Different Horse Diseases

Laminitis (Founder)

In horses with founder or laminitis, the inner lining (lamina) of the hoof becomes swollen and inflamed due to increased arterial blood flow. This results in the rotation of the coffin bone, bringing it out of appropriate alignment. The feet can become stiff, sore and also hot to the touch. The horse may exhibit problems standing, shifting its weight from foot to foot. Causes of founder include overeating of feed with a high carbohydrate content, prolonged use of corticosteroides, obesity and many other factors. Chronic founder generally requires anti-inflammatory drugs or the holistic equivalent. Actute founder requires pain relief as well, and in either case special shoeing may be called for.

Colic is a common problem for horses, with an estimated 10 percent of horses suffering from it each year. It is also a leading killer of horses, with a fatality rate of approximately 10 percent of those affected. Colic in horses takes many forms, but overall it is characterized primarily by abdominal pain. Causes include mineral deposits called enteroliths, food impaction, twists in the intestine and parasites. A horse with colic may pay unusual attention to its belly and sides, lose interest in food and drink and show personality changes. Walking a horse can help with colic relief, although not for an extended period as this could worsen the situation. A walk of 15 minutes or so is recommended. If your horse begins rolling on the ground and thrashing, do your best to get it up and call your veterinarian. If you suspect colic in your horse, do not delay contacting the vet. The worse the symptoms become, the worse the prognosis will be.

Cushing's is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, and is also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Horses with Cushing's often have a coarse wavy coat, thought to be the result of improper hypothalamus function due to pressure on on it from the tumor. Because the pituitary gland controls the endocrine system, this whole system can go out of whack. A horse with Cushing's may exhibit excessive drinking as well as excessive urination. It may also have a pot-bellied appearance and elevated glucose levels in blood and urine. Several tests are available to confirm a diagnosis of Cushing's. Treatment typically involves one of a set of medications that have been shown to effectively relieve the symptoms. These drugs do not cure the disease, as they do not eliminate the tumor.

Equine infectious anemnia, also called swamp fever or coggins, is caused by a virus and occurs throughout the world. It is most commonly spread by horse flies and other insects, but can also be passed through contaminated instruments. The virus causes destruction of red blood cells. The Coggins test is used to identify carriers of the disease and may be required if you are going to board or sell your horse. Infected horses need to be quarantined to prevent spreading the disease. Initial symptoms include troubled breathing, high heart rate and high fever, progressing to anemia. There is no vaccine and no cure. Some horses do not survive the disease, whereas others recover but are forever carriers of the virus and can pass it on to others.

Other common diseases that may afflict horses include tetanus, navicular disease, equine influenza, and West Nile virus. Be sure to contact a veterinarian if you suspect a horse may be ill or injured and in need of treatment.