Common ailments your horse may suffer from

Your horse, even with the best of care, can suffer from occasional bouts of ill health or injury. The main way to protect and to reduce the risk of common ailments is to recognise when your horse is not well or injured. Then you can make sure they receive the appropriate treatment. There are some common ailments you should be aware of. That way you can take steps to prevent them or to treat them properly. Check with your horse insurance company to see what illnesses and injuries are covered by them.

Rainscald

Rainscald is a skin infection that causes the skin to soften and is caused by persistent saturation. This condition can occur in a horse that has a weakened immunity system or already in poor condition. The horse lacks the natural grease in their coat to keep them warm and dry. Rainscald can occur when non breathable turnout rugs are used. The rugs provide poor air circulation which means the horse s back is constantly getting wet with moisture. It can also occur if the horse is left out in rainy conditions.

A horse that has this condition may show patchy hair loss along the back and quarters. The hair can become matted and the skin can develop sores and lesions. To prevent your horse from getting Rainscald make sure that your horse has access to a shelter and that the rugs used are the correct type for the conditions and are cleaned regularly

Common Cold

Horses can catch a cold, which is a viral infection that comes from contact with other horses that have the infection. A horse that is kept in a stable that has poor ventilation for a long period of time is more susceptible to catching a cold. Signs of a cold usually include a white or yellow discharge from the nose and they may have a cough. They may also have a slightly higher temperature and the glands in the throat may become swollen.

If you see any of these signs you should contact your vet immediately and separate the horse from others horses since colds can be contagious. You want to make sure you put the horse in a warm, well ventilated, dust free area. You may want to feed your horse soft food that is easy to swallow and well soaked hay until they are feeling better. Your vet will advise you on the treatments available for your particular horse.

Colic

Colic is the term used to describe abdominal pain and there are many causes of colic. The causes can range from simple indigestion or something more serious. If you suspect your horse is colic you should contact your vet immediately. Some signs of colic include, your horse becoming restless or they start pawing at the ground or rolling excessively. Unexplained sweating or rapid labored breathing is another indication of colic. The horse could also have an elevated pulse rate or temperature and be unusually irritable.

These are just a few of the common ailments horses can have and what to look for when your horse seems ill. If you have any questions or concerns about a horse you should contact your vet for advice and treatments immediately.

Do you own horses? Are you an Equine Vet? Do you have advice for horse owners like you that could help? Perhaps you had a nasty health experience with your horse you would like to share? Please comment here and share your experiences with other members of the AFI Horse Community.