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Horse Health Topics

Standards of horse care have changed over the last 30 years with new technologies available in veterinary care, innovations in rehabilitation, and less stressful approaches to training. As people place more importance on the human-horse bond, growing numbers of horse owners are investing in additional veterinary services and alternative therapies for their equine partners. It has become more common for people to view their horses as family members, treasuring them in retirement, and providing quality care until the end.

Good Resources
My Horse Matters, a site sponsored by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) offers lots of articles on horse health topics, plus email newsletters, and a monthly ‘ask the vet’ forum. The links section includes breed, sport and show organizations, research and health organizations, colleges of veterinary medicine and government sites.

Net Vet & Electronic Zoo offer two sites filled with diverse animal information including extensive links for health, breeds, sport and other topics.

Equisearch or Horses.about.com covers a broad range of topics including horse care, behavior and training, reproduction and stable management. This site serves as the online presence of four major equestrian magazines: Equus, Horse & Rider, Practical Horseman, and Dressage Today.

Cybersteed.com is sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research and provides hundreds of links of interest to those interested in horses. Sections on books and publications and horse care are recommended.

The Horse Online is a good source of up to date, veterinarian approved articles about horse health care—it is affiliated with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The site also addresses issues of behavior, equine management, emergency treatment and other problems. You can browse their extensive database, but a subscription to the magazine is required for full access to the articles.

Visit our links page to explore more horse-related web sites.

The full text of many articles in this section is available in PDF format, which is quick to download. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the articles. It is available for free.


Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine offers excellent options for the treatment of animal athletes, for chronic conditions, or for geriatric care. Horses have shown an excellent response to chiropractic manipulation, as well as acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Go to the Alternative Medicine page for more information about alternative therapies, when to use alternative medicine and links.



Basic Care – Wellness & Preventive Medicine
It has been said that prevention is the best medicine. Horses seem to be naturally accident prone because of their flight or fight response, herd dominance behaviors, and their native curiosity. Good horse management can prevent many diseases and injuries. A basic program of care for your horse includes plenty of clean water to drink, good quality food, a hazard-free environment, adequate shelter and bedding, regular visits from the dentist, regular deworming, appropriate vaccinations and exercise, regular grooming and hoof care.

The best deworming and vaccination programs for your particular horse(s) depend upon where they live, their contact with other horses, and their activities, whether broodmare, sport horse, or pleasure horse. Regular attention from the equine dentist can prevent serious problems from developing by monitoring and correcting conditions gradually over time.

Care, and not fine stables, makes a good horse.
-Danish proverb


Deworming
Horses host many varieties of internal parasites. The most common, and most damaging, are worms. There are several types that make their homes in our horses’ large intestines. Infestations of worms can damage the walls of the intestine and leave your horse more susceptible to colic. There are a number of effective deworming products on the market. Effective parasite management includes regular deworming, fecal egg counts, timing of treatment, and rotating products to minimize resistance.

Tapeworms
Although once considered to be a benign inhabitant of the equine gastrointestinal tract, recent research suggests that the equine tapeworm, A. perfoliata, may be a significant cause of colic. In fact, reports of colic associated with tapeworm infections have increased over the last decade. Although the cause of this rise is unknown, some have attributed it to the use of dewormers that do not address tapeworms.
Read more »
More information about equine parasites from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).

Vaccinations
Foals develop passive immunity from the colostrum in their mare’s milk. If a horse contracts a disease and survives, she will have developed active natural immunity. This will prevent the horse from contracting the disease again, or if she does, only a mild case. By vaccinating, we assist our horses to develop an active artificial immunity because we may not want to run the risk of their not surviving a disease. Because this is only a temporary immunity, regular vaccinations are necessary to maintain immunity in your horse. When your horse is at a horse show, trail ride, or some other event with lots of other horses, or if lots of horses come in and out of your barn, there is a risk of exposure, in addition to the diseases carried by insects.

The most common vaccines given to horses are to protect against tetanus; encephalomyelitis (sleeping sickness) western, eastern and venezuelan varieties; rhinopneumonitis caused by equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4); and influenza. Other diseases are common, but the need to vaccinate against them depends upon your horse’s situation. Talk to your veterinarian about the most appropriate vaccination program for your horse.

Based on new research in equine immunology, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) updated its recommendations for vaccinations, especially during the first year of life. Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital’s vaccination recommendations for 2001 are available.
Read our vaccine protocol »

Winterizing Your Horse
To help your horse friends get ready for the winter, make sure they are up to date on their preventative maintenance program (vaccines and deworming), also includes tips of other things to watch for during the colder months.
Read more



Breeding & Reproduction
Breeding a horse is a big undertaking’ a commitment of time and an investment for the future. It often represents dreams of future competitions, a breeding lineage, or simply a passion to create beautiful horses.

