The horse's parts

 

And the horse's anatomy
The ailments
  Horses, not unlike humans, suffer from a long list of diseases, viruses, syndromes, conditions and maladies. A good deal of the difficulty in diagnosing problems obviously stems from the horses inability to communicate and difficulties in transportation. When your horse behaves "out of the ordinary" it is usually a good idea to consult a veterinarian. A veterinarian has access to labs that can identify viral and bacterial infections, as well as xray equipment to aid in identifying other problems. Vets also should have a certain expertise based on their experience and knowledge of what is occurring health wise around the country and the community. It is a wise horse owner that errors on the side of caution when it comes to the health of their beloved horse. Also, remember, not all veterinarians are created equal and it is a good idea to ask around and obtain the opinions of other horse people to aid you in selecting a good one.
   Arm yourself with your horses medical records and be sure to secure those records from the previous owner when you buy a new horse. You should also be familiar with your horses normal vital signs. Know the normal body temperature of your horse by taking your horse's temperature when he is healthy and normal so it can be used as a point of reference when your horse is not feeling so normal. The average horse's body temperature ranges from 99.5 to 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit (37.5 to 38.5 Celsius) at rest however this can and does go up and down depending on the level of activity. Foals and yearlings can have higher temperatures, especially if they are nervous. Buy yourself an animal thermometer and record your horses temperature. When you take your horse's temperature, make sure you use a large animal rectal thermometer. These thermometers are extra thick, so they will be less likely to break if dropped. If you have one with a ring on the end, you can attach a small alligator clip with some string so the thermometer can be clipped to the horse's tail when you take it's temperature. This will keep the thermometer from breaking if the horse swishes its tail and knocks it out. First, shake the thermometer down. Do this by holding the ring end between your finger and thumb. Shake it downward with short, snapping motions. Do this until the mercury is down to about 95 degrees or less. How low you shake it does not really matter unless the horse's temperature is way below normal. If this is the case, shake it all the way down. Lubricate it with petroleum jelly before inserting it. To take the horse's temperature, stand on its left side, facing its rear, and set your hip so it is resting against the horse's leg. Grab the tail with your left hand, about six inches from the root. Hold the thermometer in you right hand. Slowly but firmly raise the tail up and to the side, and insert the thermometer. Push it in gently until only about half an inch is sticking out. Then, clip the alligator clamp on the horse's tail hair. Leave the thermometer in for about three minutes. When you remove it, be sure to unclamp the clip first. Read the temperature and record it for future reference.
    The normal respiration rate of a horse at rest is between 8 and 16 breaths per minute. (Foals have a higher rate)  Remember a breath is an in-out activity. Don't count in-out as 2 but as 1 breath. Record your horses respiration rate and also your horses pulse rate. You can take your horses pulse rate, while at rest, by placing your hand under the horse's jaw. You can also take the pulse by feeling behind the left elbow, or by putting your ear there, or by feeling behind the horse's fetlock, at the widest part. Foals have rates between 70-90 beats per minute. More than 60 beats per minute in an adult horse at rest is definitely abnormal. Rates over 80 mean something is definitely wrong. Remember these rates are at rest as a well-conditioned horse can have a rate over 100 during competition and be perfectly fine.
   Always keep a watch on your horses appetite. Watch for changes in your horses eating habits as well as your horses bathroom habits. Always be on the lookout for colic and a prime indicator of colic is a horse not defecating normally. If there is no manure in his stall when there normally is your horse may have a problem. Watch for signs of parasites in the manure or blood in the urine. Buy yourself a stethoscope and use it to check respiration rate and also to listen for the digestive noises that a normal, healthy horse should make. If you get to know your horse when he is normal and healthy, you will be better armed to detect abnormal behavior and so better able to react in a timely way. Sudden changes in a horses behavior should always raise a flag. Some diseases or disorders can be spotted by watching a horse's behavior. A horse with colic, may, for example, stretch, roll, nip at its sides, act stressed or angry, or sweat a lot. A foundered horse will stand with its hind legs up under itself, and its front legs stretched out in front. Sick horses will assume strange positions or attitudes. They may act cranky, swish their tails, they may act restless, or sleepy. Some horses may have unusual habits, like stretching at feeding time and sticking there tongues out.
   Such behaviors may be normal routine for your horse but if they are accompanied by any other symptoms, they may indicate sickness.
   Keep an eye on your horses gums and eyelids. These, and other mucous membranes, are good indicators of the animal's overall health. The eyelid should be pink. Red indicates that the eye is irritated, but if the mouth, too, is red, there may be a serious problem affecting the whole body. If the horse has pink skin around the eyes, he may be more sensitive than horses with dark skin. A horse that is short of red blood cells may have pale gums. A dark red or purplish-blue color is called cyanosis, and indicates a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Yellow membranes are called jaundice. Yellow could indicates a liver problem. With some diseases, spots of blood may be seen under the membranes. Any odd coloration may indicate a disease, and a vet should check the horse. Do a capillary refill test to see how fast do the capillaries refill with blood. To see how this works, make a fist, hold it, open your hand and watch the blood come back into the hand. With a horse, press on the horses gum with your thumb, holds it, then releases. CR should be 1-2 seconds. Longer means the horse is stressed. You can check you horse for hydration. The pinch test shows quickly how hydrated your horse is. Take a pinch of skin just over the shoulder. Pull it out, let it go. On a hydrated horse, the skin will snap back into place immediately. On a dehydrated horse, the skin will slowly return to normal. If several seconds go by and the fold in still out, your horse is seriously dehydrated. Odd odors in the mouth could indicate an infected tooth or other problem.
   Buy yourself a good book about horse health problems. It will come in handy.

