A-Z Guide to Horse Ailments
Bog spavin
Abscess Pus formed in the foot, causing extreme lameness, or under the skin in response to an infection. Antibiotics are sometimes used except in the cases of foot abscesses and strangles.
Arthritis (degenerative joint disease, DJD) This is inflammation in a ' joint or joints. Acute arthritis occurs due to a wound or infection; it causes heat and swelling and needs immediate treatment, including antibiotics and ' joint immobilization. Chronic arthritis develops more slowly and is often caused by repeated work related stress on the joints; slower to develop, it produces stiffness and lameness. Although there is no cure, the symptoms can be relieved through gentle in-hand exercise, the use of anti-inflammatories (bute), and other drugs, including corticosteroids.
Aural plaques Crusty white scabs form inside the ear and the skin beneath is sensitive, pink and thickened. There is no completely successful treatment but bathing with anti-inflammatories will reduce the size of the plaques.
Azoturia is also known as "Monday morning disease" or "Tying Up". Azoturia occurs due to excessive levels of lactic acid. As Azoturia develops, when exercised the muscles of the horse over the loins and quarters harden resulting in cramps and muscular stiffness. The horse's stride becomes shorter, it staggers behind and then goes lame and may collapse if work is continued. The horse has a high temperature and sweating may be evident. Examination of the hindquarters will show stiffening. In severe cases the myogolobin released from the damaged muscles turns the urine dark red. Treatment may consist of a laxative diet, anti-inflammatories, a sedative, muscle relaxers and massage of the affected muscles. A low energy diet should be fed and the horse may also require a few days rest. Mares coming into heat may also be prone to Azoturia.
Bog spavin See Bursal strains and injuries.
Botulism poisoning An often fatal poisoning associated with eating infected food, such as soil-contaminated silage. Botulism causes muscle paralysis and respiratory failure. Symptoms appear about 4-5 days after infection: the horse has trouble eating and moving; he may stand with his head lowered.
Bruised sole A common cause of lameness, especially in the front feet. In white-footed horses bruising can be seen as a discoloured area: hoof-testers will also reveal sensitivity. Rest the horse, protecting the bruised foot, for 7-10 days. See also Corns.
Bursal strains and injuries (bursitis) Damage to the bursae (sacs) around bony areas, such as joints, causes over-production of the lubricating synovial fluid they contain, and this shows as soft swelling - called a bursal enlargement. Windgalls, bog spavins and thoroughpins are bursal strains. They are not very serious but may be initially painful. Treatment includes rest, cold hosing and massage. Capped hocks, elbows and knees are bursal injuries and are often painless, although it is sometimes advisable to drain the fluid from the area and apply a pressure bandage to prevent more building up.
Capped elbow/capped hock See Bursal strains and injuries.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heaves) A respiratory disease characterized by a hollow cough and reduced performance. It is caused by allergies, usually to mould spores in hay or straw, and possibly also pollen. A vet will treat symptoms then preventative measures, such as good stable hygiene, keeps COPD under control.
Colic The term "colic" means only "pain in the abdomen" or "pain in the belly". There are many causes for such pain, ranging from the mild and inconsequential to the life-threatening or fatal. One of the problems with equine colic is that it can be very difficult in the early stages to distinguish the mild from the potentially fatal. This is why all cases of abdominal pain should be taken seriously right from the onset. Symptoms may be frantic rolling, biting or kicking flanks, patchy sweating, pawing at ground, increased vital signs, lying down. Call the vet immediately, keeping the horse warm and stabled in a deep bed. Allow a drink but no food. Walk him gently (if recommended by vet) to discourage violent rolling. Note droppings, loose, hard, or none at all. Note pulse, temperature and respiration. The vet may use pain killers, saline, and lubricant. Twisted gut – a complication of colic will require immediate surgery.
Corns A cause of lameness, these are bruises at the heel of the foot and may result from infrequent shoeing or poor trimming.Abscesses may also develop in the area. Regular good quality farriery required. See also Bruised sole.
Curb A strain of the tendon at the back of the hock, indicated by a firm, perhaps warm swelling about 10cm (4in) below the point of hock, and possibly slight lameness in the early stages. A vet will treat inflammation; rest usually results in complete recovery.
Cushing's disease This is caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland, which affects hormone production. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, the development of a long, persistent curly coat, and a sway back and potbelly. There is an increased proneness to laminitis and mouth ulcers, and healing of cuts becomes slower. No cure. A vet will suggest treatment to relieve symptoms and a good diet can help.
