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 salmonellosis in horses include diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. In some cases, Salmonella can cause sepsis (blood infection), which can be life-threatening. Veterinarians use a fecal or blood sample to identify the bacteria and make a diagnosis. Treatment of Salmonella often requires hospitalization and intensive care. Fluid therapy, antibiotics, and toxin neutralization products are key components of many treatment protocols. The outcome of Salmonella infection depends on the severity of disease, and ranges from excellent to very poor.

Bucked shins is a condition that affects the cannon bones of young race horses in the first 6 to 8 months of their speed training. Since the horse's bones are still developing, the strain of the training results in a cycle of stress and repair that results in weak and porous bones. If left untreated, the bones start to develop microfractures and inflammation that can then lead to hairline fractures and eventually catastrophic midshaft fracture. Horses with bucked shins have painful, swollen forelegs and a short, choppy gait.

Staphylococcus bacteria are a common member of the equine microflora, found on the skin, in the nasal passages, and in the intestines. These bacteria typically do not cause infection or disease. However, under certain circumstances, the bacteria may take advantage of tissue damage or a weakened immune system to produce an infection. Staphylococcal infections (or staph infections) are most common in the skin, soft tissues, bones, and joints. Humans are also susceptible to staph infections and can acquire the bacteria from an affected or carrier horse. Symptoms can include fever, swelling of the infected area, pain, and loss of function. Veterinarians can diagnose staphylococcal infections by submitting samples for bacterial culture.

Liver health is paramount to the overall well-being and performance of horses. It is one of the largest and most vital organs in the equine body. This organ plays a crucial role in numerous physiological processes including metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and immune function. For example, it regulates blood glucose levels, produces bile acids, and stores vital nutrients. Although the equine liver possesses a significant ability to regenerate itself, it is still susceptible to a variety of conditions and diseases that can significantly impact a horse's health and quality of life.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin reaction in horses characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, swollen wheals on the skin. These wheals can vary in size, and may be accompanied by itching or discomfort. Hives in horses can be triggered by various factors, such as allergic reactions to insect bites, foods, medications or environmental allergens. If a horse develops hives, the first step is to identify and remove the trigger. However, identifying the exact cause of hives is difficult. Horses may have a wide range of potential allergens, and can even develop hives due to underlying health conditions.

Keratosis is an equine skin condition where patches or bands of skin become thickened, rough, dark, and oily. The patches are not painful nor itchy, are not contagious, and do not impact the overall health of the horse. There are two forms of keratosis: cannon or linear. Cannon keratosis appears as patches of thickened skin on the front side of the lower part of the horse's hind legs, along the cannon bone. Cannon keratosis is usually present on both sides of the horse's body. Linear keratosis appears as bands of thickened skin on the ribs, neck or back of the horse. Occasionally patches of linear keratosis are noted on the chest, legs, or hips. They typically appear only on one side of the horse's body.

Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is a common fungal skin infection. Despite its name, ringworm isn't caused by a worm but rather by various fungi, or dermatophytes, that infect the skin. This fungal infection presents circular hair loss patches with crusty, scaly skin. Though ringworm isn't life-threatening, it's highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected horse or indirectly through contaminated grooming tools, tack, or environment. It can also be spread to humans and other animals. Preventing infected horses from participating in shows, races, and other events is crucial to halt the spread of ringworm to other horses. Allowing infected horses to attend could result in a broader outbreak among horses.

As horse owners the world over know, equines are prone to many forms of gastrointestinal disease and dysfunction. Strangulating lipomas are among the varied and complex risks of GI disruption in horses. A lipoma is a tumor made of fat cells and can develop anywhere in the body. Lipomas are common in aging mammals and are often harmless.

Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA), or Hyperelastosis Cutis (HC), is a genetic degenerative skin disease that primarily affects Quarter Horses. It's characterized by a collagen deficiency, a crucial protein responsible for maintaining the strength and elasticity of the skin. Horses affected by HERDA typically exhibit extremely fragile skin that is prone to tearing even with minor pressure or friction. As a result, they may develop chronic wounds, scars and other severe skin abnormalities.