Visit the Horse Reproduction page to learn more about Pilchuck’s equine breeding center, its services, fees, and stallions.

Articles About Breeding Procedures
Breeding a Mare with Frozen Semen »
Breeding Services for Stallions »
Breeding Soundness Exams for Mares »
Freezing Stallion Semen »
Handling Frozen Stallion Semen »
What is Embryo Transfer? »



Articles About Foaling and Caring for Foals
Diarrhea in Foals » various types and when immediate care is needed
Foaling » stages of foaling and what to look for during the first few hours after birth for mare and foal
Limb Deformities in Foals »
Prepare for Foaling »
"Straight Talk about Crooked Legs" - Dr. Conrad Boulton discusses identifying and correcting crooked legs in foals
More information about foals & weanlings from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)



Common Diseases & Conditions
Good horse management can prevent many complications from becoming problems, and being familiar with common problems helps you to know what action to take and whether what you are observing requires immediate veterinary attention or ongoing monitoring. Perhaps most important is becoming familiar with what is normal for your horse so that you know what is not normal. Consider behavior, posture and movement, appetite, skin and coat, and trust your hunches about whether or not she is feeling and acting normal.

Colic Risk Management
Colic is a general term that describes abdominal (or gut) pain in the horse. There are as many causes of colic as there are manifestations of the problem. Read about the signs and causes of colic in order to minimize the chance of colic in your animal(s).
Read more »


Articles from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)



Dentistry
One of the questions most commonly asked of equine veterinarians is "why do my horse's teeth need to be floated?" The answer is relatively simple—their teeth continually grow to compensate for the loss of tooth from grinding feed. With the upper jaw slightly wider than the lower jaw , horses’ circular chewing action creates a slope on the grinding surface of the teeth that can form sharp edges on the outside of the upper teeth (irritating the cheeks) and on the inside of the lower teeth (irritating the tongue). "Floating" is a term used to describe rasping and smoothing these points and edges. With the aid of advanced training and instrumentation, the quality of equine dental care has greatly improved to the benefit of both the horse and rider.
Read more »
More information



Diagnostic Technology
Understanding the terms and technology used in medical or veterinary care can be a challenge. Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital uses the following equipment and procedures to diagnose and treat certain conditions. For a brief discussion of their applications, see below. For a more detailed discussion, please visit Services for Horses.

"There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse."
-Robert Smith Surtees

Arthroscopy
In medical language, "arth" means joint. "Scope" refers to an instrument for observing or examining and "otomy" refers to a surgical incision into an organ or part. Together, an "arthroscope" is an instrument inserted into the cavity of a joint in order to inspect the contents and an "arthrotomy" is the surgical incision of a joint capsule in order to inspect the contents. In an arthroscopic surgery, two to three tiny "nicks" are made through the skin and joint capsule in order to insert the arthroscope and other instruments as needed. The joint cavity is inspected, any bone chips or loose cartilage are removed and the area is flushed to remove small fragments and inflammatory products. The "nicks" are usually closed with one suture each and rarely can signs of this surgery be detected afterwards. Arthroscopic surgery is the best tool veterinarians have for visually inspecting the condition of a joint. That gives it a place not only in the treatment of joint lameness, but also in its diagnosis.
More about arthroscopy »

Endoscopy Explained
An endoscope is an instrument used in either human or veterinary medicine designed specifically to look inside the body. If the endoscope is placed in the horse’s nose, you can see the turbinates and any nasal lesion. If it’s in the horse’s throat the larynx can be seen. In mares, the same technology can be used to look directly into the uterus with minimal discomfort, and in stallions and mares to see directly into the urinary bladder.
Read more »

Radiology
Most of us are familiar with radiographs by the name of x-rays. Using radiation, radiology equipment allows us to ‘look through’ parts of the body to diagnose fractures, tumors or other masses and create a film image for further study or future comparison.

Scintigraphy
Bone scan (nuclear scintigraphy) as a means for imaging the muscloskeletal system of horses was first reported as a method for diagnosing lameness in 1977. Since then, many researchers and a growing number of clinicians have been using this technology. As equipment has become more affordable, the value of nuclear scintigraphy has become more apparent.
More information

Ultrasonography
Ultrasound is a specialized imaging technique that uses inaudible sound waves to create an image of soft tissue structures. It is one of our most frequently used non-invasive diagnostic tools most commonly used to diagnose lameness issues, reproduction, and abdominal diseases.



