Health Problems in Horses – The Most Comprehensive Account of the Major Health Issues in Horses

Horses have been our companion for ages. We love them as our family members. But some of the health problems in horses don’t allow them to be themselves. Fortunately, many ailments are treatable. And your vet can bring your horse back to normal. However, it is better that you prevent those health issues. For that purpose, you need to be aware of signs of different problems. In addition to that, you should also know how you can alleviate those signs. And to help you out, we have enlisted some of the health problems in horses. 

Health Problems in Horses

Now we will discuss these health problems in horses in detail.

African Horse Sickness

There is an African horse sickness virus that causes this disease. It is a highly infectious and fatal disease. And thus, its mortality rate can be high. Though African horse sickness is not directly contagious, insect vectors are known to spread this disease. 

African Horse Sickness Symptoms

African horse sickness can cause a cyclic fever, cardiac (heart), or respiratory (lung) disease. These animals also display coughing, difficulty breathing, and discharge from nostrils. In addition to that, symptoms also include swelling, decreased appetite, and depression. 

African Horse Sickness Treatment

Currently, there is no treatment for African horse sickness. However, you must quarantine the horse and control the exposure of horses to vectors. This way, you can prevent your horse from getting the disease. Above all, vaccination for African Horse Sickness exists that can prevent your horse from getting this disease.

Anoplocephala perfoliata

Just like other animals, tapeworms also affect horses. And one of the most common tapeworms of horses is Anoplocephala perfoliata. In some cases of equine colic, this parasite is the causative agent. Horses get tapeworm-related diseases due to certain climatic conditions or the presence of many tapeworms in pastures. In addition to that, horses with a suppressed immune system are more prone to contract this infection.

Symptoms of Anoplocephala perfoliata

Although a horse with a slight infection doesn’t show signs of infection. However, a large infection can cause gastrointestinal issues, anemia, and weakness. And as this is an intestinal parasite, it causes colic in horses. 

Treatment for Anoplocephala perfoliata

Prevention is better, and for that purpose, interval deworming is a common practice. However, your vet may prescribe some medications to eliminate the infection of Anoplocephala perfoliata. 

Anticor

The term means “before heart.” And as the name indicates, Anticor is a swelling or inflammation in the breast of a horse. It is a dangerous disease, and the swelling it causes is about the size and shape of an apple.  

Symptoms

The horse with Anticor loses strength in its forelegs, becomes unable to bow down his neck, and displays trembling all over the body. Apart from that, the horse also refrains from eating—however, its thirst increases.  

Treatment

The swelling may appear as inflammation or a hard tumor that is slow to develop. Your vet may prescribe medications or operate.  

Choke (horse): 

Choke is a condition in which the throat of the horse is blocked. It usually happens due to food materials that get stuck in the throat. Although the horse can breathe, it is unable to swallow. As a result, the horse may become dehydrated, severely.  

Symptoms of Choke

You can determine if a horse is choking when the horse extends his neck or head to swallow. However, the horse is unable to swallow food or water. They drool frequently. Although horses attempt to drink water, the water runs out through nostrils. And consequently, the horse will cough. 

Treatment for Choke

Choking occurs when a horse doesn’t chew its food properly, or the food is dry. Moreover, ingesting an inedible object such as wood also causes the horse to choke. Until you contact a vet, refrain your horse from drinking or eating. Sedatives or muscle relaxants serve a purpose to loosen contractions of the esophagus. Additionally, water or other lubricants injected by nasogastric tube flush the material out of place. 

Chronic progressive lymphedema

Chronic progressive lymphedema is a progressive disease. In this condition, lymph fluid builds up in the lower legs. As a result, the leg swells. This disease starts at an early age. And then it progresses throughout life. Usually, This causes premature deaths in horses. 

Researchers believe that Chronic progressive lymphedema is multifactorial and that the disease has an underlying genetic component. However, no exact cause has been identified.

Chronic progressive lymphedema Symptoms

The disease results in disfigurement of legs and lameness. Apart from that, the affected horse may display signs of secondary infections as well as folding, thickening, and crusting of the skin. 

Chronic progressive lymphedema Treatments

There is no cure for Chronic progressive lymphedema. However, the treatment focuses on the elimination of the signs of the disease as well as to slow the progression. 

