Latest from Horse & Hound in Vet-advice

How to trot a horse up properly H&H subscribers

Horse & Hound — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:28:10 +0000

The aim of the trot-up is to allow the observer a clear view of the horse moving in a straight line and in balance, so that the gait can be assessed.

Horses are trotted up primarily to check for soundness. The trot is an even gait, with legs moving in diagonal pairs, so it is the easiest in which to spot lameness or uneven loading of the limbs. A horse may also be trotted up in-hand as part of a sale, to show off his movement.

FEI competitions for all disciplines will include a trot-up (otherwise known as the horse inspection) to check the horses are fit to compete. At three-day events, an initial trot-up takes place prior to competition. A second trot-up the morning after cross-country then follows to check the horses have recovered and are fit to continue to the final showjumping phase.

A trot-up in a straight line as part of a lameness examination allows the vet to make an initial assessment of the horse’s soundness. Further tests, such as flexion tests, lungeing and a ridden exam, may be necessary for the vet to gain more information.

At a pre-purchase exam, the vet is making a full assessment of the horse on behalf of a client. A trot-up is part of the examination, to identify any lameness issues that may prevent the horse being suitable for the buyer’s needs.

In all cases, a good, level surface that is not too loose, slippery or stony will help the horse trot confidently and offer the truest indication of his soundness.

A closer look

It is useful to know what the vet is looking for in these different trot-up circumstances.

As a spectator at a competition trot-up, it may be puzzling as to why some horses pass the trot-up while others are sent to an area called the holding box and occasionally eliminated.

The ground jury and veterinary delegate will assess each horse visually as he stands in front of them, before seeing him trot to evaluate his soundness. Any horse they have concerns about will be sent to the holding box for further assessment.

The vet in the holding box will be able to do a more thorough examination, including palpation and assessment of the horse’s limbs, to help identify any injuries — such as tendon or ligament injuries — which would prevent him from continuing in the competition.

A horse who has sustained a small overreach during the cross-country, for example, or who has pulled a shoe off, may appear slightly unlevel. After veterinary assessment, however, he may be deemed fit to complete a round of showjumping.

There may be horses competing that are poor movers, without having any specific injury that would be exacerbated by competition. At the second trot-up, on the final day, the ground jury will have benefited from seeing competitors at the first trot-up and in the dressage, so will have a clearer view of how each horse normally moves.

Taking the lead

Trotting up a horse correctly is an important skill to learn. The horse should be wearing a bridle for control and be led from the left side. Start by standing him up square so the vet or ground jury can examine him from all sides.

At an event trot-up, you will be expected to walk the horse for a few steps before trotting him away and then back towards the vet and ground jury. When examining a lame horse, or a horse for purchase, I ask to see him walked away and back and then trotted away and back. There is value in seeing the horse moving away and back towards you in both gaits.

The horse needs to be able to move his head freely without being held on a tight rein. The aim is to keep him moving in a straight line and at an even pace.

Stay by his shoulder and walk in a straight line by looking ahead, not at the horse. In trot, it is best to set off at a steady run with an even rhythm — remaining at his shoulder. If you run ahead or turn around to look at him, he may well back off and drag behind you.

It is important to keep the horse’s head and neck straight. If he curls towards you, this can make the gait look uneven and the right hindquarter can swing out and appear to drop away.

Experienced riders will have different ways of presenting a horse well, but I advise people to hold the reins in the right hand, as if you were riding one-handed, with your palm downwards and the reins separated by your hand. You can then place your arm across the horse’s chest so your hand is central, directly below the base of the neck.

With the reins in this position, you can encourage the horse to relax and take a contact with the bridle. He should then drop his head and lift over his shoulders and back, trotting with an even, powerful hindlimb gait.

If you are holding the reins together, in a fist, it is difficult to have much influence on a horse who sticks his head in the air and swings about. You can only apply downward force and he may react against this by putting his head up and hollowing through his back and neck, compromising the way he uses his body and hindlegs.

The horse needs to be able to trot in his own balance and rhythm, so find the pace or speed that suits him — which may mean adjusting your running speed. Don’t worry about your footsteps being in time with his. It’s great if they do match, but you may trip if your legs aren’t the same length as the horse’s and you try too hard.

Return to walk a few strides before the end of the straight and turn the horse away from you by moving his shoulder. This avoids being trodden on or tripped up, which can happen if you turn him towards you.

It is worth practising at home so both horse and rider learn to trot correctly. A horse who is poorly presented may look uneven, even if he isn’t.

Ref Horse & Hound; 17 October 2019

Equine flu: what horse owners need to know during the current outbreak in Britain

Carol Phillips — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:27:03 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equine flu, as equine influenza is commonly known, is caused by various strains of the influenza virus that affect the upper and lower respiratory tract of horses, donkeys and mules. It is a major and economically important cause of acute respiratory disease throughout the world, with the exception of some island nations, such as Iceland and New Zealand. As H&H’s veterinary advisor Karen Coumbe has said, “equine flu rarely kills horses, but it does kill horse events”.

There has been a significant increase in cases of equine flu in the British horse population since 1 April 2026. This has led to tighter biosecurity requirements at horse shows and other places where horses come together. Six-monthly vaccinations are being recommended with horses’ passports now being checked on arrival at many venues. The increase in cases is not inline with the normal pattern, which research published in the Equine Veterinary Journal has shown typically increases in the final quarter of the calendar year.

British Equestrian (BEF) is calling for “horse owners, yard managers and vets to adopt a risk-based approach when moving horses, particularly between premises, events and regions” during this outbreak. The BEF has also stated that France is also seeing heightened equine influenza activity, particularly in the north of the country, so advises using “extreme caution when travelling horses to, from or through there”. This also applies to purchasing horses from France.

View the latest data from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance website

What are the signs of equine flu?

A very high temperature of 39-41C (103-106F) which lasts for one to three days
A frequent harsh, dry cough that can last for several weeks
A clear, watery nasal discharge that may become thick and yellow or green
Enlarged glands under the lower jaw
Clear discharge from the eyes and redness around eyes
Depression and loss of appetite
Sometimes filling of the lower limbs, muscle stiffness and other signs such as weight loss

How do horses catch equine flu?

As with the human version, equine flu is very contagious. With an incubation period of one to five days, it spreads rapidly as the virus is released into the atmosphere by infected animals. It is mainly acquired through inhalation of virus from ill animals coughing and spluttering infected respiratory droplets. Indirect spread is also possible via buckets or grooms/handlers/nurses/vets.

Unlike strangles and some other infections, the flu virus does not linger nor survive for long outside the horse, but it can be airborne, blowing over surprisingly long distances, certainly more than 1km.

Once the virus has been inhaled, it invades the lining (epithelium) of the horse’s airway, which becomes inflamed, producing a very sore throat and a nasty cough. This damage causes patches of the membranes lining the airways to ulcerate, which disrupts the clearance of mucus and debris from the airways causing a thick discharge from the horse’s nose. Bacteria then invade the damaged areas leading to further infections.

How serious is equine flu: do I need to call the vet?

If your horse shows a raised temperature and/or any signs of equine influenza, strict hygiene and isolation procedures should be adhered to immediately and you should contact your vet.

Horses that have been in contact with an affected animal should be carefully monitored and should not attend shows or external clinics or training.

It is recommended that horses on a stable yard with an outbreak of equine flu do not leave the premises while the outbreak is ongoing.

Diagnosis of equine flu

An accurate diagnosis of equine flu can be made by:

recognising the clinical signs and the history of rapid spread between horses
isolation of the virus through nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs
rising antibody levels in blood (serum) samples taken early in the course of the disease and two to three weeks later
history of recent contact with a confirmed case of the disease

Vaccinated horses may still show signs, but these are usually much milder than those seen in unvaccinated horses.

Equine flu treatment

Basic nursing is key when treating a horse with the virus. Good stable ventilation and dust-free management is essential. Exposure to dust should be minimised, as horses with respiratory infections are more susceptible to airway irritation. It is best to switch to dust-free bedding and feed soaked hay, or better still haylage, from the floor.

If weather permits and risks to other animals are manageable, then affected horses benefit from being turned out for at least part of the day once their temperatures have returned to normal. This is especially important in the recovery stages. At the same time infected horses should be isolated.

Antibiotics have no effect against a virus, but can be useful to control secondary bacterial invasion. This is a risk in foals or elderly or otherwise unwell animals, which can succumb to fatal pneumonia. Medications to help breathing can prove beneficial.

How long does equine flu last?

