Horse Health

Mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) is an enigmatic condition first described in Kentucky in 2001, when an estimated 3,500 foals were either aborted, stillborn, or died shortly after birth. Research revealed that abortions and foal death was closely associated with...

Fescue toxicosis in horses results from ingestion of fescue grass contaminated with the fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum. The fungus produces ergot alkaloid toxins which cause changes in hormone concentrations and blood flow in pregnant mares grazing contaminated pastures or hay. Nearly...

Endometritis is a condition involving inflammation of the uterine lining, and is a very common cause of infertility in broodmares. Mares with endometritis develop fibrosis and inflammation that prevent embryonic development, resulting in failure to conceive or early embryonic loss....

Placentitis is a common cause of foal loss and neonatal sepsis in horses. Mares with multiple previous foals, older mares, and mares with poor perineal conformation are most at risk of developing placentitis. Most cases of placentitis arise from bacteria...

Epistaxis is a common condition in horses that refers to bleeding from the nostrils. Nosebleeds can range in severity and may result from trauma, underlying health conditions or exercise. The majority of nosebleeds in horses are caused by minor trauma...

Ivermectin is an over-the-counter medication used to control internal parasites in horses and other animals. It is macrocyclic lactone medication and is one of the most widely used dewormers or anthelmintics in the equine industry. Ivermectin is effective against a...

Equine piroplasmosis (EP), or babesiosis, is an infectious tick-borne disease that affects all equid species, including horses*, mules, donkeys and zebras. It is caused by protozoan parasites that are transferred to the horse via tick bite. The protozoan parasites, Theileria...

Proud flesh, also known as granulation tissue, is a type of healing tissue in horses that forms naturally as part of the wound repair process. This tissue aids in wound healing by closing the gap between exposed soft tissue and...

Type 1 Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM1) is a hereditary muscular disorder in horses that results in abnormal accumulation of glycogen (a stored form of sugar) and an abnormal polysaccharide in the muscles. Horses with this condition produce too much glycogen...

Gelatin supplements are commonly fed to horses and are purported to have multiple benefits for both equine health and performance. Anecdotally, gelatin is said to improve hoof health, hair and coat quality, skin health and joint function. Gelatin is a...

Ringbone is a degenerative condition that affects the bones and joints in the horse’s lower limbs. It is characterized by the inflammation of surrounding connective tissue, triggering the formation of bony growths around the affected joints. [ref n="2"][ref n="5"] These...

Strongyles are considered the most significant internal parasite that affects horses. It is estimated that these parasites affect between 80 – 99% of equids worldwide. There are two main types of strongyles: large strongyles and small strongyles. Both types can...

Congenital hypothyroidism and dysmaturity (CHD) syndrome is a common manifestation of hypothyroidism in foals, resulting in dysmature foals that are born weak with contracted tendons, poor ossification of the cuboidal bones, and poor muscular development. The basic cause of CHD...

Bone bruising is a common condition often seen in young racehorses, such as Thoroughbreds or Standardbreds. It typically arises from repetitive stress, trauma, or microfractures affecting the subchondral bone, which is the layer of bone located beneath the joint’s cartilage....

A hoof or sole bruise is a common injury in horses, occurring when there is trauma to the sensitive tissues within the hoof. This trauma leads to localized bleeding and subsequent bruising. Hoof bruises can cause mild to severe discomfort...

The shape and structure of a horse, referred to as its conformation, significantly influence both its athletic performance and long-term soundness. How a horse is built not only determines how they generate power and speed, but also how their body...

Supraspinous bursitis, more often known as fistulous withers, is not a common problem in horses — at least in North America. However, it is a serious condition that more often affects horses and donkeys in developing nations. Fistulous withers involves...

Equine abortion and stillbirth refer to delivery of a non-viable fetus or foal. Most causes of abortion and stillbirth do not affect the mare’s future fertility; however, the loss of the foal can cause significant economic losses for the breeder....

Adequan® i.m. is a widely used injectable medication for the treatment of arthritis and other joint disorders in horses. It is the only FDA-approved polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) for equines. Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can reduce athletic performance,...

Pergolide mesylate (Prascend®) is a medication used to treat horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), previously referred to as Equine Cushing’s disease. This common endocrine disorder, typically observed in older horses, can cause tendon and ligament breakdown, abdominal wall...

Your horse's conformation impacts their overall performance, soundness, and ability to excel in various disciplines. When it comes to evaluating forelimb conformation, judges will look at the withers, shoulders, elbows, leg, knee and pastern. The horse's forelimbs should exhibit symmetry...

BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) are muscle-building supplements that have become popular among equine athletes for performance, recovery and fatigue. BCAA include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, and play a crucial role in protein synthesis, muscle growth, and energy production.

Newborn foals are born with an immature immune system, with limited ability to fight off infections and diseases. To build immunity, neonatal foals must absorb immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, from their dam’s colostrum within 24 hours after birth. This...

Wood chewing is one of several types of stereotypic behaviors or habits that horses can develop. Stereotypic behaviors, often referred to as stereotypies, are repetitive behavior patterns with no apparent function. They may develop out of boredom or they may...

Bleeding disorders can significantly affect your horse’s performance and overall health. These conditions can be present from birth or develop later in life and are characterized by abnormal bleeding or hemorrhage. Some bleeding disorders, such as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH),...

Cellulitis refers to bacterial infection and inflammation that affects tissues under the skin anywhere in the body. In horses, this severe condition typically occurs in the hindlimbs. It is characterized by a sudden onset with significant swelling and intense pain.

A heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, is a performance-limiting condition commonly seen in athletic horses. While some arrhythmias are benign, others may indicate cardiac disease or another underlying health condition. The horse is a supreme athlete with a powerful heart...

Equine pinworms, or Oxyuris equi, are common parasites that inhabit the horse's colon. Female pinworms lay their eggs on the perianal skin (around the anus), which can cause intense itching and irritation for the horse. Pinworm infections are most common...

The horse’s tendons are prone to strain injuries, especially when participating in disciplines, such as racing, jumping and eventing. Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that attach muscle to bone and allow the limbs to move. Tendons serve as a mechanical...

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), otherwise known as Triple E or sleeping sickness, is a rare and lethal virus in horses that causes inflammation of the brain. EEE is transmitted through mosquito bites and attacks the central nervous system (CNS). It...