Dehydration Indicated by tight dry skin and depression. Dehydration can occur due to heavy sweating or as a result of diarrhoea. Water and electrolytes should stabilize the horse. If dehydration has not obviously been caused by workload call your vet immediately.
Endometritis An infection in mares (developed during foaling or because of an infected stallion) indicated by a persistent cloudy vulval discharge and a high temperature, possibly also laminitis and endotoxic shock. It also occurs due to a deformed vulva that allows air along with faecal contaminants to be drawn into the vagina (vulval aspiration); in this case a surgical procedure (Caslick's operation or Pouret's operation) is needed. See also Endotoxaemia.
Endotoxaemia An often fatal condition caused when bacteria from the intestines get into the rest of the horse's system, because of other problems such as colitis, twisted gut, concentrate overload. Indicators include depression, increased pulse rate, dehydration, colic-like symptoms, diarrhoea, excessive drinking.
Equine herpes virus (EHV) A series of viruses that cause respiratory, reproductive and neurological problems and spread mainly through the copious nasal discharge produced by infected animals. Incubation takes up to 10 days and horses may take 3 months to recover fully. Short-lived preventative vaccinations can be given; the viruses cannot be treated although some of the symptoms can be relieved with antibiotics and good nursing.
Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) A persistent virus initially causing fever, anaemia, body oedema and lethargy. Then recovery appears to take place but a few weeks later fluctuating periods of fever occur. Full recovery takes, about a year but the horse has become a carrier. Coggins test diagnoses the disease; no treatment is available.
Equine influenza Most horses are vaccinated against equine flu, a serious respiratory disease (sometimes fatal in youngstock) causing high temperatures, clear nasal discharge and coughing. Incubation takes 3-4 days and recovery about 3 weeks. Treatment includes prolonged rest along with drug therapy. Recovered horses may be carriers.
Filled legs Horses kept stabled for long periods can suffer from poor circulation leading to swelling in the legs due to lymph escaping into surrounding tissues, rather than being circulated back up the leqs. Increased turnout, a more roomy stable and stable bandages can help. It may degenerate into lymphangitis.
Head shaker A horse that shakes its head when ridden. Shaking is usually persistent; it may be mild or excessive. The cause may be nerve pain, and is often exacerbated by well known irritants such as pollen or dust. Full or partial facial nets are useful in many cases; drugs or surgery may help in others. Head shaking can also be caused by other physical problems, such as uncomfortable teeth.
Laminitis Laminitis is a common, painful, and potentially disastrous condition of the horse’s foot. Currently, a horse is considered to have laminitis when there is a failure of attachment between the coffin bone (distal or third phalanx or P3) and the inner aspect of the hoof wall. See our horse care article on Laminitis for a more detailed explanation.
Locking patella This is where the stay mechanism that allows horses to doze while standing seizes up causing the legs to drag when the horse moves - it usually' frees itself within minutes. It is a condition that often affects horses in poor health and disappears when they regain health. Surgery is sometimes required.
Lymphangitis Infection in the lymph vessels and tissues of the lower (usually hind) legs, causing hot and painful swelling and lameness. Liquid may ooze from the skin. Lymphangitis may be a complication of mud fever, filled legs or an untreated injury. Diuretics and anti-inflammatories are used to relieve it.
Mud fever (greasy heel) Inflammation and scabs on the heels and fetlocks caused by bacteria gaining entry through skin softened by being constantly wet and muddy. The pastern and fetlock may become swollen. Treatment includes cleansing the lower legs and using antibiotic ointment; barrier creams may help in prevention.
Navicular disease A degenerative disorder of the tiny navicular bone in the front feet. Symptoms include tripping and a gradual change of gait and onset of lameness. Drug therapies, surgery and remedial shoeing can relieve the symptoms.
Nose bleeds Bleeding from one or both nostrils after strenuous exercise. Bleeding may also be undetected as the blood goes down the trachea and is swallowed. Treatment is not always successful, although treatment of other respiratory problems can help, as can good stable hygiene.
Pedal ostitis Inflammation of the pedal bone of the front feet, leading to lameness. Anti-inflammatories and remedial shoeing can ease the symptoms.
Poisoning As horses are quite fussy eaters, they are very rarely poisoned. However, certain circumstances, such as food shortage, a huge fresh supply of the poisonous plant or it being present dried in forage, will sometimes lead them to eat what they would normally avoid. There are many forms of poisoning and few specific treatments (one example is dosing with thiamine to counteract bracken and mare's tail poisoning: these plants destroy this enzyme in sothe body), often the only recourse is to treat the symptoms and, unfortunately, the outcome is frequently death.