Horses that catch equine flu typically start to show signs around one to five days after exposure and it may take three to six weeks before the signs pass, assuming they are receive appropriate care.

Horses with a respiratory infection should be given complete rest and not restart any strenuous exercise until at least three to four weeks after the signs have gone.

How to prevent flu in horses

Flu is difficult to control, especially in equine that are frequently transported and mixed extensively, so regular vaccination of horses is important. Equine flu outbreaks are most common when young susceptible horses are brought together at sales and shows, or for weaning and training.

Surprisingly low numbers of the UK’s horse population are vaccinated, despite the fact that vaccination is the preferred method of control and is compulsory when competing under British Horseracing Authority, FEI and affiliated governing bodies’ rules in the UK.

Whenever you attend shows or training outings away from home, you should follow strict biosecurity and hygiene methods such as:

Do not allow horses to touch or sniff other horses
Riders/grooms should only handle their own horses and tack
Do not share buckets or kit with other horses/riders
Avoid using on-site water facilities. If this is impossible, avoid placing the hose into the bucket and sanitise your hands before carrying the bucket to the horse
Avoid hand grazing your horse at a venue
Ensure show stables have been disinfected before and after use and all bedding removed and replaced with fresh
Horse’s temperature should be taken before travel to an external venue
Horses returning from external venues should be isolated if possible, with their temperature and their health closely monitored

How often are horses vaccinated for flu?

All British equine sport governing bodies require the minimum of the first two vaccines to have been given prior to attending competition.

The British Horseracing Authority introduced new flu vaccination rules on 1 January 2022 to harmonise with other racing authorities in Europe. The new rules increased the frequency of boosters from 12 months to six months and reduced the time periods between the first and second vaccines from 21-92 days to 21-60 days, and between the second and third vaccines from 150-215 days to 120-180 days.

NB: We recommend all competition riders double check the latest version of the appropriate rulebook to ensure your horse’s vaccinations comply with their governing body’s requirements.

British Horseracing Authority: horses must have been vaccinated against equine flu within the past six months. Horses must not have been vaccinated less than seven days before racing.FEI competitions: a booster vaccination must have been given no more than six months and 21 days prior to competing. A vaccination should not have been given within seven days of the competition or of entry into the FEI stables.British Dressage (BD): Once a horse has received its first three vaccinations, further vaccinations can be given at 12 monthly intervals, but not within seven days of competing. In response to the spring 2026 outbreaks, BD is “strongly recommending that all members move to a six-month vaccination cycle”. If your horse’s last vaccination was more than six months ago, BD recommends “that you bring their annual booster forward to provide sufficient cover when competing during the summer season”.British Eventing (BE): Horses require an annual booster every 12 months for national BE competitions, since 1 January 2026. A horse may not compete if it has been given the booster on any of the seven days before it is to compete at an event. Although six monthly boosters are not mandated by BE, the organisation strongly advises that horse owners and competitors give horses an additional booster at this time of high risk if they were last vaccinated more than six months previously.British Showjumping (BS): Horses to have received booster vaccinations not more than 365 days from their last vaccination, and should not compete within seven days of receiving a vaccination. In response to the spring 2026 outbreaks, BS venues will be carrying out passport checks on arrival. BS has shared the Equine Infectious Disease Action Group’s recommendation that owners whose horses were last vaccinated more than six months ago, are strongly recommended to bring their next booster forwards to give them the best protection during the outbreak.British Riding Clubs (BRC): Horses must have had their initial course, plus annual (12 month) vaccinations to attend BRC qualifiers and/or championships.

If a horse or pony is competing in one discipline for instance, showjumping but it is attending an event at a venue, such as a racecourse, it will be required to comply with the vaccination requirements under the rules of racing, which means it must have been vaccinated within six month, but not in the previous seven days.

The British Horseracing Authority has stated that, from Wednesday 20 May 2026, only horses from licensed training yards will be allowed to enter racecourses on racedays. This means all scheduled hunter chases from 20 May have been called off and Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades are cancelled. Racecourses are also increasing the period of time between hosting an equine event involving horses from unlicensed premises and a licensed raceday to six clear days (from three).

The vaccination record(s) in the horse’s passport, must be completed, signed and stamped line by line, by an appropriate veterinary surgeon (who is neither the owner nor the rider of the horse). The responsibility to comply with this rule lies with the owner, who should consult with their vet.

From 1 January 2026, for horses competing under FEI rules, flu vaccinations must be recorded digitally in the FEI HorseApp, as well as in the horse’s passport. Vets must enter the vaccination details on the day it is administered. There is a transition period running until 30 June 2026 during which no sanctions will be issued, but from 1 July 2026 missing or incorrect digital records may result in fines for the person responsible (this is usually the horse’s rider).

What to do during an equine flu outbreak?

If flu occurs locally, it may be advisable to give a booster vaccination to any healthy horse that has not been vaccinated in the previous six months. Consult your vet for advice.

The BEF explains that “frequent boosters ensure antibody levels remain high, which is essential for reducing both the severity of the disease and risk of the virus shedding within the wider equine population”.

You may wish to limit the situations where you expose your horse to others by reducing the competitions and training outings you attend, or choose only to visit venues that actively check the vaccination status of equines in attendance and require six-monthly boosters.

Can humans catch equine flu?

The equine influenza virus is similar to the flu virus that affects people, but is not identical, so horses cannot catch human influenza or vice versa.

References and further reading

What happened after the epidemic? Equine influenza surveillance sheds light on sources and seasonal risk in the United Kingdom Equine Veterinary Journal, 5 March 2026

British Dressage’s equine influenza update, British Dressage website, 20 May 2026

British Showjumping’s equine influenza update, British Showjumping website, 21 May 2026

British Eventing’s equine influenza update, British Eventing website, 21 May 2026

Call for increased vigilance as number of reported equine influenza outbreaks in UK continues to rise, British Equestrian website, 12 May 2026

Annual booster vaccination and the risk of equine influenza to Thoroughbred racehorses Equine veterinary journal, 21 November 2019

British Horseracing Authority: amendments to the vaccines code, October 2021

British Riding Clubs Important Flu Vaccination Update, 21 October 2022

British Eventing vaccination update, British Eventing Facebook page, 15 December 2025

Mandatory registration of equine influenza vaccination details in the FEI HorseApp, FEI website, 12 Dec 2025

For unlimited access to expert advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Horse owners warned to be vigilant after ‘marked increase in equine flu’ cases

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:26:27 +0000

Horse owners are urged to be vigilant, ensure vaccinations are up to date and report any new outbreaks of equine flu after a “marked increase in activity”.

The equine infectious disease surveillance (EIDS) team at Cambridge Vet School told H&H it is continuing to report cases and outbreaks; equine flu has been reported from 14 different locations in 11 English counties in the three weeks since the beginning of April.

“This is a marked increase in flu activity compared to the first three months of 2026, when the group were made aware of only two equine flu outbreaks,” an EIDS spokesperson said.

EIDS issued an alert on 10 April, of a “sudden rise in equine influenza outbreaks detected in the UK this month”.

The six cases recorded at that point were in six counties, five were in horses who had recently arrived; three from Europe including Ireland and the Netherlands.

By 17 April, nine cases had been reported in total; the EIDS team said: “A steady rise in diagnosed outbreaks is evident over the first three weeks of April indicating accelerating transmission. Although the fourth week currently shows fewer cases, this likely reflects reporting delays, and early indications suggest the upward trend may continue.”

Information is on the EIDS website

EIDS keeps its website updated and horse owners can check cases nationally or by area; the counties in which cases have been reported since 1 April are Berkshire (one), Cambridgeshire (two), Gloucestershire (one), Hampshire (two), Kent (two), Lincolnshire, Shropshire, Suffolk, Surrey and Warwickshire (one in each) and North Yorkshire (one).

The two Kent cases were on the same premises and although the two North Yorkshire cases were reported nearly three weeks apart, they were confirmed a week apart.

It is too early to determine whether this week’s reports indicate a further increase in cases as there is always a delay in reporting owing to the time for owners to call the vet, the disease to be diagnosed and the report made.

But “EIDS continue to urge vigilance and encourage horse owners and vets to investigate signs of respiratory disease in the horses under their care and in particular to promptly report to us when they have positive diagnoses of equine influenza (or other infections such as equine herpes virus) so we can continue to monitor progression of spread in the UK,” the spokesperson said.