   Below we have listed some of the more common ailments afflicting horses. This list is by no means complete. There are many many far more comprehensive sources of information available and we suggest you make use of them.

 
Illnesses and Conditions

 

Abscess
   An abscess is one of the most common conditions that your horse can almost expect to experience. Caused usually by the penetration of a foreign body into the skin and underlying tissue. The area of penetration may be painful, swollen and hot. Object usually works its way out after some time however it may need to be lanced and cleaned by your veterinarian. When it involves the foot it is one of the most common causes of temporary lameness. Keep area as clean as possible.

 

Anaemia
   Anaemia is caused by a dietary deficiency of iron, cobalt and copper. Signs are a paleness in the mucous membranes, dull coat and weight loss. Treat with vitamins and or food supplements.

 

Anthrax
   Anthrax is an acute, contagious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus Anthracis. It occurs worldwide and affects all animals. the signs are depression, high fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Death follows in 2 to 4 days. If you suspect anthrax contact your veterinarian immediately.
 


Arthritis
   Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint usually caused by some type of trauma or penetration of a foreign object. Arthritis may respond to liniment therapy or anti-inflammatory agents. Contact your veterinarian for recommendations.

 

Big Head
   Big Head is a condition brought on by a calcium or phosphorous imbalance. horses may exhibit shifting lameness, lethargy, lying down and possibly swelling of the jaw and cheeks. Diagnosis and treatment involves removing horse from or improving food supply.

 

Bone spavin
   Bone spavin can be caused by poor conformation or by stresses put on hock during strenuous activities. It is characterized by a hard bony enlargement felt of seen on the lower and inner side of the hock. The horse may or may not be lame and lameness may or may not come and go. Lameness is usually worse in cold weather. A diagnosis and recommendations for treatment are made by a veterinarian.

 

Bleeder (Epistaxis)
   Bleeder is a condition, common among racehorses in which a horse, during and after strenuous activity, like racing, will bleed out of one or both nostrils. This may be due to a defect in the clotting mechanism, high blood pressure or fragile capillaries in the lungs. Contact you veterinarian.

 

Bowed Tendon
   This is a condition usually associated with race horses and since many of today's pleasure horses are retired race horses I thought I would include it here. Tendons are the tough sinewy tissue connecting muscles to bone. They absorb tremendous pressures in the act of running and especially racing. The tendons involved in this condition are the tendons connecting the knee to the fetlocks on all four legs. The bow is caused by inflammation and capillary hemorrhage caused by the stresses of racing and isthe reason for the retirement of many a race horse. Contact your veterinarian for opinion and proposed treatment.


