Conditions

Locoweed toxicosis in horses is a progressive poisoning caused by repeated ingestion of certain swainsonine-containing plants. Often called locoism, the condition primarily affects the nervous system and can lead to changes in coordination, behavior, and body condition. Early signs may...

Curb is swelling or thickening that develops along the back of a horse's hock. It is usually associated with strain or injury to the ligaments, tendons, or other supporting tissues in this area. A fresh curb may appear suddenly and...

Horsetail toxicosis in horses is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by repeated consumption of horsetail plants, most often through contaminated hay. Early signs such as weight loss, weakness, and mild incoordination may be subtle, making a history of...

Fiddleneck toxicosis in horses is a form of plant poisoning caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in species of fiddleneck plants in the genus Amsinckia. Horses may ingest the plant while grazing or consume its dried material and seeds in contaminated...

Hoary alyssum toxicosis in horses is a potentially serious condition caused by eating fresh or dried hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana). Equine exposure often occurs through contaminated hay, where the weed is more difficult to recognize after harvesting and baling. Affected...

Heliotrope toxicosis in horses is a potentially fatal form of plant poisoning caused by toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver. Because these compounds have cumulative effects, repeated consumption of small amounts may cause serious injury before a horse shows...

Jimsonweed poisoning in horses is a potentially life-threatening toxicosis caused by ingesting Datura stramonium, an invasive plant containing potent tropane alkaloids. These compounds disrupt normal nerve signaling and can severely impair gastrointestinal function. Exposure is difficult to detect when jimsonweed...

Buttress foot, also known as pyramidal hoof disease, is a firm enlargement that develops at the front of a horse's coronary band. It is associated with changes in the bone around the extensor process of the coffin bone or the...

Laurel toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially serious poisoning caused by ingesting toxic Kalmia shrubs, including mountain laurel and sheep laurel. All parts of these plants can contain grayanotoxins, which disrupt normal nerve, muscle, and heart function. Horses...

Horse chestnut toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially serious poisoning caused by ingesting seeds or other parts of trees in the Aesculus genus. Fallen seeds, young shoots, leaves, bark, and flowers can all contain toxic compounds that affect...

Foxglove poisoning in horses is a potentially fatal emergency caused by ingesting Digitalis purpurea, a toxic ornamental plant that can severely disrupt heart function. Although cases are uncommon, foxglove sometimes grows near pastures and paddocks or ends up in contaminated...

Clostridial myositis is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection that causes rapid damage to a horse's muscle tissue. Also known as clostridial myonecrosis, the condition is sometimes called gas gangrene because some infections produce gas within the affected tissues. The...

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a life-threatening complication of many serious illnesses and injuries in horses. It most commonly develops in horses with severe colic, colitis, infection, or major trauma, as well as after surgery. However, any condition that...

Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD) is an inherited hoof disorder in horses that primarily affects Connemara Ponies and horses with Connemara ancestry. The condition weakens the hoof wall, causing it to crack, separate, and break away as the hoof grows...

Cycad toxicosis in horses is a potentially fatal poisoning caused by ingesting cycads, a group of palm-like ornamental plants that includes the sago palm. Although exposure is uncommon, these plants may be found near paddocks, barns, gardens, and landscaped properties,...

Fetterbush toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially serious form of plant poisoning caused by ingesting shrubs from the Leucothoe genus and related species. These plants may be found in wooded environments or used in landscaping around farms and...

English ivy toxicosis in horses occurs when horses consume the leaves, vines, or berries of this common ornamental plant. Although its bitter taste typically discourages horses from eating large amounts, exposure can occur along overgrown fence lines, in wooded paddocks...

Equine coital exanthema in horses is an EHV-3 infection with an important practical consequence: a mare or stallion may appear healthy yet still need to be withdrawn from breeding. Even a mild case can cause significant discomfort and disrupt breeding...

Day blooming jasmine toxicosis in horses is a progressive form of poisoning caused by repeated ingestion of the ornamental shrub Cestrum diurnum. The plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions and may be found in landscaped areas, along fence lines,...

Death camas toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening form of plant poisoning caused by ingesting death camas. These highly toxic plants grow across much of North America and may be consumed when pasture forage is sparse or...

Equine complex vertebral malformation (ECVM) is a congenital abnormality of the lower cervical spine in horses that affects the shape of the sixth and sometimes seventh cervical vertebrae. Interest in ECVM has grown in equine veterinary medicine as researchers investigate...

Desert rose toxicosis in horses is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening poisoning caused by ingesting Adenium obesum, a succulent ornamental plant. Unlike many toxic pasture weeds, desert rose is typically found in landscaped gardens, container plantings, and discarded yard waste....

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a highly toxic flowering plant that can pose a serious poisoning risk to horses, especially when seeds are chewed or crushed.The plant is widely distributed throughout tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions worldwide. Castor bean...

Sweeney shoulder in horses is a nerve-related shoulder condition that occurs when the suprascapular nerve is damaged, causing nearby muscles to weaken and waste away. This muscle loss can create a hollowed appearance around the shoulder and may affect the...

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), often incorrectly referred to as acacia, is a deciduous tree in the bean family (Fabaceae) that can pose a toxic risk to horses. Native to parts of eastern North America, black locust grows rapidly and spreads...

Avocado toxicity in horses occurs when horses ingest leaves, fruit, stems, bark, or seeds from the avocado tree (Persea americana). Although avocado fruit is commonly consumed by humans, the plant contains compounds that can cause illness in several animal species,...

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare inherited muscle disorder in horses that affects how muscles regulate calcium. When calcium regulation becomes abnormal, the muscles become overactive and produce excessive heat, carbon dioxide, and acid within the body. The condition is...

Allium plants are a bulb-forming species that include onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives. Although these plants are common in human diets, they can pose a toxic risk to horses when consumed in sufficient amounts or repeatedly over time. Exposure...

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also known as meadow saffron, is a highly toxic plant that can pose a serious risk to horses in pastures, hay fields, and contaminated forage. This small herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and parts of...

Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is a widespread toxic plant that can pose a serious risk to horses when consumed repeatedly in pasture or contaminated hay. This adaptable perennial fern grows throughout North America and many other regions, often establishing dense...