Symptoms

Allergies are a common yet often misunderstood source of skin and respiratory problems in horses. Many owners recognize issues such as colic or lameness, while allergic reactions receive less attention despite causing significant disruption when symptoms become chronic, recurring, or...

A horse’s eyes are highly specialized organs that play an essential role in survival, communication, and performance. The equine eye is large and laterally placed, offering a wide field of vision that allows horses to detect threats in their environment....

Mucous membranes play a critical role in assessing equine health. The most familiar mucous membranes are the gums, but these thin, moist tissues line various body cavities, including the eyes and genitals. In clinical settings and daily management, evaluating mucous...

While horses are naturally well-adapted to colder climates, not all individuals cope equally well, and domestic management often interferes with their ability to maintain their internal body temperature. Clipping, restricted forage, inadequate shelter, chronic conditions, and other health factors all...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

Colic in horses is one of the most common and serious health conditions affecting equines, and it can strike suddenly, regardless of age, breed, or discipline. Colic refers to abdominal pain, which can arise from a variety of causes, ranging...

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...

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...

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...

Itching, or pruritus, is a common issue that affects all horses, with various potential causes ranging from insect bites and parasite infestations to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as allergic reactions. Horses typically exhibit signs of itchiness by biting,...

Quidding is a term used to describe a horse dropping food from its mouth while eating. This can be a sign of dental problems as well as a number of other conditions. Regular dental care is of utmost importance to...

Horses, as prey animals with considerable size and weight, have evolved to minimize the need for lying down, a position that increases their vulnerability to predators and hinders quick escapes. Despite these adaptations, horses do spend a portion of the...

Defecation is crucial for maintaining a horse's digestive health and overall well-being. Regular bowel movements help to ensure that the digestive system is functioning properly, allowing waste to be efficiently expelled from the body. This is vital for preventing issues...

Horses produce 1 to 2.5 gallons of sweat per hour, amounting to up to 60 gallons daily. Sweat, produced by over 800 sweat glands per cm² of skin, contains water, electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium), and proteins like latherin,...

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...

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...

Epistaxis is a common condition in horses that refers to bleeding from the nostrils. Nosebleeds can range in severity and may result from trauma, underlying health conditions or exercise. The majority of nosebleeds in horses are caused by minor trauma...

Alopecia or hair loss in horses can occur for several different reasons and may be temporary or permanent. Alopecia refers to the partial or complete absence of hair that occurs in any area of the body where hair is normally...

Have you noticed changes in your horse's appetite and eating behavior? Perhaps your horse has gone off their feed or is no longer interested in eating as much forage as usual. Or maybe your horse's appetite has increased, and they...

Unexplained weight loss in your horse is a cause for concern for any horse owner but is often straightforward to diagnose and address. If your horse is losing body condition, it could indicate an undiagnosed health problem or it may...