Equine Narcolepsy Causes of Narcolepsy Signs Treatment Other Sleep Disorders Normal Equine Sleep Narcolepsy is a neurological and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disorder. It involves the sudden onset of [...]

A hunter’s bump, or sacroiliac subluxation, is a hump on the horse’s lower back that develops above the croup. It is most apparent when viewing a horse in motion from behind.

Clinical Signs Thermoregulation Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Heat stress occurs when the horse’s internal cooling mechanisms stop working efficiently and the ability to maintain a normal body temperature is [...]

Hypothyroidism refers to inadequate production of thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine and (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and play a role in regulating your horse's metabolism. Hypothyroidism most commonly occurs in neonatal foals and is rarely observed in adult horses. In foals, the condition results in musculoskeletal deformities and, in some cases, thyroid gland enlargement. When hypothyroidism occurs in adult horses, typical signs include dull coat, lethargy, and poor performance.

Shivers Risk Factors Clinical Signs Causes Diagnosis Management Prognosis Shivers, or shivering, in horses is a progressive neuromuscular condition characterized by an abnormal, jerky gait while backing up. [...]

Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), previously referred to as Cushing’s Disease, is an endocrine-related disease that affects approximately 20-25% of senior horses, ponies, and donkeys. Signs of PPID in horses include abnormal hair coats, muscle atrophy, loss of topline, poor performance, regional fat deposits, and weight loss. Horses may also experience infertility, abnormal sweating, increased thirst and urination, and immune dysfunction. Horses affected by PPID also have a higher risk of laminitis and may experience symptoms related to insulin resistance due to concurrent Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

Clinical Signs Risk and Prevention Diagnosis Treatment Nutrition Prognosis Bowed tendon in horses is defined as acute or chronic inflammation of a tendon. This condition is also known as tendinitis, [...]

Angular limb deformities (ALDs) and flexural deformities (FDs) frequently affect foals’ legs. When severe, they are deemed clinically significant and require conservative management or veterinary intervention to achieve correction.

Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a non-contagious neurological disease that results from a bacterial infection. Horses are particularly vulnerable to tetanus, with individuals of all ages and breeds affected worldwide. Tetanus spores are particularly dangerous for horses as they survive for long periods and can be found everywhere in the environment, including in soil, dust, manure and even the digestive tract. The smallest wound can make a horse susceptible to tetanus once these spores enter the body. Fortunately, tetanus is entirely preventable with regular immunization and other protective measures.

Botulism is a fatal neuroparalytic disease that affects horses, humans and other animals worldwide. Botulism interferes with nerve signalling, weakening and often paralyzing the horse. This disease is caused by the ingestion of botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Horses are particularly susceptible to botulism and only need to consume a small amount of botulism neurotoxin to become seriously infected. When botulism occurs in foals, it is known as Shaker Foal Syndrome or toxico-infectious botulism. Botulism outbreaks occur sporadically but are fortunately rare. Feed or forage can be contaminated with botulism and infect multiple horses with access to that feed. Silage and haylage are the most common sources of botulism in equine diets.

Alopecia or hair loss in horses can occur for several different reasons and may be temporary or permanent. Alopecia refers to the partial or complete absence of hair that occurs in any area of the body where hair is normally present. Congenital alopecia is a condition that is present at the time of birth. This form of alopecia is non-inflammatory and may occur due to genetic factors, resulting in damage to the hair follicles. Acquired alopecia refers to a partial or complete loss of hair that occurs at any stage of life. It is the most common form of hair loss that affects horses.

Photosensitization, or light-induced dermatitis (photodermatitis), is a noncontagious condition in horses where the skin becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight. This condition often mimics a sunburn, but it is much more serious and painful. Photosensitization is most commonly caused by ingesting toxic plants containing pigments, which are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and transported to the skin. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, the pigments cause a complex photosensitivity reaction in the horse's skin. Non-pigmented (i.e. white) skin is especially sensitive to reactive compounds, as is skin with little hair cover (i.e. muzzle, eyelids, ears).

It’s not uncommon for horses to experience eye problems. Several conditions and diseases can affect vision and eye health in horses, including uveitis, cataracts, and conjunctivitis. Horses experiencing eye issues may have symptoms such as swelling, tearing, drainage, discoloration, cloudiness, or sensitivity to light. Some conditions may not affect the eye, but instead, the eyelid or area around the eye. If your horse is affected by vision problems, this may result in poor performance, reluctance to move, nervous behavior, stumbling or clumsiness and an increased risk of injuries.

Myosin Heavy Chain Myopathy (MYHM) is a muscle disease that can affect Quarter Horses and related breeds with the associated mutation in the MYH1 gene. MYH1, also called myosin heavy chain 1, is a gene that encodes a type of myosin found in fast-twitch muscle. Myosin is a protein responsible for muscle contraction and other motor functions. Horses with the MYH1 mutation have myosin with an altered amino acid sequence which interferes with the function of myosin in muscle tissue.

Coughing in Horses Causes Diagnosis Treatments Management Nutrition Coughing is a common clinical sign in horses that can be entirely benign or the first clue of a medical condition. Your [...]

Lasix (furosemide) is a medication routinely used to prevent lung bleeding in horses with exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). This bleeding disorder is prevalent in racehorses following bouts of high-intensity exercise. Veterinarians often recommend treating with Lasix on race days to minimize the risk of bleeding, with a reported 74.2% of racehorses in North America using the drug. Horses on Lasix have faster race times and earn more money over their career than horses not on the drug. However, controversy surrounds the widespread use of Lasix in the racing industry.