Conditions

The horse’s skeletal system is made up of more than 200 bones that all connect with the help of connective tissue—tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In each location where two or more bones meet, this is known as a joint. Joints...

English performance riding has roots in European equestrian traditions linked to military horsemanship and hunting on horseback. These traditions relied on the horse’s agility, disposition and responsiveness – the traits at the heart of modern English equestrian sport disciplines. From...

Displacement colics are a serious concern for horses, involving the abnormal positioning of the intestines within the hindgut. These conditions, including right dorsal displacement, left dorsal displacement, and large colon volvulus, can lead to blockages that disrupt the normal flow...

Enteritis is a serious condition in horses, characterized by inflammation of the intestinal tract, which can disrupt the digestive system and lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, colic, and weight loss. This condition can affect horses of all ages, though...

Migrating grass awns, commonly referred to as foxtails, pose a significant health risk to horses. These sharp, barbed seeds can become embedded in a horse's ear, mouth, nose, or skin. Once they have entered the animal's tissue, they can migrate...

The liver is the largest organ in the horse's body, making up one percent of its total body weight. Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver and is a non-specific term used to describe liver disease. The liver is a...

Purpura hemorrhagica (PH) is a severe immune-mediated condition in horses characterized by widespread inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis. This condition often develops as a secondary complication of infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus equi, the bacterium responsible for...

Unlike the explosive speed of racehorses or the poised collection of hunter-jumpers, the endurance horse has a more specialized skillset. Endurances horses – and riders – work hard to go the distance. Riding in the range of 80 or more...

Small intestine volvulus is a serious condition in horses, characterized by a twisting of the intestine around itself and the root of the mesentery. This twist can cause a blockage, restricting blood flow and leading to severe damage to the...

Warts in horses, also known as equine papillomatosis, are small, benign growths caused by equine papillomaviruses (EPVs). These growths primarily affect young horses under the age of three, as their developing immune systems are more susceptible to the virus. EPVs...

Quidding is a term used to describe a horse dropping food from its mouth while eating. This can be a sign of dental problems as well as a number of other conditions. Regular dental care is of utmost importance to...

Ticks are small, blood-feeding arachnids with specialized mouthparts that allow them to attach to a variety of hosts, including humans, birds, reptiles, and mammals like horses. After attaching to a host, ticks use their mouthparts to feed on the host’s...

The protein lumps and bumps that are found on the neck and back of the horse are often eosinophilic granulomas. These are small, benign nodules that can develop under a horse's skin. They may occur as single bumps or develop...

The horse's brain is responsible for managing and regulating all bodily functions and behaviours. The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain beneath the occipital lobes, plays a vital role in coordinating and fine-tuning motor movements. Equine Cerebellar Abiotrophy...

Inguinal hernias, also known as scrotal hernias, are a condition where a horse's intestine slips through the inguinal canal and settles in the vaginal tunic. Inguinal rupture is where a horse’s intestine slips through a tear in the vaginal ring...

Cyanide toxicosis is a potentially fatal condition in horses which is caused by the ingestion of plants containing cyanogenic glycosides. Understanding cyanide toxicosis is essential for anyone involved in horse care. Over 3,000 plants worldwide are known to produce cyanogenic...

Intussusception in horses describes a condition where a segment of the intestine folds inward on itself, like closing a telescope. This condition primarily affects younger horses, particularly foals, but is occasionally seen in mature horses. Intussusception can lead to severe...

Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye", is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. This condition is the most common acquired eye disease in animals....

The stifle is a complex joint in the horse's leg, comparable to the human knee. It comprises bones, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles that work together to enable movement and provide stability. This joint plays a crucial role in the overall...

Nitrogen compounds, crucial for fertilizers, have revolutionized agriculture, ensuring food security but they pose environmental risks such as water pollution and algae blooms. Horses, while less susceptible than ruminants to nitrate poisoning due to their digestive system, can suffer severe...

The conformation of a horse directly impacts their overall performance capacity, long-term soundness, and their potential in different disciplines of equestrian sport. The conformation of the hindlimbs is particularly important, as the hind legs provide the horse’s power, speed, and...

Ryegrass is a popular forage choice worldwide, and is a nutritious source of protein and energy for horses and other grazing animals. Although both species of ryegrass are good sources of nutrition and are not toxic in and of themselves,...

Horse owners have a vested interest in their horse's health, as health conditions can directly impact their horse's wellbeing, performance, and longevity. Understanding common horse diseases is crucial for anyone involved in equine care, as early recognition of the symptoms...

Capped hock refers to inflammation and swelling over the bony point of a horse's hock. The "cap" may be squishy or firm and is usually the result of trauma or repeated rubbing. Alongside the characteristic swelling, the horse may have...

Fibrotic myopathy is a rare condition in horses characterized by the development of fibrous (scar) tissue within the muscles, typically affecting the inner thigh muscles of one or both hindlimbs. Affected horses develop hindlimb stiffness, a distinctive hoof-slapping gait, mechanical,...

Sidewinder Syndrome, also known as sidewinder gait or crab walking, is one of the more perplexing and challenging equine health conditions for horse owners and veterinarians alike. This syndrome is characterized by a distinct sideways drift of the horse's trunk...

Seizures, while relatively rare in horses compared to dogs and humans, pose significant challenges for both horse owners and veterinarians. These neurological episodes, characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, can manifest in various forms. During a seizure, a...

Tyzzer's disease, while rare, is a highly fatal hepatic condition that can affect all foals, including those which are healthy and well-nourished. The disease is not believed to be contagious, but the presence of bacteria in a contaminated environment can...

Wry nose is a congenital condition in foals where the nose appears twisted or crooked due to malformations that develop during gestation. This condition involves significant changes in the shape and direction of the upper jaw, nasal bones, incisive bones,...

Sesamoid injuries are a common and often serious equine injury. The small sesamoid bones play a large role in reducing tension on the muscles and tendons of the body. The proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs), located in the fetlock joint, play...