Muscle cramps in horses are contractions of a muscle or group of muscles. They may occur during or after exercise and can cause visible muscle tightening, stiffness, pain, or reluctance to move. Muscle twitching may occur at the same time,...

Blepharitis in horses is inflammation of one or both eyelids that can cause swelling, redness, irritation, crusting, hair loss, and discomfort around the eye. Other identifying symptoms include excessive tearing, eye discharge, squinting, and sensitivity to light, particularly when inflammation...

A runny nose in horses can range from a small amount of clear fluid to thick, foul-smelling, or bloody discharge. While occasional clear nasal discharge is not always a cause for concern, persistent or unusual discharge can indicate a problem...

Facial nerve paralysis in horses causes weakness or loss of movement in the muscles of the face. Depending on the location of the nerve damage, affected horses may develop a drooping ear or lip, an uneven muzzle, difficulty blinking, or...

Fever in horses is a common symptom of infection and inflammation and can range from a mild, temporary temperature increase to a warning sign of serious illness. A horse's temperature can also rise after exercise or during hot weather, making...

Teeth grinding in horses, also known as bruxism, is an abnormal behavior that often indicates pain, discomfort, or an underlying medical condition. Although the sound may be most noticeable while a horse is eating or resting, persistent grinding is a...

Jaundice in horses is a yellow discoloration of the eyes, gums, or skin that develops when bilirubin builds up in the body. Bilirubin is a pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, and it is typically processed...

A swollen umbilicus in a foal is a common abnormality that may involve the external navel, deeper umbilical structures within the abdomen, or both. While some cases are relatively minor, others can indicate infection, persistent fetal structures, an umbilical hernia,...

A hot hoof in horses is a common symptom that owners may find during routine grooming, hoof cleaning, or after exercise. While warmth can be a normal response to increased blood flow, work, or hot weather, it can also be...

The equine stress response is a normal part of how horses recognize and react to challenges in their environment. Sudden noises, travel, social changes, unfamiliar surroundings, physical demands, pain, illness, and changes in routine can all activate biological systems that...

Ataxia refers to a loss of normal coordination and is one of the most common signs of neurological disease in horses.  Because normal movement depends on the coordinated function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and balance systems, many...

Elbow lameness in horses refers to pain or dysfunction arising from the elbow joint or nearby soft tissues. Although the elbow is not a common source of forelimb lameness in horses, problems in this region can have a major impact...

Drooling in horses can be a normal response to eating, but excessive salivation may also signal irritation, dental disease, swallowing difficulty, toxic plant exposure, or another underlying health concern. Because saliva supports chewing, swallowing, and digestion, changes in how much...