Owners with concerns about flu are advised to contact the vet; vets with concerns about suspected or confirmed cases can call the EIDS advice line on 01223 766496.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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‘The feed room is where performance truly begins’: Vet explains the art and science of feeding performance horses

Ed Busuttil MRCVS — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:30:12 +0000

Fine-tuning a horse’s diet to the specific demands of his work aids optimum results. Ed Busuttil MRCVS outlines the science behind sport horse nutrition in this exclusive feature for H&H subscribers

In the competitive world of horse sport, feeding performance horses for marginal gains can make all the difference. Nutrition and how we feed horses is one of the most influential – and sometimes misunderstood – factors in a horse’s performance and health, often interlinked with managing medical and musculoskeletal conditions.

Whether you’re preparing a dressage horse for precision work, conditioning a showjumper for power or building stamina in an eventer, feeding performance horses correctly can mean the difference between a horse that just about performs at the level expected and one that excels.

This feature explores how workload, energy sources and modern feeding science come together to create a diet that supports fitness, recovery and soundness in the sport horse.

Feeding performance horses is both an art and a science. Two horses doing the same job may metabolise feed very differently, influenced by temperament, genetics and training routine. The goal is always the same: to provide enough of the right kind of energy to support performance without compromising health, temperament or gut function.

Feeding performance horses for workload

A horse in light work – perhaps hacking and schooling a few days a week – will have very different energy requirements to one galloping cross-country or jumping in several classes at a show.

Light work – a horse who does occasional schooling and hacking can usually be maintained on quality forage, perhaps with a low-energy feed balancer or small ration of cubes.

Moderate work – those whose work includes regular jumping, novice-level eventing or mid-level dressage will need more digestible energy and protein for muscle maintenance and recovery.

Heavy work – an animal who competes at an advanced level, or those whose work is polo, Flat racing or endurance, requires higher energy density and careful electrolyte management to support intense exercise and sweat losses.

Intense work – these are the horses who compete in elite endurance and eventing, and jump racing.

Based on the National Research Council guidelines, the energy requirement for horses are:

light work – 16.7MJ per 100 kg
moderate work – 19.5MJ per 100 kg
heavy work – 22.3MJ per 100 kg
intense work– 28.9MJ per 100 kg

These guidelines do not take into account the age and breed of the horse, which is why consulting with an independent nutritionist to carry out an individualised plan for your horse is essential.

The key is to feed appropriately for the work done. Overfeeding concentrates to a horse in light work can lead to excitability or digestive upset, while underfeeding an athlete in full training will cause weight loss, muscle wastage and reduced performance, increasing the risk of injury as stride length shortens.

How horses burn energy

As a horse exercises, it burns fuel consumed from their diet to produce energy, mainly through the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism systems.

Aerobic metabolism uses oxygen to convert carbohydrates and fats into energy. It’s the horse’s main energy system for longer, steadier exercise, such as dressage training, hacking or endurance training. It is efficient and produces minimal by-products that cause fatigue.

The energy used while hacking is produced by the aerobic system. (Image credit: Emma Herrod Photography)

Anaerobic metabolism comes into play when oxygen supply can’t keep up with demand during sprints, jumping rounds or the final centre line. The body relies on stored glycogen (a form of carbohydrate) within the muscles and liver and produces lactic acid when it is used, leading to fatigue if prolonged.

Most equestrian disciplines involve a blend of the two. Eventers, for example, rely on aerobic energy for dressage and stamina across phases, but also need anaerobic bursts for jumping and speed work. Understanding which system predominates helps determine what sort of energy your horse needs from its diet.

For sustained aerobic effort, such as that seen in endurance or extended schooling sessions, slow-release energy from fibre and fats is ideal. For short, explosive efforts, such as showjumping or racing, more rapidly available carbohydrates provide quick power.

The physical and nutritional demands of each sport vary widely. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Fuelling and feeding performance horses for different sports

Each sport demands a unique nutritional balance to support its predominant energy system.

Dressage: controlled, rhythmic work mainly utilises aerobic pathways. Diets rich in quality forage and oil-based calories promote calm, sustained energy without excess fizz.
Showjumping: combines stamina with short anaerobic bursts. Moderate starch levels, balanced with digestible fibre and oils, support both energy systems.
Eventing: the true all-rounder. A blend of fibre, oil and controlled starch fuels endurance and speed phases alike. Careful feeding before and after event days is key.
Endurance: almost entirely aerobic. High-fat, high-fibre diets improve fat metabolism and delay fatigue, while electrolytes and hydration strategies are vital.
Racing: high-intensity sprinting relies on glycogen oxidation to generate energy. Whereas anaerobic metabolism supplies up to 600m or 30% of the energy during a race, aerobic metabolism powers the rest.

It is also important to remember that racehorses are generally still growing and maturing, requiring extra energy. The caveat to this is that excess provision will predispose growing horses of any discipline to increased developmental orthopaedic disease and gastric ulceration risk, which may have welfare implications.

Water is the most essential nutrient. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The importance of water

Water is the most essential yet most often underestimated nutrient in the sport horse’s diet. A 500kg horse in light work may drink around 25–30 litres per day, but this can easily double or even triple during hard training or competition, especially in warm weather.

Fluid loss through sweat can be significant. A galloping horse may lose more than 10 litres per hour. Dehydration quickly impairs performance, concentration and recovery, while increasing the risk of impaction colic and tying-up.

Constant access to fresh, clean water is vital, both at home and when travelling. Horses can also receive a salt lick or measured daily salt in feed to encourage adequate drinking and maintain electrolyte balance. Monitoring drinking habits, urine output and skin elasticity offers useful clues to hydration status.

Where horses get energy from

Hydrolysable carbohydrates (starch and sugar)

Broken down in the small intestine into glucose, these fuel high-intensity work. However, when overfed, they can lead to digestive and behavioural problems – particularly equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS).

Diets providing more than 2g of hydrolysable carbohydrates per kilogram of bodyweight per day markedly increase ulcer risk, as undigested starch ferments in the stomach, producing acid and gas.

The type of carbohydrate matters too, with feeds with a high glycaemic index, such as oats or corn, causing rapid spikes in blood glucose and insulin, which can make sharp horses sharper and may influence muscle metabolism and gastric stability. Note that a kilogram of oats and corn have approximately 600g and 700g of hydrolysable carbohydrates respectively.

Feeds with a lower glycaemic index, like rice bran, provide calories without the sharp sugar rush of cereals. It delivers steady, cool energy while helping maintain condition and topline, particularly valuable for horses prone to ulcers or excitability.

Fermentable carbohydrates (fibre)

Fibre is the cornerstone of every equine diet. Fibre from different types of forage, including hay, haylage, beet pulp and chaff is fermented in the hindgut into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a slow-release energy source ideal for endurance and general work. Fibre also supports digestive motility and a healthy gut microbiome.

Replenishing the glycogen store after exercise is most efficiently done within the “glycogen window”, within one to two hours of anaerobic work. For every 1g of stored muscular glycogen, 3g of water is also required. Although hydrolysable carbohydrates can be a useful source of glycogen replenishment, fermentable carbohydrates such as soaked beet pulp provide the quickest refuelling without the subsequent energy spikes associated with hydrolysable carbohydrates.

Oils contain more than double the energy of carbohydrates. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Fats and oils

Fats are highly energy-dense (more than twice the energy of carbohydrates) and produce a calm, long-lasting energy source. Common oil options for horses include linseed, soya and rice bran.

Horses adapt to fat supplementation over several weeks, gradually improving their ability to both digest and use fat as a fuel. This is hugely beneficial for stamina and reducing lactic acid build-up.

The ratio of omega-3 (alpha-linoleic acid) to omega-6 (linoleic acid) is an important consideration, as omega-6 can be pro-inflammatory, as opposed to omega-3, which is anti-inflammatory.

The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is 1:6.5 and 4:1 in soya and linseed oil respectively, indicating that linseed oil is significantly less inflammatory, and soya oil may be pro-inflammatory.

The forage-to-concentrate ratio

Even elite equine athletes are grazing animals at heart. Forage must remain the foundation of the diet, for both digestive health and mental wellbeing.

Horses should receive at least 1.5% of bodyweight in dry matter daily (around 7.5kg for a 500kg horse). Most sport horses thrive on a 70:30 forage-to-concentrate ratio, though top performers with very high calorie needs may require a little more concentrate.

Regardless of discipline, forage must remain the foundation of a horse’s diet. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Reducing forage too much increases the risk of gastric ulcers, colic and stereotypical behaviours, such as weaving or crib-biting. High-quality hay or haylage, ideally analysed for nutrient content, ensures consistent energy and protein intake. Soaking and steaming hay may reduce protein content by approximately 30% and 40% respectively.