Brittle Hooves
    Brittle Hooves are caused by dry conditions and horses confined to dry hard surfaces. Treat hooves by painting them with a solution of 1/3 neatsfoot oil, 1/3 stockholm tar and 1/3 sump oil daily.

 

Bronchial Asthma (Allergic Bronchitis)
   May also be known as heaves in it's chronic form. Often associated with stable kept horses this condition exhibits a clear watery discharge from both nostrils, a persistent hacking cough and tearing from the eyes. This condition is often caused by dust, poor ventilation and moldy food. The obvious solution is to remove the offending causes and you may want to contact your veterinarian for further advice

 

Carpitis
   Carpitis is painful inflammation of the knee joint usually associated with lameness. Generally caused by some sort of trauma. Rest horse and call the veterinarian for xrays and recommendations.

 

Cerebellar abiotrophy
     Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA), also referred to as cerebellar cortical abiotrophy (CCA), is a genetic neurological disease in animals best known to affect certain breeds of horses and dogs. It develops when the neurons known as Purkinje cells, located in the cerebellum of the brain, begin to die off. These cells affect balance and coordination. They have a critical role to play in the brain. The Purkinje layer allows communication between the granular and molecular cortical layers in the cerebellum. Put simply, without Purkinje cells, an animal loses its sense of space and distance, making balance and coordination difficult. In most cases, the Purkinje neurons begin to die off shortly after the animal is born and the condition is noticable when the animal is less than six months old, though sometimes the onset of symptoms is gradual and the animal is much older before the owner or caretaker notices a problem. CA cannot be prevented, other than by selective breeding to avoid the gene, and it cannot be cured.

 

Colic
    Colic in horses is defined as abdominal pain, but it is a clinical sign or a symptom rather than a diagnosis. The term colic can encompass all forms of gastrointestinal conditions which cause pain as well as other causes of abdominal pain not involving the gastrointestinal tract. There are a variety of different causes of colic, some of which require surgical intervention and can prove fatal. Colic surgery is usually an expensive procedure as it is major abdominal surgery. Among domesticated horses, colic is a major cause of premature death. It is important that any person who owns or works with horses be able to recognize the symptoms of colic and determine whether or not a veterinarian should be called.

 

Conjunctivitis
   Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the membrane lining the inside of the eyelid around the eye. This membrane will appear very red, swollen and moist. this condition is usually caused by dust, pollen or some other foreign object in the eye as well as bacteria or virus. Call your veterinarian for an opinion and treatment.

 

Contagious Equine Metritis
    Contagious Equine Metritis is a highly contagious form of equine venereal disease caused by the bacteria Haemophilus Equigenitalis. some mares may exhibit a heavy pus discharge after being serviced. Treatment involves identifying infected mares and stallions before the start of breeding season and treat with anti-biotics.

 

Contracted Heels
     Contracted heels is a condition where the horse's heels are closer together than normal. Horse may or may not exhibit signs of lameness. The treatment is correct trimming and shoeing possibly with a bar shoe. Contact your farrier.

 

Crib Biting (Wind Sucking)
   This is a behavioral in horses that most owners find aggravating. The horse will grab a solid object with it's incisor teeth, arch it's neck and gulp air. Horses usually will develop this habit out of boredom. Find a way to alleviate the boredom.

 

Enlarged Thyroid
 The thyroid gland located on either side of the horses windpipe may became enlarged due to a deficiency of iodine. Consult with a veterinarian.

 

