Horse Health

Cyanide toxicosis is a potentially fatal condition in horses which is caused by the ingestion of plants containing cyanogenic glycosides. Understanding cyanide toxicosis is essential for anyone involved in horse care. Over 3,000 plants worldwide are known to produce cyanogenic...

Pain in horses, like in other animals, is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. It can result from various sources, including injuries, diseases, or surgical procedures. Recognizing signs of pain in horses is...

Intussusception in horses describes a condition where a segment of the intestine folds inward on itself, like closing a telescope. This condition primarily affects younger horses, particularly foals, but is occasionally seen in mature horses. Intussusception can lead to severe...

Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye", is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. This condition is the most common acquired eye disease in animals....

The stifle is a complex joint in the horse's leg, comparable to the human knee. It comprises bones, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles that work together to enable movement and provide stability. This joint plays a crucial role in the overall...

Anthelmintic (parasitic dewormer) resistance is one of the most pressing concerns in the world of equine health. In this phenomenon, internal parasites affecting horses are becoming resistant to the medications veterinarians use to treat parasitic infection. Without effective deworming medications,...

Nitrogen compounds, crucial for fertilizers, have revolutionized agriculture, ensuring food security but they pose environmental risks such as water pollution and algae blooms. Horses, while less susceptible than ruminants to nitrate poisoning due to their digestive system, can suffer severe...

The conformation of a horse directly impacts their overall performance capacity, long-term soundness, and their potential in different disciplines of equestrian sport. The conformation of the hindlimbs is particularly important, as the hind legs provide the horse’s power, speed, and...

Ryegrass is a popular forage choice worldwide, and is a nutritious source of protein and energy for horses and other grazing animals. Although both species of ryegrass are good sources of nutrition and are not toxic in and of themselves,...

Horse owners have a vested interest in their horse's health, as health conditions can directly impact their horse's wellbeing, performance, and longevity. Understanding common horse diseases is crucial for anyone involved in equine care, as early recognition of the symptoms...

Capped hock refers to inflammation and swelling over the bony point of a horse's hock. The "cap" may be squishy or firm and is usually the result of trauma or repeated rubbing. Alongside the characteristic swelling, the horse may have...

Horses produce between five and ten gallons (20 to 40 litres) of saliva each day. Unlike many other animals, horses only produce saliva during mastication (chewing). Saliva is vital for moistening and lubricating food, facilitating easier swallowing, and neutralizing stomach...

Red blood cells express different surface molecules (factors) depending on the animal's specific genetic code. Horses have over 30 major blood factors, compared to the 8 major blood factors in humans. Blood types are important because immune system recognizes these...

Keeping stallions happy, healthy, and appropriately managed requires an understanding of their unique behavior compared to mares and geldings. Stallions often exhibit instinctive behaviors shaped by evolutionary pressures and social dynamics in the wild. Contrary to their natural environment with...

Fibrotic myopathy is a rare condition in horses characterized by the development of fibrous (scar) tissue within the muscles, typically affecting the inner thigh muscles of one or both hindlimbs. Affected horses develop hindlimb stiffness, a distinctive hoof-slapping gait, mechanical,...

Sidewinder Syndrome, also known as sidewinder gait or crab walking, is one of the more perplexing and challenging equine health conditions for horse owners and veterinarians alike. This syndrome is characterized by a distinct sideways drift of the horse's trunk...

Seizures, while relatively rare in horses compared to dogs and humans, pose significant challenges for both horse owners and veterinarians. These neurological episodes, characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, can manifest in various forms. During a seizure, a...

Tyzzer's disease, while rare, is a highly fatal hepatic condition that can affect all foals, including those which are healthy and well-nourished. The disease is not believed to be contagious, but the presence of bacteria in a contaminated environment can...

Wry nose is a congenital condition in foals where the nose appears twisted or crooked due to malformations that develop during gestation. This condition involves significant changes in the shape and direction of the upper jaw, nasal bones, incisive bones,...

Sesamoid injuries are a common and often serious equine injury. The small sesamoid bones play a large role in reducing tension on the muscles and tendons of the body. The proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs), located in the fetlock joint, play...

Horse racing is a thrilling sport, demonstrating the power and speed of equine athletes performing at their absolute best. From the raw speed and acceleration of Quarter Horses, to the impressive staying power of Thoroughbreds, to the jumping ability of...

Parrot mouth is a common equine dental condition typically identified at birth or shortly after. It is characterized by a pronounced overbite where the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower row of teeth, causing the upper lip to overlap...

A properly functioning urinary system plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of a horse. It acts as a filter, removing waste and toxins from the bloodstream and preventing harmful substances from accumulating in the body....

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, for short, are a type of medication commonly administered to horses for a variety of conditions. Veterinarians most often prescribe NSAIDs for soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries, as well as for abdominal inflammation and pain. [ref...

Hoof health is one of the pillars of overall horse health and well being. There are numerous conditions that can impact the horse's hooves, including quittor. Quittor is an infection in the collateral cartilage of the hoof often resulting from...

Atypical Myopathy (AM) and Seasonal Pasture Myopathy (SPM) are highly fatal muscle disorders in horses caused by the ingestion of seeds of the box elder or sycamore trees. Seeds of these species contain a compound called hypoglycin A that converts...

Glanders is one of the oldest diseases known to affect horses. It is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects horses, donkeys, and mules, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei. It poses a significant zoonotic threat, as it can...

Theiler's disease, also known as equine serum hepatitis, is a viral infection likely caused by equine parvovirus-hepatitis. Horses most commonly develop Theiler's disease after administration of an equine-origin biologic product, such as serum or blood. Theiler's disease causes rapid onset...

Monensin is a type of antibiotic commonly found in livestock and poultry feed that is highly toxic to horses. Monensin belongs to a medication class called ionophore antibiotics. These antibiotics are frequently used in feed as parasite control and to...

Salmonellosis refers to infection with Salmonella, a bacterium that primarily causes intestinal infections and diarrhea. Salmonella can affect numerous species, including horses and humans. Horses typically acquire the bacteria through the ingestion of contaminated feed or water. Common symptoms of...