Anaemia

Anaemia

Anaemia is when there is blood loss or the horse is unable to manufacture red blood cells. Anaemia is often a misdiagnosed problem in horses. There are three ways that anemia can occur in your horse. They can become anemic if there is blood loss, inadequate or destruction of the red blood cells.

A horse may have a wide variety of symptoms and causes, including decreased appetite, lethargy, or a trauma causing acute blood loss. Your horse's heart rate may be elevated, their urine could be discoloured or reddish or the mucous membranes appear white or very pale.

It is easier to diagnose anaemia resulting from blood loss. There will be signs of shock and there may also be profuse bleeding through the nose. The most common form of anaemia in horses is inadequate production of red blood cells. This form of anemia may be common, but it is a challenge to identify it. Horses may show signs of lethargy, poor appetite and no tolerance for evenlow-grade exercise.

There are several things that can cause anemia, including infections ranging from renal disease to pneumonia. Some types of cancer can lead to anemia and different viruses like Equine Infectious Anemia can cause anemia. If your horse has iron, copper, vitamin B or protein deficiencies it can lead to your horse not being able to produce red blood cells.

If your horse had anemia caused by an increase in red blood cell destruction they may show signs including fever and mucous membranes that are yellow. Their urine will be a dark reddish brown. There are many causes for this type of anemia including parasites and red maple leaf toxicity.

To find out if a horse is anemic a test has to be run on a sample of their blood. An equine vet will test for packed cell volume (PCV). If a horse's PCV level gets too low they may need a blood transfusion. If your horse shows any of the symptoms above you should contact your vet immediately.

Arthritis

Arthritis

Equine Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) can be crippling diseases. Early detection is the key to preventing this debilitating disease. However, the early signs of joint problems are slight and are sometimes overlooked. You should look for signs that include heat in the joints and mild swelling. Some other early warning signs include changes in performance or behaviour. If your horse is reluctant to change leads or take jumps it may signify early signs of a joint disease.

Older horses are more prone to arthritis. However, horses of any age can suffer from the disease. The disease usually involves the front fetlocks, hocks and navicular bones of the front feet. A joint that is subjected to repeated trauma or stress, such as everyday riding or training can often lead to damage of the joint capsule.

At the beginning a horse may not be lame but as the damage gets worse it could lead to the horse becoming lame or their joints become swollen and hot. If this is not treated it will get worse and could lead to more severe arthritis and eventually DJD.

Once there is damaged done to the cartilage it will not heal well. There is no way of curing equine arthritis but is can be managed. It sometimes will lead to putting your horse in early retirement.

Every horse is different and how they respond to injury will vary between horses. The early signs of joint problems can be hard to spot. It is important to always observe your horse for any type of lameness or swelling and heat of the joints. If you see any signs of arthritis it is best to contact your vet so they can give the horse a thorough examination.

Bog Spavin

Bog Spavin

This is where part of the hock joint, normally the inside, becomes swollen due to excessive joint fluid being produced. The symptoms are often lameness as well as swelling, but not in all cases. This can be as a result of stress, of poor conformation, infection, degeneration or direct trauma. Naturally the horse will need rest, anti inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, possible draining of the area or a lubricant put directly into the joint. It is essential that the underlying bog spavin is found.

Bone Spavin

Bone Spavin

This is osteoarthritis of the hock joint or degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, merely managed by treatment so as to lower the discomfort and pain that the horse may be experiencing. Some of which can be quite successful, ensuring that there is no pain for up to 6 months. Lameness is a factor, but the severity will differ from horse to horse. There may also be some swelling.

The degeneration is often caused by the erosion of the Tarsal bones within the hock which then stimulates new bone growth, poor conformation, poor shoeing or excessive participation in sports such as jumping and dressage. Naturally the horse will need rest, anti inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, possible draining of the area or a lubricant put directly into the joint, possible fusing of the joint using chemicals or surgery or correct shoeing.