Colitis-X

Colitis-X is one of the serious health problems in horses. It is a fatal intestinal condition. Although its cause is unknown, it appears to be associated with stress. For example, stress caused by surgery or transport.  

Symptoms

Colitis-X progresses extremely fast. Severe watery diarrhea is its most obvious clinical sign. As a result of diarrhea, severe fluid loss occurs. Eventually, dehydration occurs very quickly, thus, causing hypovolemic shock and even death. Some other symptoms include high temperature, rapid heartbeat, and severe depression. 

Treatment

As the disease progresses fast, Colitis-X has an exceptionally high mortality rate. Most treatments are unsuccessful. However, treatment options include fluid and electrolyte replacement, blood plasma infusions, probiotics, and corticosteroids.  

Contagious equine metritis

Taylorella equigenitalis is a bacterium that causes Contagious equine metritis. It is a venereal disease and is highly contagious. While either mare or stallions can carry the disease, however, it mostly affects mares. Although the disease is highly contagious, mare’s system typically clears the infection on its own. The recovery process takes over a few weeks.  

Symptoms of Contagious equine metritis

An infected stallion doesn’t show symptoms of infection. In contrast, symptoms in a mare appear 10-14 days after mating with an infected stallion. The symptoms consist of inflammation of the cervix and lining of the uterus (endometritis) and failure to conceive. 

Treatment for Contagious equine metritis

Fortunately, the contagious equine metritis is easy to treat. As bacteria cause the disease, your vet prescribes antibacterial washes.  

Covering sickness

Another name of Covering sickness is Dourine. A protozoa Trypanosoma equiperdum causes this fatal venereal disease.  

Covering sickness Symptoms

Symptoms occur long after infection. It usually takes several months to years after being exposed to infection. Moreover, the symptoms tend to disappear and then reappear, generally ending in death. Some symptoms of covering sickness include anemia, Facial paralysis, knuckling of the joints, fever, progressive weakness, restlessness.  

Covering sickness Treatment

The prognosis of this venereal disease is poor. Though several medications are available in the market, their effectiveness is inadequate. Moreover, relapses occur frequently. Also, there is no vaccine for this disease. 

Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis

Equid gammaherpesvirus 5 is a species of virus that causes chronic lung disease, Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis of adult horses. Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis is one of the serious health problems in horses. In this condition, nodular lesions are formed in the lungs. As a result, the ability of a horse to exercise reduces.  

Symptoms

Symptoms of this disease, Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis, mainly consist of respiratory distress, weight loss, fever, and depression. 

Treatment

Although different treatment options have been experimented with horses that are diagnosed with EMPF, the prognosis of this disease is unfavorable. 

Equine atypical myopathy

Atypical myopathy is also known as ‘sycamore poisoning.’ As the name suggests, the disease is caused by ingesting the seeds or young shoots of the sycamore tree. The reason is that the tree contains a toxin Hypoglycin A (HGA) that causes the disease.  

Symptoms of Equine atypical myopathy

It is one of the horse health problems that have a rapid onset. Young horses are mostly affected by it. Symptoms of the disease include muscle weakness and soreness or stiffness. The horses may struggle to stand, walk, or breathe. 

Treatment for Equine atypical myopathy

Unfortunately, no anti-toxin can cure this disease. However, some medications can help stop the further absorption of toxins from the intestines. You must provide intensive care and supportive therapy to the affected horse. 

Equine encephalitis

Equine encephalitis is one of the health problems in horses. It is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain. Although the disease is more common in the equine family, it also occurs in other animals. Additionally, humans can also develop this disease. Thus, you need to be careful while handling your affected horse. These viruses spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. 

Equine encephalitis Symptoms

These viruses affect the nervous system. Therefore, the affected animals display depression, fever, and changes in behavior. Some other signs of infection include the inability to swallow, muscle twitches, or impaired vision. 

Equine encephalitis Treatment

Like some other horse health issues, equine encephalitis has a high mortality rate. Its treatment focuses primarily on supportive and preventive measures. Vaccines for equine encephalitis are also available.  

Equine encephalosis virus (EEV)

EEV is a species of virus that is also related to Bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). EE is one of the health problems in horses. As you can tell by the name, the Equine encephalosis virus (EEV) causes this disease. 