Feed sensitivities

Feed allergies, intolerances and sensitivities can affect performance. Signs include dull coat, poor condition, recurring skin irritation or digestive upset.

Blood tests and skin testing can now detect immune reactions to specific ingredients such as soy, molasses, linseed or alfalfa. While these tests can be informative, a controlled elimination diet may still be required.

For unlimited access to expert advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Equine first-aid kit essentials: what you really need

Carol Phillips — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:58:00 +0000

Every horse owner and stable yard should have an equine first-aid kit that contains the items most likely to be needed to treat a minor injury or deal with a major accident while waiting for your vet to arrive.

If you’re underprepared in the first-aid kit department, something fairly routine, such as the need to treat a minor wound or poultice a foot can become a much more stressful experience than it needs to be.

You can buy ready-made horse and rider first-aid kits (like this one on Amazon), but they usually need adding to to ensure you’ve got absolutely everything you need and it’s recommended that you store supplies in a secure box. So what are these must-have items in an equine first-aid kit?

Equine first-aid kit essentials

1. Clean bowl or bucket

2. Clean towel

3. Disposable gloves – get a large box like this one and have them handy to deal with any injury

4. Large roll of cotton wool (like this option from Robinson Healthcare)

5. Round-ended curved scissors (like these ones from Amazon) for trimming hair from wound edges

6. Antibacterial scrub, such as Hibiwash

7. Packs of sterile saline

Sterile saline eyewash | Amazon
This can also be used on wounds and is available in a range of bottle sizes.View Deal

8. Ready-to-use poultice, such as Animalintex or NaturalintX– these poultices are shaped for hooves but can also be used on wounds.

9. Wound gel

Veterinus Derma Gel | Amazon
This gel provides a barrier against contaminants and bacteria, and maintains moisture to enable rapid healing. View Deal

Intrasite Gel | Amazon
This pack of 10 gels comes in handy applicators.View Deal

Vetalintex | Amazon
This cleansing and sterile hydrogel encourages a moist wound condition to help aid recovery.View Deal

10. Non-stick dressings, such as Melolin, which come individually wrapped, for minor injuries

11. Gamgee (like this from Amazon) and large sharp scissors for cutting it to size

12. A selection of bandages including:

Stretch cotton bandages (like these from Amazon)
Adhesive bandages (like these)
Elastic conforming self-adhesive bandages (which you might know better as vet wrap)
Tubular bandage e.g. Tubigrip
Synthetic orthopaedic bandage e.g. Soffban
A set of stable bandages

13. A roll of electrical insulating tape approximately 2cm wide (like this one), which is handy for securing protective boots and bandages

14. A roll of wide tape, such as black PVC tape or silver duct tape

15. Petroleum jelly (like this Vaseline) for taking a horse’s temperature

16. Small pair of tweezers (like these, which also have a magnifier)

17. Digital thermometer (like this one designed specifically for animals)

18. Poultice boot (like this one, which is available in a range of sizes) or piece of thick clean plastic suitable to wrap around an injured hoof

19. A bright torch or head torch (like this one) for inspecting wounds in poor light

20. Additional items that are also useful to have to hand include:

A length of baler twine
Paper and pencil
Rope halter
Hoof pick
Shoe removal kit i.e. buffer, hammer, pincers, pliers
Wire cutters

Storing your first-aid kit

Items in the kit should be kept in a clean box with a secure lid (like this one on Amazon), preferably in a relatively dust-free area, such as a cupboard. The contents should be replaced as they are used or go out of date, so it is helpful to keep a list of what’s inside attached to the inside of the lid.

It is also a good idea to have a list of useful telephone numbers in the kit — such as your vet, a horse transporter you can call on 24/7 and your horse insurance company.

It’s useful to also keep an equine and human first-aid kit (like this complete kit) in your lorry or towing vehicle, so should your horse suffer an injury while away from home, you are able to deal with the situation promptly.

Prescription medicines

In certain circumstances, your vet may prescribe particular medicines that cannot be obtained over the counter for your first-aid kit. This may happen, for example, if your horse has a recurrent problem. If the vet feels confident in your ability to detect the early signs and that immediate treatment is beneficial, sufficient medication may be left with you so treatment can begin while a visit is being arranged. Medication should only be used for the horse for which it has been prescribed.

NB: Always ensure both you and your horses are up to date with vaccinations against tetanus, so there is not a panic over every tiny wound.

Equine first-aid courses

If you don’t feel confident in your equine first-aid knowledge or ability, there are a range of courses available to upskill yourself. They are usually aimed at first-time horse owners and those looking to improve their employability within the equine industry.

Some are in-person practical courses, while others are online and can be studied at your own pace. Some courses also provide a qualification upon completion, which is important if you’re doing this to further your career.

Here are a few examples of equine first-aid courses:

For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, including our vet library, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Feather mites in horses (heel/chorioptic mange) is a challenging problem for owners

Carol Phillips — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:56:25 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Feather mites in horses are among the most stubborn of equine parasites, causing a condition commonly called heel mange (chorioptic mange). The condition typically affects heavily feathered breeds such as traditional cobs, Shires, Clydesdales and Friesians, and some native ponies.

When severely affected, horses with an infestation will typically stamp their hooves, and bite or rub at the backs of the legs. With time, some cases can develop severe crusting and scaling of the skin on the lower limbs, with skin thickening and general swelling, which can become infected and quite debilitating. As a result it is important to treat and control the condition effectively in the early stages to prevent it worsening.

This common skin condition is typically more of a problem during the winter when horses spend more time stabled and the condition often improves during the summer with increased turn out.

Feather mites in horses: Causes| | Signs | Diagnosis | Treatment

The mites responsible for chorioptic mange

According to Kieran O’Brien MRCVS, theses mites are of the species Chorioptes bovis, not Chorioptes equi as often described: “It is now thought that a true equine mite species does not exist, and consequently that cattle may infect horses and vice versa.”

The Chorioptes bovis mite is the guilty party. (Image credit: Marieke Brys)

The mite completes its full life cycle on the horse’s legs and feet within the horse’s feather. Eggs are deposited singly by female mites at the rate of one egg per day and are attached by a sticky substance to the host skin. Adult females usually live for four to six weeks or more, producing about 14–20 eggs during this time.

The eggs are often clustered, as multiple females deposit in common sites and return on successive days to deposit their eggs. The eggs hatch in four days and the cycle is completed in around three weeks.

Mr O’Brien warns that eggs and mites can survive for up to 69 days on bedding, floors and grooming equipment, and as a result, environmental “de-infestation” is an essential part of control.

It has been shown that some horses can harbour large numbers of mites without showing any external signs. A survey of 42 Friesian horses in the Netherlands¹ found mites on 26 of them, but only four had visible lesions.

It follows that in yards where there is at least one infested animal, other horses (including possibly those without feather) may well be carrying mites and may act as an ongoing source of infestation. Therefore treatment should also be applied to other horses living in close proximity.

Signs of feather mites in horses

Classic horse behaviour that signals the mites’ presence includes stamping of the hooves, either a single stamp or more commonly several stamps in quick succession. Also biting and rubbing their legs with the opposite hindleg or against fixed objects, for example against buckets or floor-level feeding troughs.

Irritation is usually low down around the pastern and fetlock area, although it will occasionally spread further up towards the back of the knees and hocks. While both front and hindlegs can be affected, the condition is more common in the hindlegs. Frequent stamping behaviour in a feathered breed is highly suggestive of mite infestation.

The mites feeds on superficial scales and debris on the skin surface, without burrowing into or puncturing the skin. The movement and feeding behaviour of the mites causes the lower legs to become itchy and irritated.

If the long hair is parted, scales and crusts will be seen in the pastern, fetlock and cannon regions. Trauma from biting and rubbing the legs will cause reddening and thickening of the skin and matting of the hair. Secondary bacterial infection may occur, with weeping and more significant crust formation. In long-standing cases some “corrugation” of the skin may occur at the back of the pastern.

In severe cases, horses may resent their legs (especially behind) being handled, and both clipping (if done) and any topical treatment may require the horse to be sedated first

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of feather mites in horses is usually based on the presence of the signs. The scabs can look similar to those produced by mud fever or pastern dermatitis, but excessive irritation indicates feather mites. The scabs may sometimes be mistaken for pastern leucocytoclastic vasculitis (PLV) or chronic progressive lymphoedema.