Canker

Canker

This is a severe bacterial infection which affects the frog and underlying structures within the hoof. It will have a foul smell with a secretion of puss. The horse will be very uncomfortable and will stamp their feet. There may be crusted over hoof horn over growing at the back of the frog or a cauliflower like growth in the frog and heel. As a result of this, the horse may have swollen fetlocks and be reluctant to stand. 

Canker generally originates in the frog and can be mistaken for thrush in the early stages. Thrush is limited to the lateral and medial sulci or the base of the frog if a fissure is present whereas canker invades the horn of the frog anywhere throughout its structure.

Treatment consists of thorough careful debridement of the affected tissue followed by a regimen of topical therapy applied daily and continued until the disease is resolved. A commitment is necessary from the owners, as aftercare will take several weeks to months depending on the stage of the disease until the affected tissue is cornified

Colic

Colic

This is a digestive problem which is caused by several factors, the most common causes being related to feed, exercise or worms. Colic in horses is extremely painful and life threatening to a horse, therefore early diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Colic is a common aliment in horses and is the word used to describe abdominal pain. There are many causes of colic, from simple indigestion to a twisted gut, but there are a few simple management techniques to reduce the risk. Some of the signs that a horse has colic are restlessness and pawing at the ground, sweating, an increased breathing rate, an elevated pulse or kicking to the stomach. There may be other signs including; if the horse starts stretching as if to urinate or starts rolling or attempting to roll.

Horses today eat a very different diet than that of their ancestors. Even though they eat differently they still have the digestive system of their ancestors which hasn't evolved. This is why horses today are susceptible to digestive upset and can develop colic. The problem is that horses cannot vomit to get rid of indigestible foods.

A horse in a natural setting will be on the move and be grazing along the way. This is called trickle feeding, which means a horse eats large quantities of low energy food throughout the day and usually spends up to 16 hours a day feeding. Today horses are often feed twice a day and rationed on hay and stabled for up to 8 hours. This is very different than what a horse's digestive system is used to so that is why they are prone to colic.

There are several things you can do to prevent colic. One important thing is to always have a constant supply of fresh water. Feed your horse small and frequently; their diet should be of high quality feed and have a high fibre content. Allow the horse to be turned out in a paddock as much as possible. It is best if you have a regular daily routine and to make changes in their diet slowly over a period of time.

Just remember to monitor your horse and look for any signs of discomfort because early detection of colic will improve the chances of them remaining healthy and strong for a lifetime. Speak to your vet immediately.

COPD

Coughing Disorders

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Also known as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO). This is an extremely serious condition, usually brought on by dust, mould and pollen spores that produce an allergic reaction. It then affects the bronchioles and alveolar sacs in the lungs, causing the horse to produce an increase of fluid and mucus, which then builds up and causes the obstruction which cause's difficulty in breathing. The excess mucus and fluid needs to be removed. The level of severity causes either a mild cough or a severe repetitive cough.

Coughing

This is caused by food being in the trachea instead of the oesophagus, causing a cough, a build up of phlegm, or allergies such as dust and mould spores from bedding or food. These can also irritate the linings of the lungs. Rest the horse and remove or reduce the cause of the cough. Ensure that utensils are clean and that only good quality food is being given. It may be necessary to soak the hay for at least 20 minutes to make the dust and mould spores to enlarge so that they cause little irritation or switch your horse to haylage. Any consistent symptoms must be seen by your vet.

Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)

EHV- Rhinopneumonitus

More commonly known as equine herpes, is a highly infectious virus that will always require immediate veterinary attention. There are five main forms of EHV, strains one and four being the most problematic. These two, more severe forms of the virus, often referred to as 'The Cough', tend to lead to a suppression of the horse's immune system and to cause respiratory problems. Symptoms may be inclusive of a watery nasal secretion, a loss of appetite, depression, lethargy and a lack of coordination.

Contraction of the EHV virus varies, however it is most commonly contracted through nasal discharge or inhalation. If the virus is detected in its early stages it may be treated and managed; however, if the virus remains untreated it may cause the sporadic termination of a pregnancy, neurological problems and often death in young foals.