Symptoms

The name of this disease is quite misleading as it is not a neurological disorder. Most of the infections result in mild signs, whereas, in severe cases, some symptoms include fever, inappetence, respiratory distress, or facial swelling. 

Treatment

Treatment includes medications such as appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics. Since there is no effective vaccine for equine encephalosis, vector control, in addition to others, is a primary prevention method.  

Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis

Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome that affects muscle tissue in horses. This disease usually occurs when you overfeed carbohydrates to a horse. Intense or prolonged exercise causes rhabdomyolysis. In addition to that, the condition also has a genetic link. 

Symptoms of Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis

If a horse is developing ER, it will begin displaying signs right after the exercise begins. These signs include stiffness or shortened gait when the horse is forced to move and muscle spasms or cramps. The affected horse even refuses to move. 

Treatment for Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis

It is one of the health problems in horses in which a well-designed exercise program and by providing the horse, a nutritionally balanced diet can prevent episodes of ER. Therefore, an adequate amount of calorie intake and vitamins and minerals in the diet is crucial. 

Equine influenza

Equine influenza is becoming one of the common horse health problems. It is a respiratory virus that is highly contagious. In addition to contaminated stable equipment, the virus spreads by infected, coughing horses.  

Equine influenza Symptoms

Clinical signs of equine influenza include a dry, hacking cough, fever, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, weakness, and depression. Moreover, the disease also causes serious secondary infections such as pneumonia.

Equine influenza Treatment

When a horse is affected by equine influenza, your vet advises rest and supportive care, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent complications. 

Equine metabolic syndrome

It is one of the most common health problems in horses that are linked to the endocrine system. Equine metabolic syndrome is common in horses termed as “easy keepers,” as these horses are genetically predisposed. The disease occurs when you feed such horses too many calories with no exercise.  

Symptoms of Equine metabolic syndrome

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is identified in horses and ponies by three main features laminitis, insulin resistance, and obesity or regional adiposity.  

Treatment for Equine metabolic syndrome

It is one of the health issues in horses that require significant lifestyle changes. As mentioned earlier, you can manage equine metabolic syndrome by diet, exercise, and medication. 

Equine recurrent uveitis

As the name suggests, Equine recurrent uveitis is a chronic and recurrent form of uveitis. The disease is also known as periodic ophthalmia or moon blindness. It is an acute of the uveitis of the eye. As a result of this inflammation, blindness occurs. It is one of the common horse health problems related to the eye. 

Symptoms

As the disease causes blindness, hence, the signs of Equine recurrent uveitis consist of swelling of the eyelids, mild tearing, and cloudiness of the eye.

Treatment

Many factors appear to be its causative agents, such as parasitic, bacterial or viral infection, or vitamin deficiency. It is also considered to be an autoimmune disease. Although horses with equine recurrent uveitis can’t recover completely, you can manage them by careful use of therapy. Therapy includes Mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and anti-inflammatory therapy. 

Equine shivers

Equine shivers are a gradually progressive and chronic neuromuscular disorder of horses. Although, the exact of the disease remains unknown, however, the horses with Shivers display damage in a specific area of the cerebellum. You may know that the cerebellum regulates muscular activity. Because Shivers is breed-related, horses may be genetically predisposed to the disorder. 

Symptoms of Equine shivers

Although horses with Shivers move forward normally, and they can perform well in athletic competitions. But symptoms of the disease are more evident when an affected horse is asked to move backward. For instance, the horse experiences jerky movements in the pelvis or involuntary muscle spasms on the tail and one or both hind limbs.  

Treatment for Equine shivers

Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment yet. However, your vet may prescribe additional dietary vitamin E and selenium after diagnosis.  

Equine viral arteritis

As the name indicates, it is an infectious viral disease. This disease is a special cause of concern for owners because it makes breeding stallions a permanent carrier of the virus, death of young foals, and causes abortion in pregnant mares. 

Equine viral arteritis Symptoms

The affected horse transmits the disease through both the reproductive and respiratory systems. Most affected horses develop no signs of the disease, or they exhibit flu-like symptoms. Moreover, adoption in pregnant mares is usually the first or sometimes the only sign of the infection.  

