Horses are quite susceptible to many ailments that require immediate attention from either the owner or a veterinarian.
A popular saying is to be "as sick as a dog" or "as healthy as a horse", implying that horse's have a natural resistance to many diseases whereas dogs are consistently ill. Nothing could be further from the truth. Horses are quite susceptible to many common diseases that require immediate attention from either the owner or a veterinarian. If minor aches and pains are ignored, not only will they lead to further complications to your horse, but they may easily infect other horses. Since most horses are social animals whether as a border at a local stable or among other horses in the pasture, disregarded communicable diseases can lead to disaster.
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disorder that quickly manifests itself in healthy horses. The parasite sarcocystis neurona enters the horse through infected food and water supplies and settles within the horse's spinal cord. Symptoms include a loss of appetite, depression and a loss of motor control as the disease progresses. Possums are thought to be the main carrier of the parasite and therefore horses which are frequently out to pasture are more susceptible than stabled horses. Few tests prove conclusively if a horse is infected with EPM. Usually suspicions are confirmed well after all the symptoms have manifested. Only some drugs have been effective in the recovery of an affected horse. If EPM is even remotely suspected, the horse should be quarantined so as not to affect other horses.
Equine infectious anemia is better known by is popular name of swamp fever. This disease is transmitted by biting flies and mosquitoes and attacks a horse's immune system. Signs of equine infectious anemia include high fever, no appetite and small hemorrhages in the mouth, as well as a swelling of the legs. Because this is a viral disease, no drugs can effectively stop it. Owners and veterinarians should take every care to reduce the fever and make the horse as comfortable as possible. Due to the highly infectious nature of this disease, and because the disease is spread by flies, most horses are put down. However, if you are intent on saving your infected horse, it should be quarantined in a screened area preventing access to mosquitoes and flies.
Another serious horse disease is equine morbillivirus virus (EMV). EMV causes acute respiratory problems in both horses and humans. The virus is related to measles and canine distemper. Infected horses show a loss of appetite, labored breathing and a frothy nasal discharge. EMV is so debilitating that death is possible within two days of infection. A large outbreak of EMV was reported in Brisbane, Australia in 1994. Along with several horses, three humans also died. Currently there is no known cure.
Although EPM, swamp fever, and EMV are considered serious diseases, everyday aches and pains also afflict horses. Many horses experience colic, or abdominal discomfort. Colic is typically caused by a blockage in the large intestine. Symptoms of colic are pawing, sweating and kicking at the abdomen. Some horses are rather restless while some are motionless and depressed from the pain. Owners should always call the veterinarian for colic. If it is a serious obstruction or a possible hernia, surgery is required. Until the veterinarian arrives, all food should be removed. Owners can walk the horse to prevent him from hurting himself. Colic is rather common in horses but can be prevented by adhering to a regular food schedule. Horses are grazers and prefer small quantities of food over a constant period of time. The more the feedings mimic a horse's natural grazing pattern, the less chance for serious colic problems.
Horses spend most of their lives on their feet so it is no surprise that they should suffer from foot lameness. Lameness is usually caused by a trauma to the outer hoof area. If not treated, the bruise can lead to infection. Working horses also have problems with hoof cracks. Many cracks are successfully treated by a farrier, however inexperienced farriers can exacerbate the problem by trimming a horse's feet incorrectly. Some cracks can also be repaired with an acrylic covering known as Equilox.
Working horses, particularly those which compete on the racetrack or in the show ring, suffer from sore backs. A horse with a sore back will show a decrease in performance. Observant owners will notice discomfort, bruising, hair loss and even open sores in the saddle area. Back problems are best prevented through correction of rider error and correct saddle fitting. Some top show horses have saddles which are made using a computer to fit both them and the rider. The computer is able to calculate where the rider's weight creates the most pressure on the horse's back. Chiropractors and accupressurists have had success in alleviating back pain.
Dogs can run about the neighbor hood, scour the garbage cans and even pick a few fights with no problems save a minor scratch and an upset stomach. Horses, on the other hand, are a bit more sensitive to their environment. Minor scrapes left untreated can easily turn into ulcers. Improperly trimmed feet can lead to back problems, and an uncomfortable horse will not perform at the peak of its ability. If these minor problems are ignored, then chances are an owner also will not recognize his horse's listlessness or depression, symptoms of potentially deadly afflictions.
