Educational Information Only
The guides below describe educational information about equine health conditions. They are not intended to diagnose your horse or replace the judgment of a licensed equine veterinarian. If you believe your horse may have any of the conditions described, contact your veterinarian promptly. Find an equine vet →
Digestive & Metabolic
Colic
Abdominal pain is the most common veterinary emergency in horses. Educational guide covering types, signs, risk factors, and what to do while waiting for your vet.
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Gastric Ulcers (EGUS)
Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome affects a significant proportion of performance horses. Signs are often subtle — poor performance, attitude changes, reluctance to work, and mild recurrent colic.
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Cushing's Disease (PPID)
Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction is the most common endocrine disorder in older horses. Long curly coat, muscle wasting, laminitis susceptibility, and increased drinking are characteristic signs.
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Musculoskeletal
Laminitis & Founder
Inflammation of the sensitive laminae within the hoof capsule — one of the most serious and potentially career-ending conditions in horses. Understanding triggers and early signs is critical for every horse owner.
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Navicular Syndrome
Palmar foot pain involving the navicular bone and associated structures is a leading cause of forelimb lameness in performance horses. A complex, progressive condition with many management options.
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Kissing Spine (Overriding Dorsal Spinous Processes)
When the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae come into contact or overlap, the resulting back pain can affect performance, attitude, and willingness to work in ways that are easy to misattribute to training issues.
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Infectious & Respiratory
Strangles
Streptococcus equi infection causing lymph node abscessation and fever — among the most contagious equine diseases. Biosecurity during outbreaks is critical to limit spread through a barn or event.
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Heaves / RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction)
Chronic lower airway disease similar to asthma in humans — triggered by dust, mold, and poor air quality. A leading cause of exercise intolerance and coughing in stabled horses.
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EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis)
A neurological disease caused by the parasite Sarcocystis neurona, transmitted through possum feces. Signs include incoordination, muscle atrophy, and weakness — often asymmetric. Diagnosis and treatment require a veterinarian.
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Pigeon Fever
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection — common in the American West and Southwest — causes abscess formation on the chest, abdomen, or internally. A veterinary diagnosis guides appropriate treatment.
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Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)
EHV-1 and EHV-4 are common equine respiratory pathogens. EHV-1 can cause abortion in mares and, in its neurologic form (EHM), serious myeloencephalopathy. Vaccination and biosecurity are key management tools.
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Skin, Hoof & External
Thrush
Bacterial infection of the frog and sulci — a common, highly preventable hoof condition. Recognizable by black discharge and foul odor in the grooves of the frog. Daily hoof care is the primary prevention.
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Rain Rot (Dermatophilosis)
Dermatophilus congolensis infection of the skin — produces crusting, matted hair, and scab formation, typically along the topline, rump, and lower legs. Moisture, skin trauma, and compromised immune status are risk factors.
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Bot Flies (Gasterophilus)
Bot fly larvae are a common internal parasite of horses in North America. Eggs are deposited on the hair coat; horses ingest the larvae during grooming. An important target in strategic deworming programs.
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Quarter Crack
Vertical fissures in the hoof wall — common in performance horses, often caused by imbalance, trauma, or nutritional deficiency. Severity ranges from superficial to deep cracks involving sensitive structures requiring farrier and veterinary collaboration.
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