the skin anywhere in the body. In horses, this severe condition typically occurs in the hindlimbs. It is characterized by a sudden onset with significant swelling and intense pain.
Does my horse need shoes? This is a question frequently asked by horse owners, and the answer varies depending on several factors. Horses wear shoes for various reasons, including providing protection and traction, supporting hoof structure, and improving performance. Some...
A heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is a performance-limiting condition commonly seen in athletic horses. While some arrhythmias are benign, others may indicate cardiac disease or another underlying health condition. The horse is a supreme athlete with a powerful heart...
Equine pinworms, or Oxyuris equi, are common parasites that inhabit the horse's colon. Female pinworms lay their eggs on the perianal skin (around the anus), which can cause intense itching and irritation for the horse. Pinworm infections are most common...
The Shetland Pony is one of the smallest breeds of equines in the world. They are the modern descendants of ancient ponies that roamed the Shetland Isles of Northern Scotland for thousands of years. Today, Shetlands are beloved family members...
Welsh Ponies are one of the most popular breeds of small equines worldwide. Breed registries recognize four sections of Welsh Ponies depending on size and type, ranging from the smallest Welsh Mountain Pony to the sturdier Welsh Cob. The breed...
The Tennessee Walking Horse or Tennessee Walker is a gaited breed known for its unique four-beat running walk. Developed initially as a light riding horse in the American South, Tennessee Walking Horses continue to enjoy popularity as a flashy recreational...
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), otherwise known as Triple E or sleeping sickness, is a rare and lethal virus in horses that causes inflammation of the brain. EEE is transmitted through mosquito bites and attacks the central nervous system (CNS). It...
The Lipizzaner, or Lipizzan, is one of the most culturally significant European horse breeds. Made famous by the Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, these horses are recognized worldwide for their classical dressage ability. Named for the...
Horses are single stomach (monogastric) herbivores that evolved to graze on fiber-rich roughage. Their unique digestive system consists of a foregut and hindgut, each with different functions for breaking down feed and absorbing nutrients. The stomach and small intestines, which...