Horse Health

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Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is commonly spread to horses through direct contact with contaminated food and water sources. While there are many different species of the Leptospira bacteria, symptoms in horses are most commonly caused by Leptospira interrogans.

Sesamoiditis in horses refers to pain and injury around the sesamoid bones, pairs of small triangular bones found at the back of the fetlock. Inflammation in this area can cause pain and changes to the bony structure of the sesamoid...

Choosing the best configuration of shelter in your horse’s pasture is one of the most important aspects of horse management. Most horses seek shelter at some point during the day, whether from cold and precipitation or from insects and heat.

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality that has been adapted over the centuries to suit various species, including horses. Treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into specific landmarks on the body to provide pain relief or improve function of body...

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a common treatment modality offered by many veterinarians for treating lameness cases. Most veterinarians use this treatment for arthritis cases and ligament injuries. ESWT produces a shockwave that applies a high amount of pressure to...

Sacroiliac pain is a common cause of poor performance and low-grade lameness in performance horses. The sacroiliac joint is the point on the horse’s body where the pelvis and the spine connect, playing an important role in their stride.

Pedal osteitis in horses is a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the pedal (coffin) bone within the hoof. Affected horses can experience pain and lameness, which may be worse after exercise or hoof trimming. Pedal osteitis typically develops...

Sidebone in horses is a common condition that affects the collateral cartilages of the hoof. It occurs when the normally flexible cartilage plates in the horse's hoof gradually become hardened and calcified into bone. According to research, an estimated 80%...

Canker in horses, also called equine proliferative pododermatitis is a condition that causes rapid proliferation of keratin, the main component of the hoof wall and sole. The proliferation forms long fronds of keratin, usually around the frog of the hoof.

Buttercup poisoning in horses occurs when they ingest protoanemonin, a toxin produced by the buttercup plant. Although relatively rare, the ingestion of this flowering weed results in irritation to the horse’s mouth and digestive tract.

A balanced feeding program is key for yearling horses, as it sets the foundation for their growth and development into adulthood. Yearlings are transitioning from foals to young horses, and their nutritional needs are unique during this stage of life.

Keratomas in horses are abnormal growths or benign tumors that develop within the hoof capsule, potentially resulting in lameness and discomfort. These non-cancerous masses comprise overgrowths of keratin, typically forming near the coronary band.

Synovial infections in horses refer to infections in the synovial structures, which include joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. These infections can be severe and potentially career-ending for equine athletes. Most horses develop synovial infections from wounds over top of a...

Ionophore toxicosis, a severe and often fatal condition in horses, arises from the ingestion of ionophores, antibiotic compounds that are common in livestock feeds. Common ionophores in livestock feeds include monensin, lasalocid and salinomycin. These antibiotics increase growth rates in...

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in horses is a cardiac rhythm disorder, characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. This condition can affect horses of any breed, age, or discipline, but it is more...

Mastitis in mares is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the mammary gland, usually due to a bacterial infection. Mastitis typically affects lactating mares, often in the period immediately after giving birth or after weaning.

Scratches in horses, also known as pastern dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin conditions that affects the lower limbs of horses. It is characterized by irritation and sometimes infection of the skin, usually around the hind pastern or fetlock. The condition...

Heart murmurs in horses are distinct sounds between the normal beats of the heart that can be heard with a stethoscope. They arise from the abnormal flow of blood through the heart, often due to conditions affecting the heart’s structure...

Anaplasmosis in horses, also known as Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (EGA), is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This condition typically affects horses in areas where the tick vectors are present, including various parts of the United States,...

Umbilical disorders in newborn foals can arise due to bacterial infection or improper closure of the umbilicus after birth. The three most common umbilical disorders in horses are omphalitis, patent urachus, and umbilical hernia. If not addressed promptly, these conditions...

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat, caused by blood flowing in an unusual pattern or location within the heart. It’s not uncommon for newborn foals to have heart murmurs for several days after birth, as...

Genetic testing in horses involves analyzing a horse’s DNA to gain information about their genetic makeup. This process can identify specific genetic variations responsible for various traits, as well as predispositions to genetic disorders. Several common equine health conditions have...

Flunixin meglumine, often sold under the brand names Banamine®, Flunazine®, Vetameg™, and Prevail®, is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in horses. Banamine® is prescribed by veterinarians to help manage clinical signs of pain, swelling, and/or fever. In horses,...

The typical gestation period for horses ranges from 340 to 342 days. During this time, foals undergo extensive development of their organ and skeletal systems, ensuring their survival outside of the mare after birth. In some cases, foals are born...

The ability to properly chew and grind food is essential for nutrient digestion and absorption. Dysmastication is a condition involving impaired chewing- also known as mastication. Horses that are unable to chew properly may experience a cascade of problems affecting...

Pigeon fever is a bacterial infection in horses caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Symptoms vary from lumps on the skin with redness and oozing to systemic signs, such as lethargy, fever, weight loss, and colic. Horses contract the infection...

Have you ever struggled with a horse that has a difficult time maintaining their body condition? For horse owners, the term "hard keeper" is more than just a casual phrase, it's a familiar and often perplexing challenge. Hard keepers, despite...

Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome (WFFS) is an inherited disease primarily affecting Warmblood horses and their related breeds. This condition is also referred to as Fragile Foal Syndrome Type 1 (FFS). WFFS is characterized by the production of defective collagen, which...

Gait abnormalities in horses can lead to compromised performance, increased risk of injury, and in some cases, may necessitate early retirement from work. These disorders often present similarly to lameness, but do not necessarily involve pain. While minor conformational faults...