Skin scrapes can be taken, but can be hard to do properly on hairy legs, so mites can be lifted off on a piece of sticky tape to make a definite diagnosis; because these little parasites are too small (0.3-0.5mm long) to be seen with the naked eye, analysis under a microscope is required.

Mr O’Brien also suggests a clean toothbrush can be used to dislodge crusty material from the horse’s feather, which is then collected and examined.

Treatment of feather mites in horses

Some owners are reluctant to clip their horse’s feather, but doing so drastically improves the chances of treatment success.

There are currently no licensed medications for treating Chorioptic mites in equines, but most cases are treated through a combination of topical and systemic options, combined with active decontamination of the horse’s environment.

Mr O’Brien recommends shampooing the horse’s legs the afternoon before any topical treatment so the legs can dry overnight and any topical treatment applied the following morning. Topical treatments should be applied up to above the knees and hocks.

A mild antiseptic wash (such as a tea tree shampoo) should be used to help remove any serum or scabs and reduce the skin scurf. Your vet may need to sedate the horse for this procedure, as the legs are likely to be very sore.

Options for topical treatments include:

● selenium sulphide shampoo, such as Selsun (use neat) or Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength (diluted to 50% with water), applied and left in contact for 10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat on days five and 10. Ideally a “whole horse” treatment should be done once also.

● lime sulphur 5% diluted as instructed and applied without rinsing four times at weekly intervals.

● ivermectin, moxidectin or doramectin (doramectin can also be given by injection).

Licensed for the treatment of worms in horses, Mr O’Brien warns that the current emerging resistance to these medications indicates that we should avoid using them for mite treatment unless there are no alternative approaches.

He says: “Moxidectin, for example, is currently the only effective treatment for larval redworm diarrhoea – an often fatal condition – and this medication should therefore be used for mite treatment only in exceptional circumstances.”

● fipronil dog and cat flea treatment (such as Frontline Plus).

Mr O’Brien says: “Although it may be effective, the large dose required and the significant and persistent environmental effects of this compound (especially if it contaminates water sources), means that I discourage its use for sustainability reasons, and where there are other effective remedies.”

Decontaminating the horse’s environment

Because both the mites and their eggs can survive for up to 10 weeks off the horse, environmental decontamination is also important when treating feather mites in horses. Stables should be emptied of bedding and steam-cleaned, along with grooming equipment, clippers and rugs. Pay particular attention to disposing of any clipped hair and skin debris, as this will be heavily infested with mites.

Any animals in direct contact with those affected should also be treated to help avoid recontamination, but it is rarely feasible to treat every horse in a yard.

Sustained treatment of all individuals beyond the three-week mite life cycle, followed by quarantine measures and/or repeated preventative treatment prior to exposure of an untreated horse is often curative. Unfortunately, susceptible horses seem to easily become re-infected so ongoing management is often required.

References

1. Netherlands – Cremers – The Veterinary Quarterly 7:283 – 1985

An open study to evaluate topical treatment of equine chorioptic mange with shampooing and lime sulphur solution – Oct 2009

Comparative study of doramectin and fipronil in the treatment of equine chorioptic mange – September 2007

Pilot study to investigate the efficacy of a 1 per cent selenium sulphide shampoo in the treatment of equine chorioptic mange – June 1999

Oral ivermectin paste for the treatment of chorioptic mange in horses – Dec 1995

Vet Clinic – Feather foes, published in Horse & Hound magazine – 22 January 2026

For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Feather mites in horses (heel/chorioptic mange) is a challenging problem for owners

Carol Phillips — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:56:25 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This common skin condition is typically more of a problem during the winter when horses spend more time stabled and the condition often improves during the summer with increased turn out.

Feather mites in horses: Causes| | Signs | Diagnosis | Treatment

The mites responsible for chorioptic mange

The Chorioptes bovis mite is the guilty party. (Image credit: Marieke Brys)

Mr O’Brien warns that eggs and mites can survive for up to 69 days on bedding, floors and grooming equipment, and as a result, environmental “de-infestation” is an essential part of control.

Signs of feather mites in horses

In severe cases, horses may resent their legs (especially behind) being handled, and both clipping (if done) and any topical treatment may require the horse to be sedated first

Diagnosis

Mr O’Brien also suggests a clean toothbrush can be used to dislodge crusty material from the horse’s feather, which is then collected and examined.

Treatment of feather mites in horses

Some owners are reluctant to clip their horse’s feather, but doing so drastically improves the chances of treatment success.

Options for topical treatments include:

● lime sulphur 5% diluted as instructed and applied without rinsing four times at weekly intervals.

● ivermectin, moxidectin or doramectin (doramectin can also be given by injection).

● fipronil dog and cat flea treatment (such as Frontline Plus).

Decontaminating the horse’s environment

Any animals in direct contact with those affected should also be treated to help avoid recontamination, but it is rarely feasible to treat every horse in a yard.

References

1. Netherlands – Cremers – The Veterinary Quarterly 7:283 – 1985

An open study to evaluate topical treatment of equine chorioptic mange with shampooing and lime sulphur solution – Oct 2009

Comparative study of doramectin and fipronil in the treatment of equine chorioptic mange – September 2007

Pilot study to investigate the efficacy of a 1 per cent selenium sulphide shampoo in the treatment of equine chorioptic mange – June 1999

Oral ivermectin paste for the treatment of chorioptic mange in horses – Dec 1995

Vet Clinic – Feather foes, published in Horse & Hound magazine – 22 January 2026

For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Making the hardest decision when you care for an elderly bonded pair of horses

Bethany Stone — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:30:18 +0000

Helpful information for owners considering an end-of-life plan for an elderly horse who’ll leave behind a close companion, including whether it’s appropriate to let them both go together rather than leaving one to grieve for the other

It’s a joy to behold an equine partnership grow to an advanced age. However, when end-of-life considerations come into the picture, owners face contemplating the wellbeing of not just one, but two horses. In such cases, an owner might consider putting down two horses together.

Dr Imogen Burrows MRCVS, president of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), says euthanasia is always a painful decision for a horse owner, no matter the circumstances. “The moral stress on owners is huge, because it’s the choice to take away the life of someone you love,” she says.

Dr Burrows reminds owners that equine euthanasia and welfare compromise are separate issues.

“Performing euthanasia is not a welfare issue, but delayed euthanasia creates a significant impact on welfare,” she continues.

“In some situations, such as the acute issue of a fractured leg, or an owner’s wish to avoid surgery in a colic case, the decision to euthanise is reached more swiftly. With chronic illness, such as arthritis or laminitis, the path might not be so clear-cut.

“The same is true when the time comes to euthanise one of an elderly bonded pair of horses.”

We asked Dr Burrows to share her advice for owners facing this very difficult situation.

Jump to:

The trouble with old adages – how to determine if your horse has a good life
Assessing physical and psychological health
Making the decision to euthanise, and what to do next
How to manage a horse who loses his companion

The trouble with old adages and defining a good life

Dr Burrows agrees euthanasia is best enacted “a day too early than a minute too late”.

“A veterinary surgeon never wants euthanasia to be forced on owners because we missed the opportunity to intervene sooner,” she says.

However, she worries that some old adages might compromise welfare if adhered to too closely.

“Every owner wants their horse to experience a good life,” she continues. “Many talk about putting a horse to sleep at the point he has more bad days than good. But we need to look closer at what we are actually saying.”

“When there are more bad days than good…”

Dr Burrows uses a graph analogy to explain the pitfalls of this commonly used phrase.

“Imagine the graph has a straight line parallel to the X axis halfway up the Y axis. This depicts the halfway point between positive and negative experiences and represents what we call a ‘neutral life’.

“In any life, you’re never going to have all positives and no negatives. But you’d expect a ‘good line’ to wave up and down over this neutral straight line, overall spending significantly more time above the neutral line than below. Furthermore, any time spent below the negative line ideally stays closer to the neutral zone than its corresponding positive reflection.

“A curving line that’s 50/50 is really a neutral life, neither good nor bad, which overall reflects neither a good nor bad lived experience. Once we get to the point where there are more bad days than good – the cut-off point that the adage suggests – we have really entered a life not worth living, which is absolutely not what any owner wants.”

Dr Burrows advocates a more acute awareness of a horse’s life experience.

“When we consider our elderly horses, we need to pinpoint when a good life descends into a life worth living, which is still a positive place to be. However, we don’t want that to transform into a neutral life or, God forbid, a life that is no longer worth living.”