Rainscald (weather beat) Similar- to mud fever except that it affects the body, rainscald is characterized by scabby areas on the back or neck, under which the skin is red and sore. In mild cases regular grooming will remove the problem, otherwise shampooing and antibiotic creams will be required. Antibiotics may be needed in severe cases.
Ringbone Slow-growing bony swelling on the pastern bones caused by concussion or injury. Where it restricts the action of the joints, it generally leads to long-term lameness; between the joints it often resolves after rest and treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery may be required.
Ringworm highly contagious disease (in people as well as animals) characterized by round, raised areas on the skin that grow and spread, bursting and becoming scabby. A vet will prescribe systemic antibiotics; antibiotic skin washes may also be used.
Sarcoid Tumour that can be likened to cancer, except that it affects only the skin. Sarcoids may be caused by viruses, but do not appear contagious. A damaged sarcoid can become aggressive and start growing and spreading more quickly, which makes biopsies or half hearted attempts at treatment a risk. If the sarcoid is 'quiet' and not in a place where it might cause problems (such as under the saddle), it may be best left alone. If treatment is decided upon, it must be carried out under a vet's guidance, with careful monitoring at all stages. Treatment may include surgical removal or freezing of the sarcoid, radiation treatment or the use of highly toxic ointments.
Sand cracks vertical cracks in the hoof, sometimes caused by allowing feet to grow overlong. Shallow cracks can be treated by trimming and balancing the hoof; clips may be used to prevent them getting longer. Deep sand cracks can cause lameness.
Seedy toe Bacteria or fungi infect the white line, causing softening and crumbling, usually in the toe. Laminitis, infrequent trimming or stone damage may all be factors. The infected horn is cut back to healthy tissue, and remedial shoeing is often used.
Sesamoiditis Disease in or damage to the sesamoid bones, which causes pain and swelling at the back of the fetlock.joint and lameness. A vet will prescribe long rest (up to a year) and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Spavin Causing lameness in the hindleqs, this is a form of arthritis affecting the small bones in the hock.
Splint A hard swelling between the cannon and splint bones, often on the front legs, in young horses. As they form, they may be warm and cause lameness, but mature splints are cold and rarely cause trouble. Rest and anti-inflammatory treatment usually recommended.
Strangles A highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract causing raised temperature, nasal discharge, loss of appetite and swelling around the jaw due to abscesses in the throat. Infected horses must be isolated for at least 3 weeks. Hot poulticing helps the abscesses to drain. A vet will confirm the disease and recommend suitable treatment. Antibiotics are rarely used.
Stringhalt Horses affected by stringhalt have an odd hindleg action, lifting the legs over-high and slamming them down hard. In some countries, dandelion poisoning may be implicated. Muscle relaxants can be an effective treatment; surgery is sometimes used.
Sweet itch An allergic reaction to midge saliva, sweet itch causes the affected horse to rub itself raw on the mane and/or tail. Barrier rugs stop the midges gettinq to the skin and their use can be combined with fly repellents. Corticosteroids can be used, but have side effects, including increased proneness to laminitis.
Thoroughpin See Bursal strains and injuries.
Thrush Blackness on sole of foot, especially around frog. Dreadful smell, possible lameness. Clean hooves and scrub away loose, crumbly material. Disinfect with peroxide solution or purple spray. Maintain good stable hygiene.
Uveitis (moonblindness) This disease affects the inside and outside of the eye, as well as the surrounding tissues, and is extremely painful for the horse. The pupil constricts and the eye becomes very sensitive to light. Copious tears are produced, and the eyelids, which are inflammed, tend to be fast-closed. The cause may be bacteria or worm larvae; treatment includes antibiotics, corticosteroids and atropine. The problem tends to reoccur and eventually leads to blindness.
Urticaria (hives) Lumps appearing on the skin in association with swollen facial features and legs are a sign of an allergic reaction, usually to a change of diet or an insect bite. Antihistamine or corticosteroids are administered by the vet to relieve the symptoms.
Warts Small warts appear on the thin-skinned areas of a horse, such as the nostrils or eyelids. They usually occur in young horses and will grow, changing from grey to reddish, then drop off. Although they can be removed by the vet, they will disappear of their own accord after 3-4 months.
Windgalls See Bursal strains and injuries.