Emergencies
We never want to have one, but occasionally they occur. An emergency requires decisive action within a short time period. Being prepared allows you to function as best you can, and contributes to the best outcome for your horse. Remember, if you think you may have an emergency, call your vet. Don’t email or search the internet, you need to determine if your horse needs help right away.

Horses are accident prone due to their flight or fight response, the nature of herd dominance, and their natural curiosity. Although you never hope to have one, it makes sense to be prepared for emergency.
More about emergencies

Emergency Wound Care
In a discussion of emergency wound care, first it is important to know what is normal for your horse, as there are normal variations in each individual’s temperature, pulse and respiration. It is often helpful to have an action plan in case of an emergency. Keep your veterinarian’s number by the phone. If your horse is boarded, make sure the stable owner keeps a record of whom to call in case of an emergency. Also, prepare a first aid kit and keep it in the barn and take it along when you trailer your horse.
Read more »

How to Tell if You Have an Emergency
The most common question asked of this practice is "What exactly is an emergency situation?" Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Some horse owners with more experience may feel comfortable treating many common ailments on their own or with a little guidance from their veterinarian. However, there are some situations that will almost always need immediate attention:
  • Colic – colic pain that persists or worsens after 30 minutes of hand-walking.
  • Eyes – eye injuries can go from bad to worse very quickly and should be seen as soon as possible.
  • Gaping wounds – cuts that need to be stitched should be stitched within the "golden period" of 8-12 hours for the best chance of healing.
  • Severe lameness – horses that can barely walk may have something as simple as a foot abscess, but could also have a fracture or severe infection. Either way, a horse in that much pain should be seen quickly.
  • Down horses – any horse that cannot rise on its own may be in serious trouble.
  • Obstetrics – mares having difficulty foaling, or foals that don’t appear to be healthy should be seen as soon as possible.
Two more pieces of advice: a horse’s temperature can be a very helpful piece of information. Keep a thermometer handy and have a recent reading available to tell the vet on call. And always, if you are in doubt as to whether or not you have an emergency, call.

Are You Prepared for Emergency Expenses?
Emergencies typically require quick decision making under highly emotional conditions. It is worth thinking about how you will be prepared if there is an emergency situation requiring surgery for your horse. Like human hospitals, equine hospitals have surgeons available 24 hours a day. If you are prepared financially, your veterinary team can get right to work on your horse.

Although we can’t predict when we’ll have an emergency, we can plan ahead for one aspect: how to pay for veterinary expenses. Some people purchase equine insurance. Many types of coverage are available. Others set aside a credit card or other easily accessed account for funds needed in an emergency. $5000 will cover most non-complicated colic surgeries.

Two of the companies making daily wormer offer basic coverage in case your horse colics and needs surgery. The Strongid PreventiCare Colic Assistance Plan is administered through veterinarians. Click here for information about Farnam’s ContinuCare Colic Prevention Program. For horses enrolled and who meet the terms of these programs, both programs cover three days of after care and up to $5000 in expenses for surgery if your horse colics while using their product.

Equine insurance can cost as little as $125 a year to cover emergency surgery costs up to $5000. Check around for the policy best suited to you. Here are just a few: Blue Bridle Insurance 800-526-1711; American Bankers 800-582-0248; Agri-Risk 800-821-5558; National Equine Adjusting 800-783-9418.

Once you have made a plan, make sure that everyone caring for your horse knows where to find information about how to handle a potential emergency with your horse. Do they need to call an insurance company first? If you can’t be reached, would you authorize surgery? Up to what cost? Although it isn’t fun to think about, knowing what your plan of action will be can alleviate some of the stress inherent in any emergency situation.
 Read more about equine insurance »



Euthanasia
Eventually the time will come to say goodbye to your equine friend. Whether sudden or gradual, it is never an easy decision to end the life of a beloved companion. Because of their size and constitution, there are certain considerations when euthanizing a horse. An excellent article on equine euthanasia discusses making the decision, coping with your decision, saying goodbye, stages of grief, and a list of helpful books.

Many people want their vet to tell them when it is time to put their animal to sleep. Your veterinarian can assist you by providing information about your animal’s health and prognosis, but ultimately, you must make the decision. It is up to you to decide what time and place will be right for you and your animal.

Lameness
With the increasing demands of equine athletic competition, soundness issues increasingly cause the need for veterinary assistance. Lameness is any alteration in the horse’s gait. It may be caused by pain in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, legs or feet. Identifying the source of the problem is the first step to proper treatment.