Dr Burrows advises owners to give psychological conditions the same weight as physical when assessing a horse’s welfare. (Image credit: Alamy/Zoonar GmbH)

The full picture of health: physical and psychological

According to Dr Burrows, key physical factors that influence the decision to euthanise include a lack of effective pain control or exhaustion of treatment options, whether due to the severity of illness, financial constraints, ethical or other personal reasons.

“However, psychological suffering is also significant, real and evidence-based,” she adds.

“If you have a horse who is fundamentally physically healthy, but kept socially isolated in a stable without the freedom to express natural behaviours, their negative experience and subsequent suffering is as significant as that of a horse with freedom, forage and friends that is living in severe, unrelenting pain.

“I would be reluctant to pick one suffering over another and say: ‘that’s worse’.”

Dr Burrows says the significance of psychological welfare opens up the conversation about putting down two elderly horses together. She adds that it’s especially complex when one horse is medically healthy, while the other is not.

“The question becomes: would they cope psychologically, and would their welfare be compromised, even though their physical health is sufficient to maintain life?”

Understanding your horse’s lived experience

So, how can we successfully monitor an advancing horse’s life experience? Dr Burrows says the owner is best placed to understand their individual horse. She adds that far more vets now ask owners to tell them about their horse’s personality.

“We ask about positive welfare indicators. What do they do when they’re happy? How do they behave?

“When these behaviours start to change, we must ask if the horse is experiencing a degree of welfare compromise and start discussing their quality of life.”

Dr Burrows says recognising horses as individuals empowers owners to truly observe their animals.

“In the latter stages, this can be something we avoid almost subconsciously,” she adds. “Because, at the heart of it, we know the animal isn’t as healthy or happy as before, or the pain control isn’t as effective as it once was.”

Putting down two horses: making the decision and what to do next

Dr Burrows reminds owners that some vets may have a moral or ethical objection to putting down two horses together if one is elderly, but medically healthy.

“To ensure the owner is supported appropriately, they might recommend another colleague steps in to manage the case,” she explains.

She adds that equine charities provide great assistance in facilitating difficult conversations with owners regarding euthanasia, and can be a helpful ear to turn to for vets and owners alike.

Dr Burrows says: “Owners who reach the incredibly difficult decision to euthanise a pair of equine companions can face challenges from the very places and people from whom they really need the most support.”

She finds the double euthanasia process goes best when owners have people to assist with logistical and emotional support.

“Having two people who can help hold each horse at the same time is essential. Both horses are sedated and prepared for euthanasia before being put to sleep in turn. Some owners may prefer that the horses be put to sleep simultaneously, requiring two vets; others rather one after the other so they can be there for both.

“There is no right way, just the right way for the owner and horses at the time.

“Critically, open, honest, and non-judgmental discussion about the euthanasia process between the vet and owner before the time is essential.”

If a horse is to lose a companion, there are steps you can take to ease the process for them. (Image credit: Alamy/ Graham Leese)

How to manage a horse who loses his companion

If putting down two horses together isn’t appropriate for your circumstances, there are actions you can take prior to the event to help the surviving horse acclimatise.

“It can be thought of a bit like the weaning process,” Dr Burrows explains. “You could start by feeding them in different places. Then, try turning out in adjacent paddocks for short stretches and separating the partnership gently for periods of time.

“Gradually adding a suitable third animal can help the horse who’ll be left behind buddy up and feel supported.

“Critically, you don’t want them to have to feel that they are alone.”

Dr Burrows says the time taken for the surviving horse to process the loss of his companion may vary. However, the emotional response is typically very consistent between horses.

If the horse to be euthanised is strongly pair-bonded with another, it usually benefits the buddy to see the deceased horse.

“Most will come over and sniff the animal and soon resume grazing. This usually indicates they’re ready to leave and grieve separately. However, prepare for them to call and show distress.

“In specific cases, such as mares and foal, donkeys, or highly pair-bonded animals, they may benefit from remaining with the body for several hours, even overnight. It is usually best to remove the live animal from the area, then collect the deceased.”

You know them best

If you find yourself facing the decision to put one or two companion horses down, assess whether their lived experience is good or neutral, considering both their physical and psychological health equally to help inform your decision.

“As their owner, you understand their personalities. With honest observation, you will be best placed to see early changes to their quality of life, keeping their life the good one they deserve,” says Dr Burrows.

You do not have to make difficult choices about your horse’s care alone. There is advice and support available to help you decide the right steps for you and your horse.

BHS Friends At The End – 02476 840517
Blue Cross care team – 0300 790 9903
World Horse Welfare advice line – 01953 497238

For unlimited access to expert advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

When do horses feel the cold? Vet explains at what point your horse might need a rug

Georgia Guerin — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:56:35 +0000

Knowing when horses feel the cold and, consequently, when to rug is something that sits almost permanently in the mind of many a horse owner.

When the temperatures start to drop and the forecast is wetter, it can be tempting to reach for that massive, all-in-one heavyweight turnout rug to keep your horse nice and toasty – but in the back of your mind, you know that vets have warned about the dangers of over-rugging.

If you’re deciding whether to rug your horse, you could consult our rugging temperature guide for a quick answer, but it’s important to know at what point your individual horse is actually feeling the cold. To be sure you’re doing the right thing, you need to consider and understand how nature has equipped him (and the rest of his species) with some unique tolerances to cope with cold, wet weather and changing seasons. Vet Ricky Farr explains why some horses may need a rug sooner or later than you might have thought.

How horses have adapted

Horses are found throughout every climate on the planet, from the sub-zero north to the tropics and arid deserts. Their adaptations that allow them to remain within their specific thermal neutral zone are impressive.

The term thermal neutral zone describes the ambient temperature range at which the body needs to make no additional physiological effort to warm or cool itself. Humans have a thermal neutral zone of roughly 18-30°C and Ricky explains that “in other words, in this zone you could stand naked and still maintain your internal core temperature without too much issue.”

Icelandic horses have evolved to have incredibly thick coats, which allow them to thrive in extremely cold temperatures (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Horses, however, have a much larger thermal neutral zone and so feel the cold much later than humans.

“The average adult horse can quite happily live unrugged in temperatures down to 5°C,” says Ricky. “Having visited Iceland, I can testify that the native Icelandic horses live quite happily without rugs in temperatures down to -15°C, with wind and snow blowing horizontally.

“These horses have incredibly thick coats that demonstrate piloerection (the ability of individual hairs to trap warm pockets of air). They are also well acclimatised to their environment.”

While it’s extremely unlikely your horse has adapted to this particular climate, you can be sure your horse is not feeling the cold until much later than you are.

How horses balance their temperature

“A horse’s internal core temperature is a balance between heat generated and lost,” Ricky explains. “Internal body temperature is maintained by metabolic functions, such as digestion, movement and cardiovascular activity. The body also tries to conserve heat through the insulating properties of hair, muscle, fat and skin. A full winter coat is not only insulating, but also provides a degree of water resistance.”

Horses can lose heat in four ways – evaporation, radiation, conduction and convection.

Evaporation

This heat loss mainly occurs from water on the skin, through sweating or getting wet, which is why hosing down after exercise in the summer is so effective.

“Although horses do not pant like dogs, for example, respiration can also play a large role in heat loss,” Ricky adds.

Radiation

This is the normal process of heat moving away from the body without physical contact, such as heat lost from the skin to the environment.

“It is closely linked to the ambient air temperature and body mass,” says Ricky, who gives the example of two breeds that have adapted to very different climates. “An Arabian horse has a higher body surface to mass ratio than a Norwegian Fjord, for example, so will cool more readily in hot temperatures.”

A variation of this is radiant heat loss, when heat is transferred to solid surroundings.

“Keeping a horse in a walled stable in cold weather can actually increase the amount of radiant heat loss” he advises.

Convection

This is caused by airflow across the body – for example, an unrugged horse standing in an exposed field without shelter when the wind chill factor is high will lose heat fast.

Conduction

This is heat loss with direct physical contact.

“Water is a fantastic heat conductor, so wetting of the skin can, once again, increase heat loss. A recent study suggested that horseshoes might also make a difference: hind hooves had significantly lower temperatures when shod,” Ricky adds.

How to tell if a horse is cold

Monitoring your horse’s temperature is good practice. The reading should be between 37.5-38.5°C, but it is important to know what is normal for your individual horse.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Checking the rectal temperature with a thermometer is the best way,” Ricky advises. “The practice of feeling a horse’s ears to check if he is warm is a very poor indicator of temperature regulation. Placing a hand on his shoulder or trunk will offer some indication if he is too warm and sweaty under his rugs.”