Equine viral arteritis Treatment

Even though the vaccine is available for the disease, but there is no effective treatment yet. Therefore, you should consult your vet regularly. Moreover, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to decrease the risk of secondary bacterial infection. 

Ethmoid hematoma

It is a locally destructive, progressive disease of horses. Hematoma is when blood collects outside the blood vessel. In Ethmoid hematoma in horses, there is a lesion on the paranasal sinuses or ethmoid turbinate. As a result of this, nasal discharge occurs. The growing hematoma also causes pressure on the bone surrounding hematoma. But it doesn’t cause facial distortion in most cases. 

Symptoms of Ethmoid hematoma

Signs of the ethmoid hematoma include respiratory noise and epistaxis (acute hemorrhage from the nasal cavity). However, rarely a horse with this disease shows neurologic signs. 

Treatment for Ethmoid hematoma

Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, possible causes may include repeated trauma, chronic infection, or a congenital disorder. Even though the disease sounds quite deadly, but its prognosis is fairly good. Treatment most commonly involves the complete removal of the lesion. Apart from that, treatment may include laser therapy or chemical ablation. 

Grass sickness

Grass sickness, also known as equine dysautonomia, is a rare but fatal illness in horses. In this disease, there is damage to parts of the nervous system controlling involuntary functions. 

Symptoms

Although the disease damages nerves all over the body, the main symptom is gut paralysis. Some other symptoms include colic, depression, muscle tremors, anorexia, and eyelid drooping. 

Treatment

The cause of the disease is unknown. However, horses may ingest the spores of bacterium Clostridium botulinum type C. As a result, spores produce their toxin locally within the intestine, hence, causing grass sickness.  

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (equine)

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (equine) is a genetic disorder. The mutated gene affects the ability to regulate the levels of potassium in the blood. It also affects sodium channels in muscle cells. Consequently, the disease causes muscle overexcitability or weakness. And this may lead to uncontrolled shivering and, eventually, paralysis. 

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis Symptoms

Under ideal management practices, the genetically predisposed horse doesn’t display adverse signs. However, muscle dysfunction occurs due to increased potassium in the serum and/or stress. Some of the symptoms of this disease include abnormal whinny, prolapse of the third eyelid, weakness in the hind end, or the horse collapse completely.

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis Treatment

Dietary management is essential to manage the affected horse. In addition to that, your vet may prescribe drugs to prevent clinical episodes of paralysis. Therefore, you must contact your vet immediately after witnessing the signs of the disease.  

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa

Other names of Junctional epidermolysis bullosa are hairless foal syndrome or red foot disease. It is one of the inherited health problems in horses. In this disorder, the protein that is essential for skin adhesion is not produced. As a result, the skin becomes fragile. Additionally, blisters form all over the body. This condition causes pain and discomfort. And it also makes the foal prone to secondary infections. 

Symptoms of Junctional epidermolysis bullosa

Although immediately after birth, foals appear normal. But over time, lesions start to develop all over the body, especially over pressure points. One of the first signs is that blisters develop on gums. This condition also causes hooves to slough. This disease can also affect the human population, and its symptoms are similar to those appearing in horses.  

Treatment for Junctional epidermolysis bullosa

Currently, there is no treatment for Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). Therefore, the only options owners have is to euthanize the foal. However, proper breeding management can prevent this disorder. Hence, it is crucial to avoid interbreeding of carriers as this disease requires two carrier carriers of this disease should not be incorporated into breeding programs. 

Lethal white syndrome

Lethal white syndrome is an autosomal genetic disorder. This disease occurs in horses with white markings. Affected foals are born normally, and they also appear well externally. However, they have blue eyes and all-white or nearly all-white coats. Lethal white syndrome appears in foals that carry two copies of that specific gene. Likewise, not all white foals have this disorder. Therefore, a completely white foal may be a carrier of the gene. 

Lethal white syndrome Symptoms

The problem lies internally. Such foals have underdeveloped intestines. As a result, colic appears, within a few hours, as a sign of this disease. And the affected foal dies within a few days. 

Lethal white syndrome Treatment

Lethal white syndrome is one of the health problems in horses that have no treatment available yet. Thus, your vet may advise you to euthanize the affected foal to prevent its painful death. 