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis
    Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEE), commonly called sleeping sickness or "Triple E", is a zoonotic alphavirus and arbovirus present in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. EEEV was first recognized in Massachusetts, USA in 1831 when 75 horses died of encephalitic illness. Epizootics in horses have continued to occur regularly in USA. EEE is found today in the eastern part of the country. The causal agent, EEE, was first isolated from infected horse brains in 1933. In 1938, the first confirmed human cases were identified when thirty children died of encephalitis in northeastern USA. These cases coincided with outbreaks in horses in the same regions. The fatality rate in humans infected with EEE is 35%.EEE is capable of infecting a wide range of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, but not all animals develop high enough levels of EEEV to be contagious to humans. The virus is maintained in birds primarily through Culex spp. mosquitoes and transmission to other species occurs via mosquitoes. Ticks, lice, and mites may also transmit EEE. EEEV can also be transmitted through exposure of the eyes, lungs or skin wounds to brain or spinal cord matter from infected animals. Symptoms in horses occur 1-3 weeks after infection and began with a fever that may reach as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The fever usually lasts for 24-48 hours. Nervous signs appear during the fever that include sensitivity to sound, period of excitement, and restlessness. Brain lesions appear causing drowsiness, drooping ears, circling, and abnormal gait. Paralysis follows causing the horse to have difficulty raising its head. The horses usually suffers complete paralysis and death 2-4 days after symptoms appear. Mortality rates in the eastern strain range 70-90% in horses.
    The disease can be prevented in horses with the use of vaccinations. These vaccinations are usually given together with vaccinations for other diseases, most commonly WEE, VEE, and tetanus. Most vaccinations for EEE consist of the killed virus.

 

Equine herpesvirus 1
   Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is a virus of the family Herpesviridae that causes abortion in horses. Initial spread of EHV-1 by a newly introduced horse through direct and indirect contact can lead to abortion and perinatal infection in up to 70 percent of a previously unexposed herd. Abortion usually occurs in the last four months of gestation, two to four weeks after infection of the mare. Perinatal (around the time of birth) infection can lead to pneumonia and death. Encephalitis can occur in affected animals, leading to ataxia, paralysis, and death. There is a vaccine available.

 

Equine herpesvirus 2
   Equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) is an influenza type virus of the family Herpesviridae, also known as equine cytomegalovirus. It has an uncertain role in respiratory disease in horses, but EHV-2 has been isolated from cases exhibiting symptoms such as coughing, conjunctivitis, and swollen lymph nodes.

 

Equine Infectious Anemia
   Equine Infectious Anemia or Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), is caused by a retrovirus and transmitted by bloodsucking insects. The virus is endemic in the Americas, parts of Europe, the Middle and Far East, Russia, and South Africa. EIA can be transmitted through blood, saliva, milk, urine, and body secretions. Transmission is usually through blood-sucking insects, such as the horse-fly and deer-fly. Contaminated surgical equipment and recycled needles and syringes can also transmit the disease. Mares can transmit the disease to their foals via the placenta. The risk of transmitting the disease is greatest when an infected horse is ill. Currently in the United Sta all horses that test positive must be reported to federal authorities by the testing laboratory. Options for the horse include sending the horse to a recognized research facility, branding the horse and quarantining it at least 200 yards from other horses for the rest of its life, and euthanizing the horse. EIA-positive horses are infected for life. The danger that they may spread the disease, even if they are not showing any clinical signs, is enough of a reason to enforce such stringent rules.
   The Coggins Test (agar immunodiffusion) is a sensitive diagnostic test for Equine Infectious Anemia developed by Dr. Leroy Coggins in the 1970's. Currently, the USDA does not have an eradication programdue to the low rate of incidence, however many states require a negative Coggins test for interstate travel. In addition, most horse shows and events require a negative Coggins test. Most countries require a negative test result before allowing an imported horse into the country. It is recommended to verify that all the horses at a breeding farm and or boarding facility have a negative Coggins test before using their services. A Coggins Test should be done on an annual basis. Tests every 6 months is recommended if there is increased traveling.

 

Equine Influenza
    Equine influenza is a major virus disease that causes flu like symptoms in horses and is from the group of viruses that causes flu in humans. Most horses exposed to the virus will show signs within a period of 1-5 days. Equine influenza appears similar to a range of other viral respiratory diseases. Viruses that are responsible for coughs and colds in horses include Equine Herpesvirus, Equine Rhinovirus and Equine Adenovirus. Most of these viruses produce rather mild signs which include a discharge from the nose and coughing. Equine Influenza produces more severe symptoms with horses developing a fever and a dry hacking cough. Horses become ill and are reluctant to eat or drink for several days but usually recover in 2 to 3 weeks. Because it is a virus, there are no drugs that influence the outcome of the disease. However many horses develop secondary infections with bacteria which can lead to pneumonia and other problems. Good nursing care and if necessary, antibiotics to deal with bacterial illness associated with the disease are important parts of treatment. The most important part of dealing with this illness is effective vaccination. Reasonably effective vaccines are now available featuring the two most important types of this virus but horses need to be vaccinated 2-3 times peryear to ensure their immune status.

