Conditions

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...

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...