Equine lymphangitis

Equine lymphangitis is an inflammation or swelling in limbs (usually hind limbs) of a horse. A simple abrasion to the leg or a cut can give access to bacteria. Therefore, bacteria become the cause of this disease. This bacterial infection impairs the lymphatic system, consequently.  

Symptoms

The horse experiences an elevated temperature, sudden swelling of the leg, and extreme pain. Moreover, the horse refuses to eat and become depressed. Some horses may display signs such as rapid breathing, sweat, or trembling. 

Treatment

As the equine lymphangitis is a result of bacterial infection, its treatment mainly involves antibiotics. Moreover, your vet may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to reduce swelling and pain resulting from inflammation.  

Mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS)

It was an epidemic in 2001, which caused abortion in an unusually large number of mares. Although some mares gave birth to live foals, they didn’t survive due to severe respiratory and neurological problems. This deadly condition resulted from the presence of eastern tent caterpillars and black cherry trees in that area. When ingested, these caterpillars pierce nose, mouth, stomach, esophagus, and bowel. As a result, bacteria gain access to the mare’s system and cause infections of the placenta of pregnant mares. 

Symptoms Mare reproductive loss syndrome

Some affected mares don’t show symptoms at all. In contrast, others display signs of high fever, colic, vulvar discharge, and, ultimately, loss of foal. 

Treatment for Mare reproductive loss syndrome

Mare reproductive loss syndrome is one of the devastating health problems in horses. Currently, supportive care is the only treatment. Fortunately, most mares recover without suffering, but this disease affects unborn foals the most. 

Mud fever

The term Mud fever refers to a wide range of conditions. You might have got some idea about the disease. The horses get this disease in muddy, wet conditions due to a variety of bacteria that thrive. However, some fungal organisms can also cause this disease. Moreover, mud fever affects horses during winter and early spring. 

Mud fever Symptoms

Mud fever causes dermatitis and irritation in the lower limbs of horses. It results in painful sores and scabs. Also, some other symptoms include hair loss and a thick discharge between the underlying scab and skin. 

Mud fever Treatment

The treatment of Mud fever is a three-step process. Firstly, you need to eliminate predisposing factors. Secondly, you provide topical care to your horse and thirdly, systemic therapy, that is only for most severe cases.

Parascaris equorum

Parascaris equorum is the equine roundworm that lives in the intestine of horses. However, its larvae can migrate through the lungs and liver as part of their life-cycle. This parasite mostly affects horses that are up to six months of age. Horses mostly catch this parasite if eggs are present on pasture or the horse’s immune system is compromised.  

Symptoms

The affected horse may display signs of weight loss, nasal discharge, or cough. The parasite can also cause intestinal blockage, colic, and failure to thrive.  

Treatment

It is of the health problems in horses in which the horse develops a natural immunity against the parasite. But it is a concern for younger horses. However, you can reduce parasite infestations in horses by keeping stables and pastures manure-free. Moreover, deworming is an effective treatment for this parasite infestation.

Pigeon fever

Though the name of the disease is pigeon fever, it is one of the health problems in horses. The condition gets its name because of the swelling in the chest area of the horse, which resembles that of the pigeon. Pigeon fever is also known as dryland distemper because it is common in dry areas. A bacterium, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, causes this disease.  

Symptoms of Pigeon fever

Pigeon fever in horses appears in three forms:  

External abscess – in which ventral midline and chest of the horse swell. It is the most common form. 

Ulcerative lymphangitis – in which limbs of the horse swell along with cellulitis and edema.

Internal infection – which affects internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys liver, and spleen. It is the less common but most severe form of the disease as it affects internal organs.  

Treatment for Pigeon fever

Treatment depends on the age of the horse, duration of infection, and severity of symptoms. As long as a horse is eating and drinking well, it will build up antibodies enough to fight the disease. However, consulting a vet is essential to provide appropriate treatment and care to the horse.  

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction

In Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, a tumor develops in the pituitary gland. The slow growth of the tumor causes the horse’s body to secrete cortisol, which is a stress hormone. And we all know that too much cortisol has adverse effects on the body. Another name of the disease is Cushing’s disease. Moreover, Cushing’s disease is similar to Cushing’s disease in humans and dogs. 

