Conditions

Skin allergies are a common yet often misunderstood condition in horses, affecting equine comfort, performance, and overall well being. From itchy rashes to persistent dermatitis, these reactions can arise due to environmental factors, insect bites, or other triggers. For horse...

Colitis in horses is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the colon, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal discomfort. Colitis is a general term that describes inflammation in the colon. In horses, there are a number of conditions...

Caudal heel pain is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. This complex condition affects the structures within the horse's heel region, including the navicular bone, its associated ligaments, and the surrounding soft tissue. Its impact on...

Contagious colitis in horses, also referred to as infectious colitis, is a serious gastrointestinal condition caused by infectious agents (pathogens) such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. This highly transmissible disease can spread rapidly, especially in environments where horses are in...

Headshaking is a concerning behavior in horses. This condition can be triggered by disorders or injury of the head or neck, harsh riding techniques, and a number of other causes. Headshaking is considered a normal behavior if it only occurs...

Food allergies in horses are a complex, poorly understood, and often overlooked issue, posing significant challenges for horse owners and veterinarians alike. Unlike food intolerances, which involve non-immune mediated reactions, food allergies trigger an immune response that can result in...

Hypothermia and frostbite are serious cold-weather conditions that can affect horses exposed to extreme low temperatures, especially when combined with wind and moisture. Although horses are naturally equipped to withstand cold weather, prolonged exposure to temperatures below their thermoneutral zone...

Originating from Friesland in the Netherlands, Friesian horses have a rich lineage that has been tracked for about 150 years through the Royal Friesian Horse Studbook. Known for their striking black coats, feathered fetlocks, and balanced physique, Friesians are valued...

Colic in horses is one of the most common and serious health conditions affecting equines, and it can strike suddenly, regardless of age, breed, or discipline. Colic refers to abdominal pain, which can arise from a variety of causes, ranging...

Understanding gastrointestinal catastrophes in horses is essential for every horse owner. From intussusception to strangulating lipomas, these life-threatening conditions can lead to sudden, severe colic symptoms that require immediate veterinary intervention. This guide provides an in-depth look at six critical...

The equine digestive system is a series of long, flexible structures that can become twisted, leading to serious belly problems and colic. Since these structures are loosely suspended within the horse's large abdomen the digestive tract can twist or knot,...

Gas colic, also known as tympany or flatulent colic, is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in horses characterized by the excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines. This condition can lead to significant abdominal discomfort and distress, posing a serious health...

Osselets are a form of arthritis that affects the fetlock joint, commonly seen in young, active horses engaged in high-performance activities such as racing and jumping. This condition develops as a result of repetitive, high-impact stress on the joint, leading...

Horse's hooves are fundamental to their health, mobility, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian, veterinarian, or just a simple horse lover, understanding the intricate anatomy of the hoof is crucial for maintaining the wellbeing of your equine companion....

The lungworm, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, is a parasite that affects equines all over the world. It has been found in the lungs of horses, donkeys, and zebras. However, donkeys, as well as burros and mules, are the primary host for this...

Heart disease in horses, as in humans, encompasses a broad range of conditions that affect the heart's structure, function, or electrical activity, potentially compromising the horse’s health and performance. The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body,...

Equine lung health may not be something many people think about until their horse is affected by a respiratory condition. However, awareness of common respiratory problems that can affect horses, as well how to prevent these types of illness, is...

Hoof health is a key consideration for any horse. As the saying goes, "no, hoof, no horse". In the rich and stylized idiom of the horseman, a horse may have good hooves, or it may have shelly feet. In this...

Ascarids (Parascaris equorum) are significant parasitic threats to equine health, particularly in young horses. These large, robust roundworms can grow up to 15 inches long and are most commonly found in foals and yearlings, whose developing immune systems make them...

From the cow sense needed for roping and cutting, to the sheer thrill of barrel racing, to the controlled athleticism of reining, the Western performance horse is skillful and sure-footed on the ranch and in the ring. In addition, these...

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication used to reduce inflammation and treat pain in horses. In equine medicine, NSAIDs are commonly used in supportive care for a wide range of symptoms and conditions such as colic, pain,...

Mesenteric and omental rents are rare but potentially serious conditions that can affect horses. These rents are tears or openings in the mesentery or omentum, two structures within the abdomen. While these tears often go unnoticed, they can lead to...

Fat pads, also known as regional adiposity, have become an increasingly common problem in horses today. They can be described as areas of fatty tissue that develops in certain anatomical locations on the horse’s body. Two common places for fat...

Sepsis is a severe and rapidly life-threatening condition that develops in response to an infection of the horse’s bloodstream, triggering a widespread inflammatory response that affects multiple organs. Any infection has the potential to cause sepsis if left untreated. Signs...

Internal entrapments in horses involve the trapping of a segment of the small intestine within other structures in the abdomen. This can lead to serious complications, including blockage of food, gas, and fluids, and in severe cases, disruption of blood...

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...