Horse Health

Ring sour refers to resistance or frustration behaviors in performance horses, often occurring during ring work in training or competition settings. Horses, like humans, can become frustrated by difficult, repetitive tasks, especially when the task lacks variety or causes confusion...

Every 2 years, equine professionals gather at the Equine Science Society (ESS), an international meeting, to share new research and exchange ideas. The first ESS meeting was held in 1960 and included a group of 27 equine nutritionists and physiologists...

The equine digestive system is a series of long, flexible structures that can become twisted, leading to serious belly problems and colic. Since these structures are loosely suspended within the horse's large abdomen the digestive tract can twist or knot,...

Gas colic, also known as tympany or flatulent colic, is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in horses characterized by the excessive accumulation of gas in the intestines. This condition can lead to significant abdominal discomfort and distress, posing a serious health...

Foot lameness is a prevalent issue in horses, often leading to performance limitations and decreased quality of life. Understanding the anatomy of a horse's foot, recognizing the signs of lameness, and being aware of common causes are crucial for effective...

Osselets are a form of arthritis that affects the fetlock joint, commonly seen in young, active horses engaged in high-performance activities such as racing and jumping. This condition develops as a result of repetitive, high-impact stress on the joint, leading...

Vaccinations play a vital role in the health of our horses. They are particularly important for those that are routinely exposed to other horses at large barns, or through training and competition. In both people and animals, vaccines have been...

Horse's hooves are fundamental to their health, mobility, and overall performance. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian, veterinarian, or just a simple horse lover, understanding the intricate anatomy of the hoof is crucial for maintaining the wellbeing of your equine companion....

Tooth extraction is a relatively common dental procedure in horses that becomes necessary when a tooth is damaged, diseased, or otherwise problematic. Although a standard treatment, tooth extraction in horses can involve significant complications and challenges, sometimes even leading to...

The lungworm, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, is a parasite that affects equines all over the world. It has been found in the lungs of horses, donkeys, and zebras. However, donkeys, as well as burros and mules, are the primary host for this...

Gestation in horses is a journey that requires care, knowledge, and preparation to ensure both the mare and foal remain healthy throughout the pregnancy. The average gestation period for a horse lasts around 340 days, though some mares may carry...

Riders and trainers often encounter challenges that affect the performance and well being of their equine partners. Among these are exercise intolerance and poor performance, sometimes referred to as "ring sour." While ring sour can be frustrating for owners and...

Heart disease in horses, as in humans, encompasses a broad range of conditions that affect the heart's structure, function, or electrical activity, potentially compromising the horse’s health and performance. The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body,...

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), also known as antibiotic resistance, is a growing global concern that extends beyond equine medicine into all aspects of human and animal health. The overuse and misuse of these critically important drugs can lead to the development...

Equine lung health may not be something many people think about until their horse is affected by a respiratory condition. However, awareness of common respiratory problems that can affect horses, as well how to prevent these types of illness, is...

Hoof health is a key consideration for any horse. As the saying goes, "no, hoof, no horse". In the rich and stylized idiom of the horseman, a horse may have good hooves, or it may have shelly feet. In this...

Ascarids (Parascaris equorum) are significant parasitic threats to equine health, particularly in young horses. These large, robust roundworms can grow up to 15 inches long and are most commonly found in foals and yearlings, whose developing immune systems make them...

From the cow sense needed for roping and cutting, to the sheer thrill of barrel racing, to the controlled athleticism of reining, the Western performance horse is skillful and sure-footed on the ranch and in the ring. In addition, these...

Injury recovery in horses is a complex journey that often requires careful management, patience, and a tailored rehabilitation plan. Whether your horse has suffered a traumatic injury, undergone surgery, or is dealing with a chronic condition, the road to recovery...

Lethargy in horses is a significant concern for equine owners and veterinarians alike, as it can often indicate a severe underlying health issue requiring medical attention. Lethargy is characterized as a decrease in typical energy levels, activity, and enthusiasm. It...

Assessing a horse's nutritional status is critical for maintaining health and performance. Identifying and correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies can help prevent a range of health issues, from poor coat condition and hoof quality to more serious problems like immune...

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication used to reduce inflammation and treat pain in horses. In equine medicine, NSAIDs are commonly used in supportive care for a wide range of symptoms and conditions such as colic, pain,...

Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and cold laser therapy, is a rehabilitative therapy commonly used in physiotherapy for treating injuries. Given its purported effects and non-invasive nature, there is growing interest in this treatment modality...

Mesenteric and omental rents are rare but potentially serious conditions that can affect horses. These rents are tears or openings in the mesentery or omentum, two structures within the abdomen. While these tears often go unnoticed, they can lead to...

Understanding the complexities and nuances of horse passports is essential for every equine owner. While requirements and regulations vary greatly between different jurisdictions, all forms of identification aim to address several important issues for horses and owners alike. A central...

Fat pads, also known as regional adiposity, have become an increasingly common problem in horses today. They can be described as areas of fatty tissue that develops in certain anatomical locations on the horse’s body. Two common places for fat...

Ionophores are compounds commonly used as additives in feeds for cattle, poultry, and other commercially raised animals. While these compounds are beneficial for certain animals, horses metabolize ionophores differently, making them susceptible to negative effects if exposed to toxic doses....

All horses enjoy occasional tasty treats and offering them can strengthen your bond with your equine companion. Giving treats to horses is an important component of training, enrichment, showing affection, and even administering medications for many owners. However, not all...

Swollen jaws are a common concern in equine medicine; they can be a symptom of several underlying health issues and conditions that range from mild to potentially life-threatening. Jaw swelling in horses can be caused by a number of underlying...

Sepsis is a severe and rapidly life-threatening condition that develops in response to an infection of the horse’s bloodstream, triggering a widespread inflammatory response that affects multiple organs. Any infection has the potential to cause sepsis if left untreated. Signs...