The full seriousness of such a virus was highlighted in 2003 at Findlay University Ohio where the deadly EHV type-1 virus was detected in over 140 of the campuses horses with a further twelve fatalities. The outbreak has remained one of the largest of its kind in the past decade and highlights the irregularity of such an unpredictable virus.

Diagnosing the virus is often a lengthy task requiring the veterinarian to review the horse's previous medical history and for the horse to undergo a thorough physical examination. This examination is dependent upon the horse's symptoms and may include nasal swabs, x-rays and blood samples. In the unfortunate event of an abortion, diagnosis of the virus may come through the examination of both the foetus and placenta.

Although there is no definite cure for the herpes virus, there are medications to help with further infection and also to aid the horse's respiratory system. The virus may remain dormant for the duration of the horse's life yet could potentially resurface at any time. The horse's immune system is often weakened due to the virus and is thus unable to overcome the virus alone. The volatility of such a virus requires the horse to be well rested at all times and be surrounded by fresh air in conjunction with a well balanced, nutritious diet. It is essential that an infected horse be kept in isolation so as not to infect other horses.

Equine Infectious Anaemia

Equine Infectious Anaemia

Equine Infectious Anaemia - also known as Swamp Fever - is a viral disease that will attack a horse's immune system. This viral infection which is closely related to the human HIV virus has no vaccine or cure that is available at the present time.

Equine Infectious Anaemia does not affect humans; however, it can be fatal in horses. The symptoms of this disease include anemia and a recurring fever. Insects that are blood sucking, like the horse fly, are common transmitters of this infection. The disease can also be transmitted through blood or blood products that are contaminated, or through contaminated needles or instruments.

In 1843, this viral infection was first discovered in France. The last known outbreak that happened in England was in 1976. It can be found worldwide and in the UK it is a notifiable disease. If you think or suspect your horse may be infected you have to immediately contact the duty vet at your local Animal Health Office.

The Coggins test, which is a blood test, is the way that the Equine Infectious Anaemia can be confirmed. Any horse that has been in contact with an infected horse will be kept under restrictions. They will be tested to confirm they are not carriers of the swamp fever.

Equine Infectious Anaemia is a very serious and fatal disease that can be contagious. If you have any indication that your horse may be infected with the viral disease seek help immediately.

Guttural Pouch Disorders

Guttural Pouch Disorders

There are 3 types of guttural pouch disorder; they are caused by either a bacterial or fungal infection or trapped air. All of which are extremely devastating. The horse can not only suffer from ill health, but depression and even death. Therefore it is necessary for a vet to assess the horse immediately.

A horse has two guttural pouches; each one is filled with and controls the flow of air around the auditory tubes, regulating the pressure of the eardrum and also acting as a blood cooling chamber.

Guttural Pouch Tympany

This occurs mostly in foals; fillies more than in colts. The air enters the guttural pouch by the auditory canal but then is unable to leave via the pharynx. This causes swelling and if the area is tapped, it will sound drum like. An endoscopic examination will determine the disease, and it is commonly treated with surgery.

Guttural Pouch Empyema

This is caused by bacteria entering through the pharynx into the guttural pouch. Usually bacteria is dealt with by the guttural pouch, if not, it will cause a build up of pus. Again, it will be swollen with pus secreting from the nostrils. The horse may also have breathing difficulties. Again, an endoscopic examination will determine the infection. Often an incision will be made at the side of the pouch to drain the pus which is then flushed out. Antibiotics or pain killers may also be given to reduce any inflammation.

Guttural Pouch Mycosis

This is caused by a fungal infection and is the most serious of these types of disorder. The infection imbeds itself in the wall of the guttural pouch over an artery. The infected artery then starts to bleed, which cause the horse to bleed to death. The bacterial infections that can cause this awful condition are aspergillus, candida and penicillium. Blood will be noticeable trickling from the nostrils, particularly when the horse is resting. Surgery is the only option for this infection; anti-fungal drugs will also be prescribed.