Developmental orthopedic diseases (DODs) refer to a range of non-infectious conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system of growing horses. These conditions arise from an interruption in the normal development of cartilage, bone, or soft tissue (joint capsule, tendon, or ligament). Genetics, growth rate, nutrition, and exercise conditions can influence the onset of DODs in growing foals. While some developmental issues are apparent at birth, others occur later as the horse grows. Conditions such as osteochondrosis and physitis can affect any breed of horses and are a common cause of pain and lameness.

Neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS) - also referred to as dummy foal syndrome - is a condition that causes neurological symptoms in foals. This condition prevents the foal from performing normal behaviours, such as recognizing and feeding from the mare, standing and walking. Affected foals may appear lethargic, depressed, or display more serious clinical signs. NMS can be caused by oxygen and nutrient deprivation in the foal before birth. It may also be caused by a failure of placental hormones to drop following birth.

Equine sinusitis is the most common disease affecting the paranasal sinuses in horses. Sinusitis is an inflammatory condition that often involves excessive nasal discharge. Horses with sinus diseases can also experience swelling in the face or reduced appetite. The causes of sinusitis vary but can include dental disease or bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract. Treatment for this condition often presents a challenge to veterinarians because of the large size of the horse's sinus structures, their complex anatomy, difficulties accessing the area, and the advanced state of the disease before a diagnosis is made.

Foal heat diarrhea is a condition involving transient diarrhea in young foals, lasting for a few days up to two weeks. Foals with heat diarrhea do not have any systemic illness. While it is not known exactly what causes foal heat diarrhea, researchers believe this condition may occur because the flora of the foal's gastrointestinal tract is developing.

Strangles, also known as equine distemper, is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi. Young horses are most susceptible to developing strangles disease. This condition most commonly occurs in horses under the age of two. The name "strangles" comes from the common sign of dysphagia or trouble swallowing that some horses experience, caused by enlarged lymph nodes.

Equine Coronavirus (ECoV) is a highly contagious illness transmitted between horses that can cause fever, anorexia, diarrhea, and colic. Most horses recover from equine coronavirus with supportive care. In serious cases, affected horses may require specific treatments such as electrolytes, fluid administration, and anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications. Death from the illness is uncommon and believed to be secondary to complications associated with gastrointestinal barrier disruption. There is no vaccine for equine coronavirus. Proper biosecurity practices at your barn can significantly reduce the risk of horses contracting the illness. Strategies to prevent the transmission of coronavirus in horses include quarantining sick horses, practicing good hygiene in equine facilities, and monitoring horses for signs of illness.

Thumps in horses is a condition that produces irregular contractions of the diaphragm, resulting in a thumping noise similar to a human hiccup. Scientifically referred to as Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter (SDF), thumps causes the diaphragm to spasm in the same rhythm as the heartbeat.

Equine wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM), is a devastating neurological syndrome resulting from damage to your horse's spinal cord. Horses with CVSM exhibit neurological symptoms such as poor balance and stumbling when walking.

Insulin resistance (IR) in horses describes a condition in which the body fails to properly respond to the hormone insulin. Impaired insulin response is the main feature of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Horses with EMS do not metabolize sugars properly and have difficulty losing weight.

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL) is a condition that describes impaired lymph flow in the lower legs. Primarily observed in draft horse breeds, CPL causes swelling and skin inflammation on affected legs. Horses with the condition are also at risk of lesions and secondary bacterial and parasitic infections developing on their legs because of poor lymph flow.