Horse Health

Managing horses at shows requires a deep understanding of how unfamiliar environments can impact their health and performance. Horses undergo both physiological and behavioral changes in these settings, and without proper care, they may experience stress, illness, or injury. By...

Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) is a common, performance-limiting respiratory condition that affects horses of all breeds and disciplines, particularly young to middle-aged animals in training. Part of the equine asthma spectrum, IAD is characterized by airway inflammation and increased mucus...

Gut sounds in horses are more than just background noise — they provide valuable clues about digestive function. These gastrointestinal sounds, known as borborygmi, reflect the activity of the digestive tract and can help caretakers detect early signs of gastrointestinal...

Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that forms at the site of an injury in humans, extending beyond the original wound boundaries. They are dense, fibrous, and typically raised, smooth, and shiny in appearance. While horses do not develop...

Aural plaques in horses are a skin condition characterized by thick, pale, crusty patches that develop on the inner surface of the ears. These plaques may begin as small, raised bumps and can gradually merge into larger areas of raised,...

Flaring nostrils in horses are a powerful visual cue that should never be overlooked. Often dismissed as a sign of excitement, exertion, or even just a quirk of a particular horse’s personality, nostril flaring can provide critical insights into a...

Horses that are well-conditioned or physically fit are better able to perform their work. A fit horse has a reduced risk of injury and soreness and their increased strength allows them to work more effectively. Achieving peak performance in horses...

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common tumors affecting horses, originating in the squamous epithelial cells that form the outermost layer of the skin and line various internal surfaces. This condition can develop in a wide range...

Hoof capsule avulsion, or hoof degloving, is a traumatic injury that can severely impact a horse’s ability to move and function normally. The hoof plays a vital role in supporting the horse's weight, absorbing shock, and maintaining balance, which is...

Zoonotic diseases (zoonoses) are illnesses that are contagious between animals and humans. Horses can contract and transmit several different zoonotic diseases to humans, including rabies, anthrax, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and ringworm. These pathogens represent three different types of microorganism...

Emerging equine research is the cornerstone of expanding our understanding of equine health, nutrition, management, and performance. This growing body of research provides valuable insights for veterinarians, equine professionals, and researchers seeking to apply evidence-based approaches in both clinical and...

Metronidazole (Flagyl®) is a commonly prescribed antibiotic in equine medicine, primarily used to treat bacterial infections in horses. It is particularly effective against clostridial infections, which can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria and lead to severe gastrointestinal illness...

Reins are a standard and useful part of equestrian equipment, serving as the primary connection between a rider and their horse. Attached to the horse's bridle or bit, reins allow for clear communication through subtle movements of the rider’s hands,...

Supporting Limb Laminitis (SLL) is a serious condition that develops when a horse places excessive weight on one limb due to an injury or other issue in the opposite leg. Prolonged compensatory weight bearing disrupts blood flow within the hoof,...

Neck threadworms (Onchocerca cervicalis) are a type of parasitic worm that primarily infect horses. The adult worms live deep within the ligamentum nuchae (the connective tissue along the horse's neck), while their microscopic larvae (microfilariae) migrate into the skin, where...

Equine liniments are a popular DIY remedy that have been used in horse care for centuries. Many owners and caretakers find liniments a versatile option to address muscle soreness, stiffness, and minor injuries. While their overall efficacy lacks robust scientific...

Meningitis in horses is a rare but serious neurological condition characterized by inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation is often the result of a bacterial or viral infection that spreads to the...

Protein is an essential nutrient for horses and a key component of the equine diet. Adequate protein is required for supplying the amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle, vital organs, bones, hooves and other tissues. A horse's protein...

The cranial nerves play a vital role in a horse's neurological function, governing essential sensory and motor activities such as vision, hearing, chewing, swallowing, and facial expressions. These twelve pairs of nerves emerge directly from the brain rather than the...

The equine brain is a complex organ responsible for processing sensory information, controlling movement, and managing emotions. Unlike humans, whose brains are heavily developed for logical reasoning and problem-solving, horses rely more on instinct and sensory perception. Their brains are...

Back pain is a common yet often overlooked issue in horses, affecting their performance, behavior, and overall well-being. Studies show that up to 54% of sport horses and 90% of racehorses show signs of back disease. Whether they are elite...

Roach back, or equine kyphosis, is an uncommon but noteworthy spinal condition. It is characterized by an upward arching of the back, disrupting the natural concave curve between the withers and haunches. This structural anomaly stems from malformations in the...

Sepsis-associated laminitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in horses, characterized by the disruption of the connection between the hoof wall and the underlying bone due to systemic inflammation. This form of laminitis arises as a result of a...

Headshaking in horses describes repeated, uncontrollable, usually vertical movements of the head and neck. This behavior can be concerning for owners and caretakers, as some forms are a source of significant distress for horses. Headshaking may appear gradually or suddenly,...

Hay waste is a persistent issue on many horse farms, leading to significant financial losses and increased labor demands. As a staple in equine nutrition, hay is an essential source of fiber, nutrients, and forage, which supports the horse's digestive...

Over recent years, red light therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option for managing pain, inflammation, and muscle recovery in horses. Horse owners, veterinarians, and equine therapists have turned to this non-invasive technology to help optimize recovery times, promote...

Splints are a common condition in horses characterized by bony growths or swellings along the splint bones, which run parallel to the cannon bone in the horse’s lower legs. "Splints" is a broad term used in common language to describe...

Hyaluronan injections, commonly known as hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, have become a trusted solution for managing joint health in horses. Whether your horse is dealing with osteoarthritis, recovering from an injury, or needs extra joint support as a performance horse,...

Lactation is a vital process for broodmares, ensuring the survival and growth of foals by providing essential nutrients and immune protection. However, some mares experience abnormal or inappropriate lactation, producing milk outside the expected timeline—either too early, too late, or...

When it’s time to bring a horse back to work after a period of inactivity, whether due to injury, broodmare duties, or seasonal downtime, the process requires thoughtful planning and patience. A gradual return to work (RTW) program tailored to...