 

Equine Sarcoids
   Equine Sarcoids or Sarcoids are common, usually benign, skin tumors of horses and other equidae which have several different forms.

 

Equine Viral Arteritis
   Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is an infectious viral disease of horses that causes a variety of clinical symptoms, most significantly abortions. The disease is transmitted through both the respiratory and reproductive systems. Many horses are either asymptomatic or exhibit flu-like symptoms for a short period of time. An abortion in pregnant mares is often the first, and in some cases, the only sign of the disease. EVA has been confirmed in a variety of horse breeds, with the highest infection rate found in adult Standardbreds.

 

Getting Down Behind
     Getting down behind refers to a horse who when cantering or galloping scrapes to back of it's hind legs on the ground abrading the skin. This can happen with horses who have long sloping pasterns. Consult with your farrier for solutions.

 

Haematoma
   Haematoma is an area below the skin which is swollen and usually contains blood and looks much like a sack up to the size of a football. It is generally caused by some trauma such as running into a fence or getting kicked by another horse. It is good idea to call you veterinarian who may want to lance the sack after several days to promote draining and healing.

 

Heatstroke
    Heatstroke is caused by hard work in hot humid climate, or confinement in hot stall with poor ventilation. Horse may exhibit rapid shallow respiration, red mucous membranes, rapid heart rate, high temperature and patchy sweating. You should cool your horse down immediately with cool water, ice packs to the head area and with good ventilation and shade. Call the veterinarian for support.

 

Hepatitis
    Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver usually caused by infection or plant poisoning. The signs are high temperature, loss of appetite and jaundice. Call your veterinarian for an evaluation and diagnosis.

 

Laminitis
   Laminitis (or founder) is a disease of the sensitive laminae of the foot in a horse. The front hooves are most commonly affected, although the hind feet are sometimes affected. Its name means inflammation of the laminae, although inflammation is no longer considered as the key mechanism of the disease process. Can be caused by ingesting excessive amounts of grain, or drinking large amounts of water while still hot after exercise or by reasons unknown.

   I would like to take the opportunity here to rant a little about the rather confusing topic of horseshoes as opposed to no horseshoes.

  There is a fairly recent movement of late by some people opposed to the shoeing of horses. This is referred to as the barefoot horse or going barefoot. Some of these people are fairly vocal in their opposition to shoeing to the point of being unreasonable.  (in my opinion)  They point out that under no circumstance is it ever necessary, desirable, or fashionable (or anything else for that matter) to ever shoe a horse. "No good can ever come of shoeing" they rant and "shoeing is a form of abuse" they rave.
   Now, these anti-horseshoe-ists (is that a word?) may have a point. They make some pretty convincing arguments based on infra-red photography as well as medical opinions and theories about the action of a horses hoof and observations of wild mustangs. It may be that a horse's hoof is a secondary pump that helps the horses heart circulate blood. It may be that a horse would be happier and healthier roaming the range unshod and it may be true that blood circulates better in an unshod hoof keeping the horses feet warmer (especially in the winter).
  It may also be true that some horses suffer from cracked hooves or soft hooves. Some horses are used to pull carriages on pavement or other hard or rocky surfaces. Other horses may be used to pull plows or work with other heavy and unnatural loads that stress their hooves as well as their entire bodies. Few people would argue against the notion that horses, roaming the pastures in the wild, tend to have healthier feet. Most of us, on the other hand are not going to turn our horses loose on suburban America. (We would probably end up in jail.)
  So anyway, I just thought I would run that by you. I believe that your horses feet probably require the most "hands on" attention of any of your horses parts. Take my advice and spend a little time researching the internet on the subject. Your horses feet are very important and it is up to you, the horse owner, to decide how they are handled.
  Some farriers are rigidly pro-shoe, others are pro-barefoot while other have a more open mind and are capable of providing for your horses hoof care either way. It's your decision.

