Parts of a HorseBlemishes of a HorseDiseases of a HorseCommon Equine Diseases
Equine Encephalitis(Sleeping Sickness)
Signs
Fever, impaired vision, irregular gait, incoordination, yawning, grinding of teeth, drowsiness, inability to swallow, inability to rise when down, paralysis and death.Treatment
Annual vaccination is recommended in areas where the disease is prevalent. No specific agent is available for treatment and treatment consists of supportive measures and good nursing. Consult your veterinarian.
Strangles(Distemper)
Signs
High temperature, increased respiration, depression, nasal discharge after 2nd or 3rd day, swelling of lymph nodes which usually abscess.Treatment
Provide complete rest. Avoid stresses of cold, drafts, or moisture. Fresh drinking water at all times. Encourage eating. Isolate affected horses as much as possible. Vaccines are available which may help control the disease. Seek your veterinarian's advice.
Tetanus(Lockjaw)
Signs
Follows infection of a deep puncture wound. Incubation period from 1 week to several months. First symptoms stiffness and third eyelid may draw over the eye when excited. Spasms occur after 24 hours, reflexes increased, animal frightened or excited. Spasms of neck and back muscles cause extension of the head and neck.Treatment
This disease requires professional treatment. Mortality is high. Disease is widespread and it is recommended that all animals receive prophylaxic vaccination. This is particularly desirable in broad mares because of the added danger of infection at foaling.
Laminitis(Founder)
Signs
May be acute or chronic: follows feeding of excessive grain or lush pasture, fast work on hard surfaces, large amounts of cold water while animal is hot, toxemias following pneumonia or metritis. Acute cases show inflammation of sensitive laminae on one or more feet. The hoaves are warm, sensitive to touch, very lame, pain on standing. Temperature may rise to 106 degrees F, sweating. In chronic cases the hoof becomes distorted, anterior hoof wall concave, wall becomes corrugated (rings parallel to hair line).Treatment
Acute case: apply cold pack to feet. Call veterinarian.Chronic founder: trim feet - shoe to protect sole. Prognosis not good.
Equine Influenza
Signs
Fever, nasal discharge, rapid breathing, cough, loss of appetite.Treatment
Highly contagious viral disease, primarily of young horses. Vaccination may reduce the severity of the problem, but frequent administration is needed. Stop exercise programs until complete recovery.
C.O.P.D.(heaves)
Signs
Breathing problems during exercise, dry cough and nasal discharge after exercise. Difficulty in breathing out(forced expiration).Treatment
This is an allergic disorder, which may develop after respiratory infection. Reduce exposure to dusty hay and bedding. Keep the horse outside as much as possible. If the horse must be kept in a barn, be sure there is adequate ventilation. Wet hay to reduce dust. Consult with your veterinarian.
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis(EPM)
Signs
Incoordination, usually first noted in the hind legs. Muscular atrophy and loss of proprioreception. Mild at first, but usually progressive. Untreated cases often have a bad outcome. Seek veterinary assistance if any suggestive signs are noted.Treatment
This is a disease of the spinal cord and nervous system that is caused by an arganism whose life cycle is not yet completely understood. The diagnosis is difficult, and will require a spinal tap. Treatment is usually beneficial with very specific medications over a long period of time.
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