Symptoms

Tail rubbing is a common problem in horses, ranging from mild, occasional scratching to persistent rubbing that damages the tail and skin. Horses may rub the tail head, dock, or hindquarters against fences, walls, trees, feeders, and other surfaces. Over...

Lameness in horses can range from a barely noticeable change in performance to an inability to bear weight, making early recognition an important skill for every owner. When a horse begins moving differently, owners must determine whether veterinary care is...

Muscle soreness in horses commonly develops after strenuous or unfamiliar exercise. Affected horses may feel stiff, take shorter strides, or seem less willing to perform as their muscles recover from the increased workload. Mild exercise-related soreness is usually temporary and...

Neurological signs in horses are observable changes that suggest the brain, spinal cord, or nerves are no longer coordinating normal movement, sensation, behavior, or awareness. These signs can range from subtle changes in performance to a sudden loss of strength...

Chronic inflammation in horses is a prolonged immune response that can accompany disorders affecting the joints, airways, digestive tract, metabolism, and other body systems. When inflammatory activity continues beyond its useful role in healing, it may contribute to tissue damage...

Winter diarrhea in horses is a common concern, as seasonal changes in feeding, management, and daily routines can affect a horse's digestive health during the colder months. Although diarrhea can occur at any time of year, it may become more...

Teeth grinding in horses, also known as bruxism, is an abnormal behavior that often indicates pain, discomfort, or an underlying medical condition. Although the sound may be most noticeable while a horse is eating or resting, persistent grinding is a...

Jaundice in horses is a yellow discoloration of the eyes, gums, or skin that develops when bilirubin builds up in the body. Bilirubin is a pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, and it is typically processed...

A swollen umbilicus in a foal is a common abnormality that may involve the external navel, deeper umbilical structures within the abdomen, or both. While some cases are relatively minor, others can indicate infection, persistent fetal structures, an umbilical hernia,...

A hot hoof in horses is a common symptom that owners may find during routine grooming, hoof cleaning, or after exercise. While warmth can be a normal response to increased blood flow, work, or hot weather, it can also be...

The equine stress response is a normal part of how horses recognize and react to challenges in their environment. Sudden noises, travel, social changes, unfamiliar surroundings, physical demands, pain, illness, and changes in routine can all activate biological systems that...

Ataxia refers to a loss of normal coordination and is one of the most common signs of neurological disease in horses.  Because normal movement depends on the coordinated function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and balance systems, many...

Elbow lameness in horses refers to pain or dysfunction arising from the elbow joint or nearby soft tissues. Although the elbow is not a common source of forelimb lameness in horses, problems in this region can have a major impact...

Drooling in horses can be a normal response to eating, but excessive salivation may also signal irritation, dental disease, swallowing difficulty, toxic plant exposure, or another underlying health concern. Because saliva supports chewing, swallowing, and digestion, changes in how much...

Respiratory noises in horses can signal a problem with airflow through their nose, throat, or lungs. While some breathing sounds are subtle, persistent or unusual noises may suggest irritation, inflammation, mucus buildup, airway narrowing, or another respiratory concern that needs...

Halitosis, or bad breath, in horses is an unpleasant odor coming from a horse’s mouth or nostrils. While occasional odor associated with horse feed is normal, persistent foul-smelling breath in your horse is often a sign of an underlying health...

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...