-
Wound Care 101
Horses are naturally curious and active animals, which unfortunately means wounds and injuries are an inevitable part of horse ownership. Whether your horse has a minor scrape from a fence, a puncture wound from stepping on an object, or a laceration from a fall, understanding proper wound care is essential for promoting healing and preventing…
-
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries affecting horses of all ages and disciplines. Whether your horse is a high-performance athlete, a recreational mount, or a pasture buddy, soft tissue injuries to ligaments, tendons, and muscles can sideline them quickly. Understanding the difference between these injuries, recognizing early warning signs, and knowing…
-
Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries are among the most common orthopedic problems affecting horses, causing significant lameness and potentially ending athletic careers if not managed properly. The flexor tendons in the lower legs are particularly vulnerable to injury because they bear tremendous weight and stress during movement, jumping, and work. Whether your horse is a performance athlete or…
-
Tetanus in Horses
Tetanus is a serious and often fatal disease in horses caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This pathogen produces a powerful neurotoxin that affects the nervous system, leading to severe muscle rigidity and loss of motor control. While tetanus is preventable through proper vaccination and management practices, it remains a significant health threat for horses…
-
EHV-1 Outbreak Risk: How the Virus Spreads Between Horses
Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is one of the most serious infectious diseases facing horse owners today. This highly contagious virus spreads rapidly through horse populations and can cause significant illness, reproductive loss, and in severe cases, neurological complications and death. Understanding EHV-1 outbreaks is essential for anyone who owns, manages, or cares for horses, particularly those…
-
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne illness that poses a significant health threat to horses across North America, particularly from late spring through early fall. This flavivirus emerged in North America in 1999 and has since become endemic in most regions of the United States and Canada. Horses are considered highly susceptible to infection,…
-
Strangles: What Owners Should Know
Strangles is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting horses worldwide, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. Despite advances in veterinary medicine, this highly contagious respiratory infection continues to challenge horse owners and trainers, particularly in facilities with multiple horses or frequent turnover of animals. Understanding strangles is essential for any horse…
-
Weight Loss in Old Horses
Weight loss in senior horses is one of the most common challenges facing owners of aging equines. Horses typically begin showing signs of age-related metabolic decline around 15-20 years old, though some individuals maintain steady weight well into their 20s and 30s. Unintentional weight loss—where your horse appears progressively thinner despite adequate feed intake—signals underlying…
-
Best Joint Supplements for Senior Horses
Senior horses, typically those aged 15 years and older, commonly experience joint stiffness, arthritis, and reduced mobility due to years of work and natural age-related wear on cartilage and connective tissues. Joint supplementation is one of the most practical and widely recommended supportive care strategies for maintaining comfort and movement in aging equines. This guide…
-
Arthritis in Older Horses
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting older horses, impacting quality of life and rideability for senior equines across the country. As horses age, the cartilage in their joints gradually degenerates, leading to inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. This condition, clinically known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD), affects performance horses and…