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction Symptoms

It is a progressive disease, and its signs develop slowly. However, some of the symptoms include laminitis, excessive thirst, and urination, changes in body shape, and weight loss. Horses over seven years of age, most commonly get this disease. 

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction Treatment

Although there is no definitive treatment for this disorder, there are some ways to manage it effectively. However, your vet may prescribe you to limit the horse’s access to lush pasture, carefully manage the diet to combat weight loss and to clean and disinfect superficial wounds properly.  

Poll evil

Poll evil is an inflammation of the bursa starting form neck. As a result, it leads to a large abscess at the poll. This large abscess is present on the backside of the head. Poll of a horse is the area between the ears at the top of the head and end of the neck. As it is a sensitive area, thus the injury or inflammation here causes intense pain to your horse. 

Symptoms

As Poll evil is a painful disease, one must take note of it. Sometimes, you can save your horse by noticing the symptoms early. Firstly, check the reaction of the horse while touching the poll area. Secondly, observe either your horse can move head freely or is reluctant to move the head. Moreover, inflammation and swelling over the neck are also symptoms of poll evil.

Treatment

However, health problems in horses such as poll evil are challenging to treat due to their deep-rooted nature. But you can treat them in the early stage. Sometimes, it is effective to use antibiotics and applying ice packs. But, in severe cases, surgery is the only option to remove infected tissues. 

Potomac horse fever

Potomac Horse Fever is also known as PHF is a fatal bacterial disease. Mainly, a bacterium, Neorickettsia risticii, is the cause of this illness. However, most health problems in horses caused by bacteria are transferable directly. But, PHF does not spread from horse to horse. 

Symptoms of Potomac horse fever

Potomac Horse Fever is a bacterium disease, but it can be detected through some symptoms. Mostly, bacteria cause an imbalanced protein routine; therefore, some general symptoms are edema, acute fever, abortion, and decreased manure production.

Treatment for Potomac horse fever

Potomac horse fever is a listed fatal in the list of health problems in horses. However, the research shows tetracycline antibiotics are very helpful in treatment. Furthermore, the use of doxycycline and oxytetracycline according to the condition is helpful. Sometimes, in severe cases, supportive care is beneficial to prevent endotoxemia. Moreover, low doses of intramuscular, activated charcoal, polymyxin B, and pentoxifylline are also helpful. 

Quittor

In the list of horse health issues, a common one is Quittor. Quittor is an infection in the lower legs of horses. Also, Graveling is another name for Quittor. Such health problems in horses are common in draft horses. It causes inflammation in the cartilaginous of the lower leg. Moreover, it is divided into two forms. 

• Subcutaneous 
• Cartilaginous. 

Quittor occurs from any injury in the legs or hoof of horses. It allows outside matters to get inside and collect under the hoof. As a result, the leg gets infected. 

Symptoms of Quittor

As these health problems in horses are the result of injuries, symptoms depend on the cause of Quittor. Some common symptoms are rainy tracts, pain in the foot, lack of appetite, lameness, high body temperature, swelling of the lateral cartilage, and depression. 

Racehorse injuries

Racehorses are prone to getting injuries that occur as a side effect of competition and training. These injuries are one of the health problems in horses that can cause the death of the horse. Racehorse injuries are unavoidable and inevitable accidents. And sometimes you have to euthanize the horse eventually.  

Injuries occur when a horse exceeds the capacity of tissues and other biological systems. And most commonly, injuries occur in the musculoskeletal system.  

Some of the injuries of the musculoskeletal system are: 

Bucked Shins

The cannon bones of horses normally adapt themselves according to the stress placed upon them during training. However, this remodeling sometimes becomes overwhelming. As a result, these normal adaptive changes turn into pathological manifestations named as bucked shins. Hence, you can say that bucked shins are not necessarily the result of improper training. Signs of bucked shins include soreness of front of the canon bone and lameness.  

Ligament injuries 

Of many ligaments present in the body of a horse, injuries mostly occur to the suspensory ligaments. Injuries in this ligament can occur anywhere along its length. However, more common injuries occur at the proximal suspensory ligament or its branches. Besides, the treatment of ligament injuries depends on the severity. 

