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 diseases and injuries can result in ataxia. Common causes include equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), Wobbler syndrome, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Other cases may be linked to trauma, toxin exposure, viral infections, or degenerative disorders of the nervous system. Affected horses may appear unsteady, place their feet inaccurately, stumble, or have difficulty maintaining balance. Severity ranges from subtle abnormalities detectable only during a neurological examination to profound incoordination that affects everyday movement, performance, and safety. Ataxia can have serious implications for both horse welfare and rider safety. Understanding how coordination is controlled, what conditions can disrupt it, and the signs that may accompany ataxia can help horse owners recognize this important clinical sign and seek appropriate veterinary care.

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 on movement, comfort, and athletic ability. The elbow helps transfer force through the forelimb each time the horse bears weight, pushes off, or absorbs concussion. Its limited range of motion makes it efficient for forward movement, but also means that trauma, joint disease, or damage to surrounding structures can quickly disrupt normal limb mechanics. Because elbow-related problems often appear as general forelimb lameness, identifying the source of pain can be challenging. Conditions such as fractures, dislocation, osteoarthritis, osseous cysts, bursitis, and ligament injuries may all affect this region, with signs ranging from subtle gait changes to sudden inability to bear weight. This article reviews the anatomy and function of the equine elbow, common disorders that affect this joint, signs of elbow lameness, risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for affected horses.

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 saliva a horse produces or how well they manage it can provide important clues about their health. Some cases of excessive drooling are temporary and relatively harmless, while others require prompt veterinary evaluation, especially when drooling occurs suddenly or alongside other signs of illness.

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 attention. Because horses are obligate nasal breathers, efficient airflow is essential for comfort, health, and performance. Changes in their breathing may provide clues to current health issues and how serious those issues may be. Respiratory problems have many causes, including infections, airway inflammation, environmental irritants, poor ventilation, or conditions such as equine asthma and recurrent airway obstruction. Early recognition and veterinary evaluation are important, especially when noisy breathing occurs with distress, rapid breathing at rest, blood or pus-like discharge, or sudden performance changes. Understanding the different types of breathing sounds, their possible causes, and the role of diagnosis, treatment, and stable management can help horse owners respond appropriately and support long-term respiratory health.

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 problem. Dental disease is the most common cause of halitosis in horses, but oral injuries, sinus infections, respiratory disease, and some gastrointestinal conditions may also contribute to this symptom. In many cases, bad breath develops when bacteria break down trapped feed material or infected tissue in the mouth. Persistent halitosis requires prompt attention, especially if it occurs alongside difficulty eating, nasal discharge, weight loss, or facial swelling. Early identification and treatment of the underlying cause can improve comfort and help prevent more serious complications.