Horse Health

Botulism is a bacterial toxin that can be fatal to horses. It is potent and can cause rapid illness and death if not diagnosed soon. While there are several types, Type B is the most common found in horses. It is caused by a bacteria that lives in soil, the Clostridium botulinum. Horses who ingest […]

Cereal grains and forage in the horse’s diet provide the carbohydrates and starches which in turn give a horse the energy boost needed to perform whatever tasks necessary. If your horse is a worker or an athlete, s/he will naturally require higher amounts of carbohydrates. Horses that are retired, idle most of the time, rarely […]

Protein provides amino acids for the body which give energy to build and repair bones, muscles and soft tissue. Excluding fat and moisture, amino acids are about 80% of a horse’s makeup. Young horses in the growing stage require more protein in their diets than full grown horses. Pregnant and lactating mares also require more […]

Heaves (RAO – recurrent airway obstruction) primarily affects horses 9 years and older. It is similar to asthma. The lower airway becomes inflamed causing the disease. As the horse ages, heaves can worsen. Horses with heaves are more prone to upper respiratory illnesses, both viral and bacterial. A compromised immune system can also worsen respiratory […]

Water is necessary for all living things to survive. Keeping your horse hydrated is crucial for good health. But along with giving your horse water, you must be sure that s/he is drinking. There are several ways to accomplish this. Feed more hay. The dryness will encourage drinking. Make sure clean, fresh water is always […]

When you give your horse a treat, you want to be sure it’s a healthy one. But how can you tell if it’s healthy? Healthy treats should not contain any preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. Some supplements may be added to treats as nutritious and healthful additives. The best treats are natural, taste good to […]

Following are some of the eyelid disorders that can occur in horses. With all diseases, early diagnosis and treatment can have a positive outcome. Eyelid Lacerations – These are common with horses and usually heal. If surgery is necessary to repair a laceration, it can lusually be performed under local anesthesia. Entropion and Ectropion – […]

Spanish researchers at the Department of Agro-Forestry Services at the University of Seville (Spain) believe the stress level of a horse can be tested through its eyes with a thermographic camera. Dr. Ester Bartolome Medina PhD at the Agro-Forestry Services believes that a horse’s eye temperature can reflect stress levels during competing show events. In […]

While horses can suffer from colic at any time of year, a change to a winter diet can be a major factor. Little or no pasture is available for grazing in winter. Diet changes should start to be considered in the fall when grass begins its dormant period. Hay proteins, sugar and starch are digested […]

Cold, rain, snow, ice – it’s that time of year, winter. Believe it or not your horses have been preparing well in advance for inclement weather. Horses begin growing their winter coats when the days start to grow shorter which means way before temperatures drop. How heavy a horse’s coat grows depends on climate and […]