Lameness is a complicated condition, with many possible causes. Be a conscientious observer. If you suspect a problem, discontinue riding your horse and seek advice from your veterinarian promptly. By identifying even a minor lameness and acting swiftly to correct it, you will minimize the risk of injury to the horse and yourself, and you will be rewarded by better performance and a longer useful life from your horse.

More information about lameness topics, from the American Association of Equine Practitioners



‘New’ Diseases
With changing patterns of disease and new developments in veterinary medical technology, information about treating and managing many diseases continues to develop—or emerge as once rare diseases become more common.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)
EPM is a serious and often fatal neurologic disease of horses. It is caused by Sarcocystis neurona, a protozoan parasite that seems to target the central nervous system. EPM has only recently been recognized in horses, and as a result knowledge of the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease are limited. Occurrences of EPM seem to be limited to the Americas but there may be geographic differences in the prevalence of infection.
Learn about EPM
Read several articles about EPM

West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a viral disease that causes encephalitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord. WNV was first identified in the western hemisphere in 1999, in birds in the Bronx zoo. WNV causes disease and mortality in humans, wildlife (particularly birds) and domestic animals (particularly horses). Birds are the reservoir of disease and infected mosquitoes are the vector (primary mode of transmission). Neither infected humans nor horses are considered carriers of the disease.


Nutrition
Horses’ nutritional needs vary from horse to horse based on their metabolism, age, activities, and living situation. Horse feed can be categorized as roughage or concentrate. Pasture, silage or hay is considered roughage. It is essential for proper digestion in horses, and good quality roughage should form the basis of your horse’s feeding program. Concentrated feeds such as grain, pellets and nutritional supplements are low in fiber but offer easily absorbed nutrients. Feral horses natural diet is roughage, but concentrated feeds were developed as the easiest way to provide additional calories needed by hard working horses.

Other Perspectives on Feeding Horses
Horses have thrived on many unusual foods around the world. Desert horses in the Middle East have been fed dates and camel milk; Danish horses liked dried swamp peat and beet molasses; Icelandic ponies have eaten dried fish; horses in India have fed on eggs and broth made from sheep’s heads; horses in Spain and Italy have been fed lime leaves and carob tree seeds.

More information about nutrition, from the American Association of Equine Practitioners



Old Age
A 10 year old horse was once considered old, but with today’s improvements in veterinary medicine, feeding and care, horses are living longer. In a discipline such as dressage, a horse may just be reaching its peak in its early teens and competing into its late teens.

Horses tend not to develop the liver, kidney, heart disease, or cancers that affect people. They do suffer from arthritis, loss of flexibility in tendons, brittle bones, and changes in digestion. Attentive routine care can head off many age related complications before they become problems.

Maintaining healthy weight should be a priority. Good older horse care should include regular deworming treatment to manage internal parasites, regular dental exams to maintain good chewing ability, adjusting feed as nutritional requirements change. Treat arthritis and other aches, adjust your horse’s exercise, and provide regular hoof care. Also be on the watch for skin conditions, provide friendly companionship, and offer protection from extreme weather. Be watchful for changes that may be symptoms of glandular dysfunction such as Cushing’s Disease.
More information about the care and nutrition of older horses

Equine Cushing’s Disease
Equine Cushing’s Disease is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting the older horse. The clinical signs of Cushing’s disease are related to the effects of the abnormal secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters by the pituitary gland. In Cushing’s Disease, the pituitary gland over-secretes a variety of hormones that effect all body systems. Horses and ponies of all breeds and both sexes are affected by the disease.
Read more »



Pre-Purchase Exams
The purchase of a new horse is an investment. Purchase prices vary from ‘free’ to $20,000,000 with the majority being between $500 and $50,000. Prior to making such an investment, a prepurchase examination should be performed on all horses to identify potential performance limiting problems, particularly lameness. Lameness is the most common factor that eliminates a horse from consideration for purchase. The basic prepurchase examination includes a complete physical exam and a lameness exam. Even if the horse was free, the first month’s board will cost more than a basic pre-purchase exam.


Surgery
There are many different types of surgery. Elective procedures are scheduled in advance, such as a hernia repair. Emergency surgeries cannot wait. They include colic, some lacerations, caesarian sections, and certain fractures. Orthopedic surgeries are performed on the musculoskeletal system, such as fracture repairs. Arthroscopic surgery corrects disorders within the joints. Soft tissue surgeries treat body systems other than the musculoskeletal system. Laparoscopy uses endoscopic equipment to look perform surgeries within the body, such as to remove an intraabdominal testicle.

Also of Interest

back to Horses home


see also:

Horse Doctors
Horse Reproduction Center
Services for Horses

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