 

Lethal White Syndrome (LWS)
    Lethal white syndrome is a common genetic disorder primarily associated with American Paint Horses. A foal with this syndrome is born all white or nearly all white and has a non-functioning colon. As of 2005, there is no successful treatment for the disease; such a foal typically dies within two weeks. Because the death is often painful, these horses are generally put down once identified, but care should be taken to not jump to conclusions based on coat color alone.

 

Lice
   Lice are parasites that cause extreme irritation of the skin. Spray horse with Tiguvon and repeat in 3 weeks.

 

Melanoma
   Melanomas are benign or malignant tumors of the skin. Their cause is unknown and the best treatment is to leave them alone unless they are causing a problem.

 

Navicular
    Navicular disease is a degenerative disorder that involves the navicular bone and its surrounding structures in the foot of the horse. In most cases the disease is characterized by an unusual gait where the stride is shortened and the toe lands first. This lameness is usually seen in both front feet. The disease is progressive and treatments are often unrewarding. Although many theories exist, a cause for navicular disease has not yet been found. The discovery of what causes the disease to initiate and progress could lead to preventative measures, as well as treatments to halt or slow down the progression of the disease.

 

Onchocerciasis
    Onchocerciasis is represented by a circular area of hair loss similar to ringworm. It is caused by the parasite onchocerca cervicales which has burrowed into the skin. Call a veterinarian to confirm diagnosis and treat with carbamazine to kill the parasite.

 

Otitis Externa
    Otitis Externa simply means the horse has got something stuck in it's ear. Horse may shake it's head and rub it's ear. Consult with a veterinarian.

 

Over-reaching
   Over-reaching is when a horse steps on his front heel with the toe of his rear foot on the same side. Common in youngsters and can be caused by poor conformation in adult horses. Consult your farrier.

 

Parasites
   All horses, especially the young and the old, have worms. Wherever a horse drops manure is contaminated with worms and worm eggs. Worms and their larvae can cause problems ranging from temporary anaemia to death from a ruptures bowel. Signs include weight loss, dull coat, poor appetite,tail rubbing and diarrhea. You should seek the advice of a veterinarian.
 

 

Pneumonia
   Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lung tissue usually affecting young or old horses. Horses generally will go off food, have rapid, shallow respiration and be lethargic. Can be causes by viruses and bacteria or parasites. Call veterinarian immediately.

 

Rabies
    Rabies is a notifiable disease worldwide. It is found in the United States and Europe it is recognized by drooling, spastic lip movement, loss of appetite and depression, ending in death 2 to t days after the first signs were exhibited. Rabies is caused by a virus usually transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Call you veterinarian. Vaccinations are very effective in preventing the disease.

 

Rain Scald
    Rain Scald is a condition developed by some horses that sty outside, without shelter and are exposed to long periods of rain. Their hair on their backs mats and oozes inflammatory fluid from the affected skin. Keeping the  horse clean and dry will cure the problem.

 

Recurrent Uveitis
    Recurrent Uveitis is a condition of the eye characterized by sensitivity to light, persistent tearing, conjunctivitis and closing of eyelid. This is an eye infection and you should call your vet for a definite diagnosis and treatment.

 

Ringworm
   Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that causes circular areas of raised hair. after about 10 days the hair falls out leaving moist hairless circular lesions. Isolate the horse as these are highly contagious and stay contagious for 3 weeks following the start of treatment. Wash the horse daily with iodine solution and if unsuccessful call the veterinarian.

 

Sarcoid
    Sarcoid is a skin tumor caused unknown, however a virus is suspected as the cause. They have not been known to spread internally. Can be treated with Podophyllin or excised by a veterinarian.

 

Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)
    Irritation, usually around the head and neck, caused by infestation of sarcoptic mange mite which burrows into the skin. Can cause irritation in people coming in contact with horse. Veterinarian scrapes the skin deeply to check for mites with microscope. Dips, rinses or sprays will usually clear up the infestations.

 

Seedy Toe
    Seedy toe is a separation of the hoof wall from the white line in the toe region causing a hole between the hoof wall and the sensitive laminae. The outside of the hoof wall looks sound, but the inside becomes crumbly. Poor foot care is the most common cause. Seedy toe is easily caused when the hoof wall is allowed to grow too long. It also commonly occurs with chronic laminitis.