Tendon injuries

Tendons connect muscle to bone. Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is one of the many tendons that get injured the most. However, injury to deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) is less common, comparatively. Although these tendon injuries may not cause significant lameness, they have adverse effects on limb support. These injuries take a long time to rehabilitate 

Above mentioned are some of the musculoskeletal system injuries. Whereas, there are racehorse injuries that are related to other biological systems. These systems include respiratory, integumentary, and cardiac systems. 

Recurrent airway obstruction

Sometimes, there are such health problems in horses that occur naturally. One of these common health issues in horses is Recurrent airway obstruction, also known as heaves. 

Most of the time, this health issue in horses is caused by the poor quality of hay. Moreover, organic dust that may contain allergens, actinomycetes, fungi, and endotoxins is also the main factor. 

Recurrent airway obstruction Symptoms

To identify the health issue in the horse, you must check these discussed below symptoms. Firstly, check for the chronic cough. Secondly, see the nasal discharge. Moreover, other symptoms are intolerance for exercise and problems in respiration. 

Recurrent airway obstruction Treatment

As discussed above, it’s a naturally occurring problem. Thus, it is present in all breeds, and there is some possible treatment for it. Most vets go for Bronchodilating and corticosteroid. In severe cases, the use of aerosolized bronchodilators is preferred. 

Skin cancer in horses

Health problems in horses are more often as they grow older. Skin cancer in horses is one of those health issues in horses which occur at the age of 9 years or more. Arcoid, melanomas, and cutaneous lymphosarcoma are some types of skin cancers. However, warts are not considered cancer, but its treatment is necessary. 

As the horses grow older, their immune system becomes weak. Therefore, a weak immune system cannot tell a cell when to end its life. These rotten cells cause skin cancer.  

Symptoms of Skin cancer in horses

There are some early signs of skin cancer. By noticing these signs, we can treat such health problems in horses. For example, in horses, swollen lymph nodes, circular patches of hair loss, and growing lumps are the most common symptoms. 

Treatment for Skin cancer in horses

Treating skin cancer is a complicated job. However, adding nutritional supplements like antioxidants, minerals, oil, and mushrooms can enhance the immune system’s performance, which is helpful in such health problems of horses. 

Whereas, in severe cases, the high doses of vitamin C, Vitamin E, flax, zinc, and iodine are needed to support the immune system. Sometimes, horses are in worst conditions or under the extreme attack of skin cancer. Therefore, we recommend surgery. 

Sweet Itch

There are many health problems in horses that occur due to seasonal changes. The one we are discussing is Sweet Itch. It is generally known as Queensland itch or summer itch. Sweet Itch is a health issue in horses occurs due to bites of Culicoides midges.  

Sweet Itch Symptoms

It is an allergic reaction; thus, itching and rubbing are common signs. Further, we can find it out through some other symptoms like allergy on the bitten area of the body, skin lesions on the tail, and dorsal midline. 

Sometimes, it causes lesions around the neck and eyes of the horse. In some cases, bald skin, and broken hair.

Treatment for Sweet Itch

You must make sure two basic things while dealing with the case of Sweet Itch. Firstly, use insecticides and repellents to avoid further biting. Secondly, provide your horse with a less warm environment. Further, we can use barrier techniques and immunotherapy according to the condition. In some cases, herbal treatment like Aloe Vera, lavender oil, etc. and homeopathic medication is also helpful. 

White line disease

White line disease is a fungal infection that affects the white line of the hoof. This white line connects the sole and the hoof wall. This white line’s damage provides access to bacteria and fungus, allowing them to separate layers of hoof all. Thus, the infection spreads and make the condition worse. 

Symptoms

This disease changes the color of the white line, turning it to black or dark grey. The hoof may also give a foul odor. Moreover, in advance, this disease can cause lameness in horses. 

Treatment for White line disease

White line disease is one of the health problems in horses living in moist, humid areas. Treatment depends on how severe the damage of the hoof is. The condition is manageable if you witness the signs early. However, an effective treatment is to cut away the hoof wall from the infected area.  

Conclusion

Horse problems in horses are a cause of great concern for owners. And being an owner, it becomes our responsibility to provide love and care to our horses. One should be well aware of some of the health problems in horses. Therefore, we have mentioned some of them to provide you enough information, so that you can take good care of your horse. Besides, you may have a better idea about what and how to do the next time your horse faces some health issue.