When to rug a horse

So what does this all mean when it comes to selecting types of rugs and winter layers?

“In essence, think twice before grabbing any rug,” says Ricky. “A horse in good body condition, who has a full coat, access to forage, free-roaming exercise and some form of shelter from the elements does not necessarily need more protection.

“If he is young, old, likely to get excessively wet for long periods or exposed to harsh weather conditions, however, he may require extra layers.

Every horses is different – some will not need a rug at all. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I would actively encourage people to refrain from rugging excessively unless temperatures consistently drop below 5°C, although clipped horses or warmblood breeds may also need light rugs if they are consistently wet or outside their thermo neutral zone.”

Where possible, a horse will avoid conditions that are uncomfortable or increase heat loss – for example, they’ll access shelter when they need it.

“Monitor your horse closely for any subtle changes in behaviour and adapt your management accordingly,” Ricky advises. “But allow him to be a horse and to benefit from a natural cycle of weight gain and loss over the seasons.”

Factors that affect when horses feel the cold

A variety of factors affect how horses horses manage and regulate their temperature, which in turn affect at what a horse will feel the cold.

Breed

Some breeds, including British native breeds, are better adapted to colder climates.

“A study revealed that surface heat loss was seen more in warmblood horses than cold-blooded types, although it was not known whether this was due to body composition or as a direct result of hair coat thickness,” Ricky adds.

“When deciding whether to rug, bear in mind that a horse’s hair coat type, length and density will play a large role in his insulating capacity.”

Age

Young horses may not yet have insulating body fat reserves, which could make them prone to heat loss. Youngsters and foals are also more likely to struggle in colder temperatures as their body has to work harder to generate sooner than an adult horse would.

Older horses have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature (Image credit: creditUnknown)

At the other end of the spectrum, studies have found that older horses (26 and over) are more likely to overheat, especially during exercise. This is due to age-related changes in thermoregulation (body’s ability to return to an optimum temperature range). In addition, changes to coat quality and fat distribution will affect their insulating properties in colder temperatures.

Body condition

While an undernourished horse will have decreased muscle and fat mass, with reduced insulating capabilities, but an overweight animal has the opposite problem.

“As less of his ingested energy will be used for heat production, the excess will consequently be converted into fat – perpetuating obesity,” Ricky explains.

Activity level

An immobile horse (stabled, on box rest or kept in a small paddock) will be unable to walk significant distances, which results in reduced metabolic activity and heat production.

Clipping

Exposed areas of skin will mean reduced hair insulation and increased heat loss.

We tend to clip the neck, shoulders and trunk, which is where most surface heat is lost Ricky explains.

“Hence, while clipping works well for exercise, it can be disadvantageous if the environmental conditions result in further heat loss through radiation or evaporation.”

So when considering when or whether to rug your horse, there is a lot to take into account – and it’s wise to remember that just because you’re chilly, it doesn’t mean your horse is feeling the cold just yet.

For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Horse & Hound’s definitive guide to equine vaccinations

Carol Phillips — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:29:39 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

If you aren’t sure about what vaccinations your horse needs, when they should be given and how often, then Horse & Hound’s definitive guide contains everything you need to know

There are a number of vaccinations for horses available to help protect your horse’s health. These include equine flu, tetanus, equine herpes virus (EHV) and equine rotavirus and strangles. Unfortunately a 2019 field trial of a vaccine to protect against grass sickness proved inconclusive.

Only healthy horses should be vaccinated. If your horse is showing any signs of being unwell, discuss this with your vet prior to any vaccine being given. It is recommended that a horse is given a couple of quiet days after being vaccinated, with only light work and turnout. A horse should not be worked hard or made to sweat as they may be feeling below par or a little sore at the site of the injection.

A small percentage of horses experience a reaction after being vaccinated. If your horse appears unwell then speak to your vet for advice. If your horse has previously had a reaction then discuss it with the vet prior to any future vaccinations being given.

All vaccination records should be kept up to date in the horse’s passport document.

What vaccinations does a horse need?

The most common vaccinations given to horses in the UK are for equine flu and tetanus. Equine flu vaccination is compulsory for horses competing in affiliated competitions and is recommended for all horses. Breeding stock should also be vaccinated for equine herpes virus.

How often does a horse need vaccinations?

Most governing bodies of equestrian sports require annual equine flu vaccinations after the initial course is completed. The FEI requires more frequent boosters. It is advised that owners of leisure horses also arrange yearly boosters.

Vaccines against tetanus are typically given to horses every other year.

The primary vaccination course for equine herpes virus in non-pregnant horses involves two vaccinations four to six weeks apart, followed by booster vaccines every six months. Pregnant mares are typically vaccinated at five, seven and nine months of gestation to reduce the risk of abortion associated with EHV.

Why you should vaccinate your horse?

“Equine vaccinations are important to prevent your horse from contracting nasty diseases, particularly contagious diseases such as equine flu,” explains Wolverhampton vet Sue Taylor.

“Horse owners often say that their horse doesn’t go anywhere and so doesn’t need to be vaccinated, but if your horse is on a stable yard alongside horses who do compete, there is a chance that those competition horses could bring back a virus.

“Herd immunity is a concept that owners should be aware of too. If there is a yard full of vaccinated horses, it provides a kind of ‘wall’ to flu and other viruses. It can’t pass on very successfully as vaccinated horses limit the amount of virus that is shed. Whereas if your horse is unvaccinated, they’ll catch it and snot virulent virus all over the place, making it more likely to be caught by other horses — even vaccinated horses can present with mild signs. The higher the vaccination percentage in the overall population, the less opportunities there are to infect horses.

“Also, owners of competition horses should be aware that an up-to-date vaccination record is a requirement of many sporting governing bodies for horses competing under their rules.”

Every horse should be vaccinated against equine flu. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Equine flu (influenza) vaccination for horses

What is equine flu?

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system resulting in a high fever, runny nose and coughing. Though rarely fatal, it can be a very debilitating disease that can take a considerable amount of time for horses to recover from. A major outbreak occurred in the UK during 2019 mainly affected unvaccinated animals, although some vaccinated horses also showed clinical signs.

Which horses need a flu vaccination?

Every horse should be vaccinated against equine flu. It is a requirement for competition horses to have up-to-date protection under the rules of most governing bodies.

Equine flu vaccination schedule

The first one is typically given around five months old, second one about four weeks later (21-60 days), then again around six months (120-180 days), followed by an annual booster. If you miss the window for these vaccinations or an annual booster, you will likely have to start the course again to comply with affiliated competition rules (check the rules of your governing body).

British Dressage, British Showjumping, British Eventing and British Riding Clubs require annual boosters. Horses competing under FEI rules must have been vaccinated within six months, plus up to 21 days, of a competition, but cannot have been vaccinated within seven days of arriving at a competition venue.

The flu vaccine is the only one that the FEI insists all horses taking part in international competitions have. From 1 January 2026, flu vaccinations must be recorded digitally in the FEI HorseApp, as well as in the horse’s passport. Vets must enter the vaccination details on the day it is administered. There is a transition period running until 30 June 2026 during which no sanctions will be issued, but from 1 July 2026 missing or incorrect digital records may result in fines.

The British Horseracing Authority’s windows between the first, second and third vaccines are 21-60 days, then 120-180 days, followed by six monthly boosters. In all cases, horses should not attend competitions within seven days of receiving a vaccine.

Other relevant info

Only healthy horses should be vaccinated for flu. If your horse has a temperature, cough or is unwell in any way, make your vet aware before he vaccinates your horse with flu, as the vaccine could make him more ill.

Tetanus vaccination for horses

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by the production of endotoxins by the bacteria Clostridium tetani and is often fatal in horses. The spores of the bacteria are found in soil and enters the tissues via wounds. Deep puncture wounds are particularly dangerous as they provide an ideal site for infection.

Which horses need the tetanus vaccination?

Every horse is susceptible to tetanus due to the nature of the disease.

Tetanus vaccination schedule

A primary course of two vaccinations given four to six weeks apart, followed by a booster 12 months later. Subsequent vaccinations can be given at two yearly intervals. Foals will receive antibodies from their mother’s colostrum, but many are also given tetanus anti-toxin shortly after birth too.

Vaccination for tetanus is usually started at five months old and is often given as a combination vaccine with equine flu.

Other relevant info

You can get lumps or unwell horses occasionally after vaccination, but it is usually from a combined flu/tetanus vaccination rather than a sole tetanus injection.

