8 Common Health Problems in Horses (And How to Prevent Them)

Horses, like all living beings, are also susceptible to a variety of health issues now and then. As a horse owner, it’s important to understand the signs of health problems in horses for the well-being and longevity of your equine friend. 

Identifying common diseases in horses can help you provide them with the care they need, so that your equine companion can live a healthy and happy life. Below are eight common health problems in horses and how to prevent them to keep your horse healthy and happy. 

Common Health Problems in Horses

Here are the eight most common health problems in horses that horse owners should look out for:

1. Colic

Colic is one of the most common health issues that affect horses. It is a term used to describe abdominal pain in horses. It can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. 

The main common causes of colic include a sudden change in diet, lack of adequate water intake, parasite infestation, and high Grain intake. Watch out for signs like kicking at the belly, restlessness, rolling, lack of appetite, and little to no manure production. 

Regular veterinary check-ups and deworming are very effective in preventing colic. Additionally, avoiding sudden changes in diet, providing consistent feeding routines, and providing clean water all the time can help prevent colic. 

2. Equine Cushing’s Disease

Another common health problem in horses is Cushing’s disease, also known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID). It’s a hormonal disorder that is most common in older horses. 

It is caused by the enlargement of the pituitary gland, which causes excessive hormonal production, which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. 

This hormonal imbalance can cause excessive thirst and urination, recurrent infections, long and curly hair that doesn’t shed, and infertility. While PPID is not curable, the disease can be managed by medications and diet changes.  

3. Equine Influenza

Commonly known as horse flu, equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza A virus. It is spread when an infected horse coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted through contaminated clothing or equipment. 

Common symptoms of equine influenza include persistent dry coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and fatigue. Since this disease spreads very quickly, you should call an emergency horse veterinary care once you spot these signs. 

Vaccination is the best method to prevent equine influenza. At The Noble Veterinary Surgeons, we have vaccination programs for equine animals to prevent contagious diseases like this one. 

4. Laminitis

Laminitis is an inflammation of the laminae (which attach the hoof wall to the pedal bone). Inflammation causes the pedal bone to sink or rotate inside the hoof, leading to severe pain and even lameness. 

It is often caused by obesity, overfeeding on grain or fresh pasture, or excessive exercise on hard ground. Watch for signs like reluctance to move, lameness, or heat on the hooves. If you identify these signs, contact your vet immediately, as laminitis can be treated if identified early. 

To prevent laminitis, watch your horse’s weight and avoid overfeeding them grains or fresh pasture. 

5. Dental Problems

Although often overlooked, dental issues can cause significant pain to your equine friend. Unlike other animals, horse teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime, and this can cause dental issues that need to be treated immediately.

Some of the common dental problems in horses include sharp points, broken or lost teeth, infected teeth, or uneven wear. If you notice your horse has difficulty eating or dropping food while eating, shaking or tilting its head, nasal discharge, and undigested food in its manure, it’s time to call your vet. 

Regular dental checks with your vet can help spot dental problems and start treatment early, before the problems become worse. 

6. Parasite Infestation

Both internal and external parasites can pose a threat to your horse’s health, leading to weight loss, skin irritation, and digestive problems. Some of the parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, bots, lungworms, ticks, and lice. 

Watch out for signs like weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, and tail rubbing. At The Noble Veterinary Surgeons, we offer deworming and external parasite control to keep these parasites at bay. Additionally, keeping your horses clean and rotating their grazing areas can also help minimize these parasites. 

7. Eye Problems

Horse eyes are very big and beautiful, but unfortunately, they are easy to injure. A piece of hay or dust can cause serious injuries. Equine eye problems can range from minor irritations like corneal ulcers to severe conditions like uveitis, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. 

Common eye problems in horses include squinting, excessive tearing, or swelling. Regular veterinary check-ups can help spot minor problems and offer immediate treatment. 

8. Skin Problems

There are many problems that can affect your horse’s skin and coat, ranging from dermatitis, rain rot, to tumors such as sarcoids and melanomas. These are just a few skin issues that can make your horse miserable. 

Some of the signs of skin problems in horses are excessive itching or scratching, hair loss, bumps on the skin, lesions, skin redness or inflammation, and changes in behavior. If you notice any of these signs on your equine companion, contact your vet to address the problem immediately. 

Get Expert Equine Veterinary Services At The Noble Veterinary Surgeons

When it comes to the health of your equine companion, we spot signs that are often overlooked. At The Noble Veterinary Surgeons, we offer high-quality equine veterinary care to horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. 

From routine horse check-ups, 24/7 horse emergency care, external parasite control, deworming, vaccination, to equine surgery, our equine veterinary services are designed to detect health issues early and start treatment early on before the conditions worsen. 

If you notice any signs of health problems in your horse, don’t wait. Contact us today, and our experienced equine veterinarians will ensure your equine friend gets back on track. 

Wrapping Up

These are just a few common health issues that might affect your equine animal. As a horse owner, understanding common health problems in horses and knowing how to prevent them can help you get your equine companion back on track. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most Common Health Issues in Horses That I Should Be Aware of?

Some of the most common equine health problems include colic, equine influenza, laminitis, dental diseases, and parasitic infestations. These conditions can affect your horse’s well-being if ot treated on time. That’s why regular vet check-ups are essential to help detect, diagnosi and treat these diseases early.  

How Often Should I Schedule Veterinary Check-ups for My Horse?

It’s recommended to schedule veterinary check-ups at least twice a year for healthy horses. Older horses or those with existing health issues may require more frequent visits. Regular or routine vet check-ups are essential to help catch potential issues early before they worsen. 

How Do I Know if My Horse is in Pain or Unwell?

If you notice signs such as loss of appetite, unusual behavior, weight loss, nasal discharge, or restlessness, it’s important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early treatment can make a difference in the treatment outcome.