Horse Health

Staphylococcus bacteria are a common member of the equine microflora, found on the skin, in the nasal passages, and in the intestines. These bacteria typically do not cause infection or disease. However, under certain circumstances, the bacteria may take advantage...

Anthrax is a rapidly fatal disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. This bacterium can infect horses, other livestock species, and humans. Anthrax cases occur globally every year, including sporadic outbreaks in North America. B. anthracis primarily exists as spores...

In recent years, extensive and persistent wildfires have been a growing concern for horse operations everywhere. Evacuation and preventive protocols are often challenging and put a great deal of strain on livestock and their human caretakers. Equally as concerning is...

Liver health is paramount to the overall well-being and performance of horses. It is one of the largest and most vital organs in the equine body. This organ plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes including metabolism, digestion, detoxification,...

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin reaction in horses characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, swollen wheals on the skin. These wheals can vary in size, and may be accompanied by itching or discomfort. Hives in...

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that horses require in trace amounts to support cellular function. The selenium content in soil contributes to its final concentration in plants. Worldwide, selenium levels in soil vary widely. Selenium imbalances are common in horses....

Parasites are organisms that live in or on the horse, and rely on the horse for sustenance while often causing harm or disease. These include worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and bots, as well as external parasites such as ticks and...

Keratosis is an equine skin condition where patches or bands of skin become thickened, rough, dark, and oily. The patches are not painful nor itchy, are not contagious, and do not impact the overall health of the horse. There are...

Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a common fungal skin infection. Despite its name, ringworm isn't caused by a worm but rather by various fungi, or dermatophytes, that infect the skin. This fungal infection presents circular hair loss patches with crusty, scaly...

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a naturally occurring type of compound found in many species of plants. When ingested, PAs are toxic to horses. Some of the most common plants that contain high concentrations of PAs include Ragwort (Senecio spp.), Rattlepod,...

Quarantine refers to the practice of separating infected or potentially infected animals to reduce the risk of disease spread. Horse farms, boarding facilities, and show facilities commonly use quarantine protocols to protect the health of their equine population. Quarantine is...

As horse owners the world over know, equines are prone to many forms of gastrointestinal disease and dysfunction. Strangulating lipomas are among the varied and complex risks of GI disruption in horses. A lipoma is a tumor made of fat...

Diagnostic analgesia, commonly referred to as a "nerve block," refers to numbing an area using an analgesic, such as lidocaine, for diagnostic purposes. Diagnostic analgesia is a crucial component of lameness examinations, as numbing certain areas of the horse's limbs...

Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA), or Hyperelastosis Cutis (HC), is a genetic degenerative skin disease that primarily affects Quarter Horses. It's characterized by a collagen deficiency, a crucial protein responsible for maintaining the strength and elasticity of the skin....

In August 2023, a diet evaluation was requested for a 46 year old Welsh/Quarter Horse gelding weighing 700 lb (320 kg) in Ontario, Canada. Reported health concerns included acute weight loss, free fecal water syndrome, dentition issues, Cushing's Disease and a...

Proximal Enteritis (also known as Anterior Enteritis) describes inflammation of the first two parts of the horse's small intestine. Proximal Enteritis (PE) is a serious concern for horse owners, as it can block passage of food and water through the...

Horses are susceptible to a variety of external pests and parasites. Most equine pests are either insects or arachnids, some of which can cause irritation, discomfort, and even life-threatening reactions. Several species of external parasite can cause severe health problems...

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that more commonly affects horses living in warmer climates. The disease typically results in blister-like lesions (referred to as vesicles) forming in and around the mouths of horses and other farm animals. This condition...

Hendra virus (HeV), also known as equine morbillivirus, is a frequently fatal viral infection that can affect both horses and people. All reported cases of human Hendra virus infection occurred after exposure to an affected horse, emphasizing the significance of...

African horse sickness (AHS) is a viral infection transmitted by biting midges. Up to 90% of horses infected with the virus die after initial infection. [ref n="1"] Due to international trade and climate change, there is a risk of AHS...

Horse eyes are prominent, making them prone to injury. This is especially true of the cornea, which is the outermost layer of the eye. An injury to this layer is known as a corneal ulcer or keratitis. Corneal ulcers can...

Promoting healthy weight gain can be a challenge for some underweight horses. Whether they are recovering from illness, not eating enough, or simply a hard keeper, some horses need extra nutritional support to counteract unwanted weight loss. The main goal...

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an autoimmune disease and the leading cause of blindness in horses. The disease results in the immune system repeatedly attacking the structures of the eye causing tissue damage, inflammation, and eventually blindness. The underlying cause...

Ear mites are tiny, wingless, external parasites that live in the ears of horses and cause psoroptic mange. They are round with eight legs and are sometimes visible to the naked eye. They do not burrow into the horse but...

Mange is a skin and coat condition in horses caused by microscopic parasites called mites. Although mange is not common in horses, specific conditions can lead to a mite infestation that can spread rapidly between horses in direct contact. Mange...

In addition to its well-known cardiovascular and muscle building benefits, regular exercise promotes digestive function and healthy weight management in horses. Fitness training also helps reduce the risk of injury and improves bone mass in working horses. Exercise also influences...

When a horse lies down for extended periods, especially with long-heeled horseshoes or on shallow bedding, prolonged pressure and "squishing" from the hoof on the elbow can occur, leading to a condition known as shoe boil. Shoe boils, otherwise known...

Colic, pain in the abdomen, is one of the most common equine emergencies. [ref n="1"] Some types of colic are life-threatening, requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Currently, colic is one of the leading causes of death in horses. Some studies suggest...

The horse's digestive system is both large and sensitive. It has evolved over millennia to absorb nutrients from grazing pastures and meet the unique energy needs of a free-roaming, incredibly athletic animal. As the horse evolved on the Steppes of...

As with other parasites that feed on blood, mosquitoes can transmit diseases between hosts. In horses, Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (EEE, WEE, and VEE, respectively) and West Nile Virus are mosquito-borne illnesses. Equine encephalitis and West Nile viruses...