Horse Health

The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a highly destructive parasitic fly that poses a significant threat to equine health and welfare. Unlike typical fly larvae that feed on dead or decaying tissue, screwworm maggots consume living flesh, resulting in...

Respiratory dysfunction is a common and often overlooked issue in horses, with a variety of causes including infections, allergies, environmental irritants, and anatomical abnormalities. Horses depend on efficient lung function to meet the high oxygen demands of their large, athletic...

The coffin bone, also known as the distal phalanx or P3, sits at the very tip of the horse's limb, completely encased by the hard hoof wall. Its unique shape provides the foundation for weight-bearing and shock absorption with every...

First cutting hay is traditionally harvested in the spring and tends to be coarse and high in fiber. This is because the plants have had more time to mature, resulting in a higher concentration of structural carbohydrates. First-cutting hay is...

Equine inhalers are specialized devices used to deliver medication directly into a horse's lungs to help manage respiratory conditions. These devices are similar in design and function to inhalers used by humans, but they have been adapted to suit the...

Breathing is an automatic function that often goes unnoticed, until something goes wrong. Dyspnea, the term for difficult or labored breathing, is a serious clinical sign in horses. It is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom of underlying problems...

It's not unusual to see a small amount of clear, watery discharge coming from your horse's nose—especially after exercise, during cold weather, or when they've been around dust or pollen. Mild discharge is part of the body's natural defense system,...

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...

Keeping horses safe during these activities is the number one priority, as is ensuring fair play for all competitors. As in human sports, there are multiple performance-enhancing substances which are controlled or banned by equestrian sports organizations. To that end,...

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...