 

Sesamoiditis
 Sesamoiditis is inflammation of the 2 sesamoid bones at the back of the fetlock joint. Horse may exhibit lameness. Contact vet for diagnosis and treat with anti-inflammatories and rest.

 

Sinusitus
   Infection of the sinus cavities may producing foul smelling thick discharge from one nostril possibly streaked with blood. Contact veterinarian for diagnosis and possibly anti-biotics.

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Cancer)
    this is one of the most common forms of skin cancer in horses. The cause is unknown. Swelling with or without ulceration. Call the veterinarian for diagnosis and recommendations.

 

Stall Walking
    Stall Walking is the name given to a condition where a horse spends its day walking in circles in its stall. It is caused by boredom. Give the horse a companion (some people recommend a goat).

 

Strangles
   Strangles is a disease caused by the bacteria streptococcus equi. The name comes from the fact that it enlarges the lymph nodes between the jawbone, causing the horse to make strangled breathing sounds. The disease begins with high fever, depression and lack of appetite. There is also a thin, watery nasal discharge that quickly turns thick and yellow. The lymph nodes in the upper respiratory tract become enlarged, the ones between the jawbones being the most noticeable; they can abscess. Although it usually isn't fatal in horses, it can be. Horses of any age are susceptible, but those most disposed are between one and five years. Susceptible horses usually acquire the disease after being exposed to another horse that is shedding the streptococcus equi bacteria that cause the illness.

 

Strongyles
    Strongyles, or alternatively, strongyls, are nematode worms of the family Strongylidae. They are often parasitic in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, especially horses.

 

Summer Sores
    Summer sores are caused by the larva of the habronema parasite which can live in the horse's stomach. The barn flies pick up the larva and deposit them in open wounds or sensitive spots on the horse causing skin irritation. Normally improves in winter or with introduction of fly control programs

 

Sunburn
    Sunburn is pretty self-explanatory. I only list it to remind the horse owner to be aware of it in the summer.

 

Supernumerary Teeth
   Supernumerary teeth means too many teeth and is causes by the failure of the baby teeth to fall out when they are replaced by the permanent teeth. This is quite common and your veterinarian can extract them.

 

Swollen Legs
    Swollen legs may be caused by inactivity in a horse in conjunction with a high grain diet. Horse will normally recover with moderate exercise and reduced concentrates in its diet.

 

Tetanus
    Tetanus is a disease found throughout the world and affects all domestic animals as well as people with the exception of the cat. It is common in horses. It is a poison caused by the bacteria Clostridium Tetani and is characterized by spasmodic muscular contractions. It is usually fatal so vaccination is extremely important.

 

Thorough Pin
Thorough Pin is a condition caused by overwork especially in young horses characterized by swelling under the skin in the tendon sheath just above the point of the hock. Treatment is keep cool and rest.

 

Thrush
   Thrush is an infection located in the grooves on either side of the frog on the underside of a horses foot. Sometimes the frog itself is involved. Foul smelling tar like substance in the grooves are the chief sign along with possible lameness. Usually associated with poor hoof care and/or dirty and wet stall conditions. 

 

Tying Up (Azoturia)
   Tying Up is a condition in which the horse, after exercise will exhibit stiffness predominately in the hind limbs. Horse steps short and is reluctant to move. Horses may exhibit sweating and muscle tremor. Walk the horse for 30 minutes and if it does not improve, call your veterinarian.

 

Warts
    Warts are caused by a virus and and usually occur in young horses around the lips, cheeks and eyes. they usually clear up on their own however an application of crude castor oil will usually eradicate them.
 


Wobbler disease
   Wobbler disease is a condition of the cervical vertebrae that causes an unsteady gait and weakness in dogs and horses. It is also known as cervical vertebral instability, cervical spondylomyelopathy, and cervical vertebral malformation (CVM). In dogs, the disease is most common in large breeds, especially Great Danes and Dobermanns. In horses, it is not linked to a particular breed, though it is most often seen in tall race-bred horses. It is most likely inherited in dogs, it may be hereditary to some extent in horses.

 

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