Forage should constitute the bulk of your horse's diet, but not all of it needs to be provided as long-stemmed forages like baled hay. Forage cubes and pellets are other options that may be beneficial...
Cataracts are cloudy areas within the horse's lens, the structure within the eye that directs light to the retina. [ref n="1"] The lens must be clear to allow light to pass through correctly, meaning ...
Equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM) is a potentially fatal consequence of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection in horses. EVH-1 spreads through contact with an infected horse or surfaces ...
Breeding Soundness for Stallions Reproductive Anatomy Examination Identification History VD Testing Physical Exam External Exam Internal Exam Semen Evaluation A Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) aims to e...
Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is a degenerative neurologic disease affecting the brain and spinal cord in horses. [ref n="1"] The precise cause of EDM is unknown, but it may be related...
Blister beetles, also known as oil beetles, secrete a blistering agent called cantharidin as a natural defense against predators. Beetles in this family feed on flower blossoms, particularly in alfalf...
Alsike clover toxicosis is a potentially life-threatening condition in horses caused by ingesting large quantities of the Trifolium hybridum plant, commonly referred to as Alsike clover. To date, neit...
Poisonous snake bites (snake envenomation) in horses, while not common, are a medical emergency. Without prompt veterinary attention, snake envenomation can result in severe injury and, in some cases,...
The guttural pouches are large, air-filled structures within the horse's skull, in the throatlatch region. These pouches can develop bacterial infections, fungal infections, or tympany, the excessive ...
Flexion tests are a component of the diagnostic work-up for lameness in horses. These tests exacerbate pre-existing soreness or irritation in the limbs to make subtle lameness more obvious. Veterinari...
Psyllium is a rich source of soluble fiber that can be incorporated into equine diets. Soluble fiber remains undigested by enzymes in the stomach (gastric juices), but passes into the hindgut where it...
A water treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment used in equine training and rehabilitation. This type of treadmill is submerged in water so the horse is chest-deep while they are moving. Exercising...
What Are Oxalates? Effects Calcium Deficiencies Diagnosis and Treatment Feeding Guidelines Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that bind calcium in the equine diet, preventing absorption of thi...
Respiratory (lung) function is critical to ensure equine performance and overall health. Equine asthma, pneumonia, and lung capacity during exercise are all common health concerns for riders and train...
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative therapy used to treat horses with tendon and ligament injuries. PRP is a blood preparation where plasma, the water and protein component of blood containin...
Bisphosphonates are drugs used to treat bone conditions in horses. The two main bisphosphonates used in horses are clodronate (OsPhos®) and tiludronate (Tildren®). These medications are used to trea...
Wondering about the best stretching exercises for your horse? Stretching is the process of extending a muscle to its maximum extension to release muscle tightness, improve flexibility and reduce pain....
Habronematidosis or habronemosis, more commonly known as summer sores, is a parasitic skin infection that can occur in horses. As the name implies, summer sores usually occur during the summer months....
Chiropractic care for horses is a form of manual therapy commonly used in veterinary treatment protocols for lameness. Chiropractic treatment focuses on joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce p...
Equine massage therapy is a bodywork modality that involves the systematic manual manipulation of a horse’s muscles and soft tissues to alleviate muscle tension and promote overall well-being. It’...
Choosing the best configuration of shelter in your horse’s pasture is one of the most important aspects of horse management. Most horses seek shelter at some point during the day, whether from cold ...
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a common treatment modality offered by many veterinarians for treating lameness cases. Most veterinarians use this treatment for arthritis cases and ligament...
Horse are often classified into three main groups based on their temperament and physiology: hot-blooded, cold-blooded, and warm-blooded. But what do these horse types mean and what is the difference ...
Pinto horses are a recognized colour breed in North America. Unlike some colour breed registries, the Pinto breed organization accepts horses with diverse and undocumented ancestry. Registered Pintos ...
Canker in horses, also called equine proliferative pododermatitis is a condition that causes rapid proliferation of keratin, the main component of the hoof wall and sole. The proliferation forms long ...
Buttercup poisoning in horses occurs when they ingest protoanemonin, a toxin produced by the buttercup plant. Although relatively rare, the ingestion of this flowering weed results in irritation to th...
A balanced feeding program is key for yearling horses, as it sets the foundation for their growth and development into adulthood. Yearlings are transitioning from foals to young horses, and their nutr...
Heart murmurs in horses are distinct sounds between the normal beats of the heart that can be heard with a stethoscope. They arise from the abnormal flow of blood through the heart, often due to condi...
Anaplasmosis in horses, also known as Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (EGA), is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This condition typically affects horses in area...
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat, caused by blood flowing in an unusual pattern or location within the heart. It’s not uncommon for newborn foals to have heart murmurs ...