We know how crucial it is to maintain a disease-free environment for your horses. Many diseases and conditions can affect horses; some, if left untreated, can be deadly. This post will go over some of the most typical diseases that affect horses, as well as their indicators and potential remedies. We hope that by sharing this knowledge with you, you will be able to take better care of your horses and ensure their continued good health for many years to come.
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Colic: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Horses frequently suffer from colic, a painful digestive disorder. Colic can be brought on by a number of factors, including dietary changes, gas, or an obstruction in the digestive tract. This manifests itself physically with restlessness, pawing, rolling, and sweating. Colic treatment options include medication, surgery, or both, depending on the severity of the problem.
Related: Top Breeds of Horses
Laminitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Laminitis causes severe discomfort in a horse’s hooves. Inflammation of the tissues that attach the hoof wall to the coffin bone is the cause of this condition. Laminitis has several potential causes, including poor nutrition, obesity, and hoof damage. Lameness, unwillingness to move, and hoof heat are all symptoms of laminitis. Medication, proper shoeing, and rest are all options for treating laminitis.
Equine Influenza: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
All horse ages are susceptible to contracting the extremely infectious respiratory illness known as equine influenza. Equine influenza is caused by a virus that travels quickly from horse to horse through the air. Fevers, coughing, and nasal discharge are all signs of equine influenza. Antiviral medicines and supportive treatment, such as rest and water, may be used to treat horse influenza.
Equine Herpesvirus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Horses of all ages are susceptible to contracting equine herpesvirus, a contagious virus. Equine herpesviruses (EHV) come in two varieties: types 1 and 4. The virus can be passed from horse to horse or from piece of equipment to piece of equipment. The horse herpes virus causes high body temperature, difficulty breathing, and neurological problems. Antiviral medicines and supportive care may be used to treat horse herpesvirus.
West Nile Virus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that may affect horses. The virus has the potential to produce life-threatening neurological symptoms. In horses, West Nile virus can cause high body temperature, weakness, and unsteadiness. Fluid therapy and anti-inflammatory medicine are examples of supportive care that may be used in the treatment of West Nile virus.
Streptococcus equi, or “Strangles”
The bacterial disease known as “STRANGLES” primarily affects young horses. Fever, nasal discharge, cough, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the head are some of the clinical symptoms. The horse may have difficulty breathing or may die if its inner lymph nodes become enlarged. Nasal secretions, pus from draining abscesses, soiled hands, flies, and contaminated feed buckets and grooming tools are all vectors for the spread of suffocation. The severity of diseases can be greatly reduced with vaccination.
Tetanus (also known as “Lockjaw”)
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can enter the body by cuts or punctures from things like barbed wire, dropped nails, or even surgical procedures like castration. Horses with the disease may have muscle spasms, a high temperature, violent reactions to sudden movement or noise, and even death.
Rabies
Including that which affects horses, is an incurable, fatal virus that is spread by the bite of an infected animal. It is often found in the Northeastern United States and Texas, and its primary vectors of spread include raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. Over five hundred cases of equine rabies were reported in the United States over a nine-year period. Please contact a veterinarian immediately if rabies is suspected. Immunizations are strongly suggested.
Potomac Horse Fever (PHF)
Fever, lethargy, diarrhea, and occasionally death are symptoms of, a disease named for the area where it was first identified in 1979. The northern United States and Canada see this phenomenon most frequently in the summer. HOW EXACTLY THE DISEASE IS SPREAD REMINDS SCIENTISTS. Horses in areas where POTOMAC HORSE FEVER has been diagnosed, or those who will be traveling there, should be vaccinated.
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).
Horses can have an infection of the central nervous system called Its neurological symptoms include asymmetric coordination (ataxia), weakness, and sprains, and they might be confused with those of other disorders in the nervous system. The opossum has been suggested as the ultimate EPM host. Diagnostic tests have traditionally been performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Conclusion
To sum up, equines are susceptible to a wide range of illnesses, some of which can be deadly if not treated quickly enough. Dominion Equine Clinic places a premium on early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. You may do a better job of keeping your horses healthy for a long time if you are familiar with the most prevalent equine illnesses, their origins, symptoms, and remedies. With any luck, you’ve learned something from this post that will prove useful in your efforts to maintain your horses disease-free and happy.
