Horse Health

A strong topline is one of the most important indicators of a well-conditioned horse. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing and supporting performance, a good topline can protect your working horse from strain and injury.

Lameness in the horse's hock joint is one of the most common causes of altered hind end gait. Hock lameness is characterized by shortened gait, weight shifting, stiffness when your horse picks their hind legs up, and reduced springiness off...

Equine wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM), is a devastating neurological syndrome resulting from damage to your horse's spinal cord. Horses with CVSM exhibit neurological symptoms such as poor balance and stumbling when walking.

Your horse’s coat quality and color reflect his or her inner health. Coat color is primarily determined by genetics, although diet and care can also significantly impact coloration.

Insulin resistance (IR) in horses describes a condition in which the body fails to properly respond to the hormone insulin. Impaired insulin response is the main feature of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Horses with EMS do not metabolize sugars properly...

Grazing muzzles are a staple in the tack room of many pony and horse owners. These muzzles fit over the mouth and nose of a horse and restrict grass intake while allowing access to pasture. Grazing muzzles have been shown...

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL) is a condition that describes impaired lymph flow in the lower legs. Primarily observed in draft horse breeds, CPL causes swelling and skin inflammation on affected legs. Horses with the condition are also at risk of...

Thrush describes an infection that develops in the frog of one or more of the horse's hooves, caused by a fungal or bacterial pathogen. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the bacterium most often associated with thrush infections. Hooves with frogs that have...

Uveitis in horses is a condition in which the uvea layer of the eye becomes inflamed. It is the most common cause of blindness in horses. It is estimated that as many as 25% of horses worldwide are affected by...

Misoprostol is a drug used in horses to prevent ulcers from developing in the hindgut and stomach. It is commonly prescribed to horses that require regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which can cause ulcers to form.

Producing high-quality milk for the foal requires a lot from your mare. Lactation puts higher energy demands on a mare’s body than any other stage of her life. To keep up with the milk requirements of a growing foal while...

Equine Motor Neuron Disease (EMND) is a disease that causes progressive damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord of adult horses. The disease damages cells that are involved with muscle movement, rendering them dysfunctional and leading to...

Equine rotavirus is a potentially deadly virus that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms in foals. Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in foals less than 6 months of age.

Surgical intervention is, unfortunately, necessary for many horses that experience colic, with 4 - 10% of colic cases requiring surgery. The term colic refers to abdominal pain of any cause.

To ensure you are making an educated decision, you should contact a veterinarian and book a pre-purchase examination (PPE). Pre-purchase exams shed light on current or potential health and soundness issues.

Equine anemia is a condition that significantly impacts the health and performance of horses. It is a reduced number of red blood cells in circulation. Horses with anemia typically experience low energy levels, elevated heart rate, poor coat quality, depression...

Colostrum is the first milk that a mare produces after foaling. It is particularly rich in antibodies, which provide immunity for newborn foals. Foals are born without a fully developed immune system and rely on a passive transfer of antibodies...

A medical condition necessitating urgent attention, equine choke refers to obstruction of the esophagus. The condition most frequently occurs due to rapid feed consumption and the subsequent lodging of feed or other matter in the esophagus.

Equine anhidrosis is a performance-limiting condition that refers to the reduced ability to sweat in horses. The condition most frequently affects horses living in hot and humid climates. Anhidrosis occurs because the sweat glands fail to function normally when body...

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a medicinal plant that is frequently used to soothe skin irritations. The gel of the inner leaf is also commonly fed to reduce or prevent gastric irritations and ulcers in horses. Aloe vera gel contains...

Lameness is a general term that refers to a horse with an abnormal gait or stance. This is a common issue that requires assessment by a veterinarian to determine the cause and best course of action. Common causes of lameness...

Rain scald is a relatively common skin infection caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis. The infection often affects the skin on the back and rump of horses. Rain scald can develop when skin is exposed to excessive moisture which weakens...

With higher temperatures in the summertime, horses are prone to heat stress. This can contribute to an increased risk of colic, ulcers, weight loss, fatigue and dehydration during this time of year. Horse owners should be vigilant for signs their...

Sweet Itch is a common skin condition in horses that is caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites. It is also known by the names Queensland itch, summer dermatitis, insect-bite hypersensitivity, summer eczema, recurrent seasonal pruritus, and equine Culicoides...

Laminitis is a common but serious condition that involves separation of the laminae, which connect the coffin bone to the horse's hoof wall. A bout of laminitis can cause mild to severe pain in affected horses and result in lasting...

Acute laminitis refers to the first few days of a laminitis episode during which clinical signs are observed. Laminitis is a painful condition that causes damage to the hoof laminae, which anchor the coffin bone to the hoof wall.

Pasture-associated laminitis (PAL) is a form of insulin-induced laminitis that can occur after horses have grazed on grasses and legumes that are high in hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC). This condition causes pain and stretching and weakening of the laminae of the...

If your horse is showing signs of acute laminitis, they require emergency veterinary attention and prompt treatment. Laminitis affects the soft structures of the equine hoof, known as the laminae, and can cause significant pain and lameness.

One in ten horses is affected by laminitis each year. This painful condition involves inflammation of the hoof laminae, leading to varying degrees of lameness. Although laminitis affects the hooves, the condition is often initiated by dietary and metabolic factors.

Sucralfate is an FDA-approved drug for use in humans that is used off-label for the treatment of equine gastric and hindgut ulcers. It is typically used in conjunction with omeprazole. Sucralfate (Carafate® Sulcrafate®) helps to protect the lining of the...