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 to inflammation and eventual bone growth. Affected horses typically exhibit swelling and heat around the fetlock joint, accompanied by pain or sensitivity to touch. Early signs include stiffness, particularly after rest, while more advanced cases can result in lameness and restricted joint movement, ultimately altering the horse's gait. For horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians, understanding how osselets develop is crucial, as early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and help prevent long-term damage to the horse’s joint health. Effective management of osselets requires prompt symptom recognition and appropriate treatments, including rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and adjustments to the horse's training. Early intervention can facilitate recovery, while untreated osselets may lead to permanent joint changes that impair the horse's performance and soundness.

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 parasite. In fact, studies show that anywhere from 50-80% of donkeys, burros, and mules are infected with lungworm. Interestingly enough, lungworm does not usually cause overly apparent disease in donkeys, even with a high parasite load. Lungworm infection is less common in horses, but it is more serious, often causing chronic respiratory disease and severe illness. Lungworm infection in any equine is more common in cold, wet climates. It is also more likely to occur in horses that are pastured with donkeys. Rarely, infections have been found in horses that have not been exposed to donkeys or mules though. The severity of lungworm disease in horses is related to the number of larvae ingested. Since the anthelmintic ivermectin has been on the market and widely used by horse owners, the prevalence of lungworm infection in horses as well as pneumonia caused by this parasite has decreased. However, the lungworm is still a parasite that all horse owners should be aware of.

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, making it essential for a horse’s overall vitality. Equine cardiac disease can be categorized into two primary forms: congenital and acquired. Congenital heart disease refers to defects present at birth, which can range from minor abnormalities to severe, life-threatening conditions. Acquired heart disease, on the other hand, develops later in life due to factors such as aging, infections, or trauma. Both forms can have significant impacts, from subtle performance decline to life-threatening cardiac events. While not all heart conditions are fatal, they can seriously impair a horse’s athletic abilities and, in some cases, make them unsafe to ride. Understanding the different types of heart disease and their causes is essential for effective management and treatment, helping horse owners and veterinarians safeguard equine health.

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 important for all horse owners. After lameness issues, veterinarians report that respiratory problems are the largest reason for seeing equine patients. Lung and airway disorders can have a number of different causes including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, immune-mediated reactions, or inhalation of irritants or toxic substances. Equine athletes are especially prone to respiratory disease, which is the second most important cause of lost training days. That said, respiratory disease is also a common cause of illness in foals and non-athletic adult horses. In some cases, it can even prove deadly. In this article, we’ll discuss the anatomy of the horse’s respiratory tract, symptoms of respiratory disease, how respiratory disease is diagnosed, as well as a number of common respiratory conditions that affect horses.