Equine herpes virus (EHV) vaccination for horses

What is equine herpes virus?

There are five types of equine herpes virus, but EHV-1 and EHV-4 are the most clinically important and they are the only types that can be vaccinated against. EHV-1 and EHV-4 can cause a flu-like respiratory infection in horses, but may also cause abortion in pregnant mares and severe neurological disease. The effectiveness of the EHV vaccine against the neurological form of the disease is unclear.

Which horses need an EHV vaccine?

Any horse can have the herpes vaccine, but it is particularly important for breeding mares — many big studs will insist a mare is vaccinated before being allowed to foal there.

EHV vaccination schedule

The first vaccine can be given at five months old with the second vaccine at four to six weeks later, followed by a booster every six months. To provide effective immunity against abortion caused by EHV-1 and EHV-4 a course of three vaccinations should be given to a mare during her fifth, seventh and ninth months of pregnancy.

Other relevant info

There is a lot of virus shed in the aborted foetus’s fluid so surrounding mares can potentially catch the disease from breathing in the virus. The vaccine doesn’t always prevent the mare from aborting, but it can limit the amount of the virus that she passes when giving birth.

Equine rotavirus vaccination for horses

Pregnant mares are vaccinated against equine rotavirus to protect their foals from suffering diarrhoea or illness caused by the virus. Vaccines are given in the eighth, ninth, and 10th months of pregnancy in order that the antibodies can be transferred to the foal via the mare’s colostrum (first milk). Please contact your vet for more information.

New strangles vaccine

In 2004, a strangles vaccine called Equilis StrepE was launched, but unfortunately, three years later, it was withdrawn due to “quality control issues”.

Over a decade later, and a new protein-based strangles vaccine Strangvac has been developed by a group of scientists from the Animal Health Trust (AHT), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Karolinska Institute and Intervacc AB, to prevent equines from contracting the highly contagious disease.

Trials were carried out on 16 horses, 13 of which were protected from strangles after being given the vaccine, and none showed signs of adverse reactions. The vaccine was made available to vets in the UK in 2022.

Strangles is caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus equi, which causes large pus-filled abscesses in a horse’s throat and neck. An estimated 600 outbreaks of strangles occur each year in the UK alone, so the development of the new vaccine will benefit horse health world-wide. Please contact your vet for more information.

Reactions to vaccines

“Some horses can have a reaction to their vaccination,” says Sue Taylor. “In some cases it is the injection itself that causes the reaction, not the vaccine. Vets shouldn’t swab the area of the vaccine injection because there is a risk that the antiseptic can deactivate the virus. If you have a very dirty horse, there is the risk that the needle will take bacteria in with it, causing an infection and abscess.

“I usually inject vaccines into the brisket (chest) which is often a cleaner part of the horse and if they do react, it drains well. A lot of people inject in the neck but if the horse reacts, it is a difficult area for the fluid to drain from, and the horse can find it difficult to put its neck down to eat and drink, and certainly can’t be ridden.

“If you have a very hairy horse, it might be advisable to clip a patch of hair with clippers or scissors to minimise the risk of dirt being taken in with the needle, or ensure the horse is clean in the area he is being injected.

“If they have a history of reactions, speak to your vet about placing the injection in his chest, and discuss the vaccine itself. In some cases, it is the carrier of the vaccine that causes a reaction, although this is much less likely now with modern vaccine technology. If you know that your horse is prone to reacting to a certain vaccine, tell your vet so that he can organise an alternative next time.”

Additional reporting by Stephanie Bateman

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You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Equine flu: what horse owners need to know during the current outbreak in Britain

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Strangles: what is it, how to spot the signs, plus a new vaccine to help protect your horse

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Tetanus in horses: what every owner needs to know

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

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Equine eyesight questions answered, plus vets share advice on common vision problems to look out for

Jennifer Donald — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 08:30:26 +0000

Horses have one of the largest eyes of any mammal, but how good is horse eyesight compared to ours? And what common problems should horse owners be ‘keeping an eye out’ for?

We’ve got all the information you need on equine vision and eyes right here – plus some advice from expert vets on how to spot an equine eye problem.

Do horses have good eyesight?

Horses are prey animals and have almost 360° vision – their only blind spots being beneath their chin and directly behind them – so that they can watch out for predators approaching from all directions at the same time as grazing.

Horses only have two blind spots (Image credit: creditUnknown)

They have good motion detection, which allows them to spot predators easily, and have better night vision than humans. Their ability to judge distance and depth is limited, especially as most of their field of view is monocular vision (with one eye), which is why they often raise their heads on approach to a fence. It also takes them longer to adjust from light to dark.

They have developed big, beautiful eyes that protrude from each side of their head. However, this also makes them more exposed, and therefore more vulnerable to blunt or sharp traumatic injury.

Horses have large eyes that protrude from the side of their head (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Can horses see in colour?

Imogen Johns FRCVS explained to H&H that it is “next to impossible to say for sure how ‘well’ a horse can see”, but we know that horses are dichromats, which makes them red-green colour blind. They can see blues and yellows but browns, oranges and shades of red and green are easily confused. Whereas humans, for example, are trichromats and can see the four basic colours of red, green, blue and yellow.

Horses are able to see very well in low light conditions, but need time to adapt from light to dark situations and vice versa, which is why jumping into and out of shaded areas is such a challenge when riding cross-country.

Jumping into and out of light is a challenge as horses’ eyes take longer to adapt to the change (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Signs of sight loss in horses

Karen Coumbe MRCVS told H&H what to look out for to keep your horse’s vision safe. Any sign of ocular pain in horses is always deemed an emergency and a prompt visit from your vet should be arranged if there is:

An eyelid wound
A closed or partially closed eye
Discharge or pus coming from the eye
A swollen eye or eyelid
A reddened appearance
An eyeball that suddenly turns cloudy or develops a discoloured area
A painful eye, especially if there is also increased sensitivity to light

“A problem affecting one eye only can be an indication of something more serious,” says Karen Coumbe. “Always look out for other more subtle signs, such as downward-pointing eyelashes indicating a partially closed eyelid, or other subtle signs of eye trauma, such as discolouration.”

Causes of sight loss in horses

Ocular injuries generally result from impact, a penetration or an abrasion/laceration and among the most common injuries are abrasions of the globe (which can lead to the formation of a corneal ulcer) and periorbital lacerations (traumatic injuries sustained around the eye).

“To prevent problems, it is important to check your horse’s environment, minimising anything that could potentially injure them, such as thorny vegetation, protruding nails and rough edges around stabling,” says Karen. “Horses often rub their heads on any solid object available, especially during fly season. Interactions with other horses may increase the risk of eye injuries.”

Fly masks and horse sunglasses can be worn to prevent irritation and reduce the risk of injury – and they can provide UV protection, too.

Common horse eyesight problems

Other common horse eye problems that can potentially affect their vision include uveitis (also known as moon blindness) and immune-mediated keratitis. Uveitis means inflammation within the eye and is the most common cause of blindness in horses worldwide and a common cause of chronic eye pain.

Uveitis can cause the eye to appear cloudy (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Some horse eyesight problems are more common in older horses, including glaucoma or cataracts, or can be more serious, such as corneal disease.

The aim of veterinary treatment is always to save the eye. However, if this cannot be done or if the horse is going to be left with a chronically painful eye, then enucleation (removal of the globe) is a relatively uncomplicated surgery that can be performed. Horses and ponies tolerate the loss of an eye extremely well and appear to adapt easily – many are still able to be ridden, including jumping, after such a procedure.

Enucleation is not considered a complicated surgery and horses appear to tolerate the loss of an eye very well (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Can horses cope with loss of vision?

Loss of vision in one eye is generally very well tolerated by horses – most horses are able to return to their “pre-enucleation” job

Loss of vision in both eyes is rare – while some blind horses do adapt, the personality of the horse, the facilities, environment, and input of the owner will all determine how successful the outcome is.

Absolutely, training partially sighted horses and blind horses just requires a slightly more considered approach and there are many famous one-eyed horses who have gone on to have incredibly successful careers.

“Endo the Blind”, a US-based appaloosa gelding owned by Morgan Wagner, became famous for his spirit, showing that “blind horses are capable of anything” by claiming three world records aged 22.

At the age of eight he’d been diagnosed with glaucoma, cataracts and equine uveitis, but his record-breaking achievements included the highest free jump by a blind horse (106cm), the fastest time for a blind horse to weave five poles (9.93sec) and the most flying changes in a minute (39).

“Don’t have big goals, just what your horse can do, reward, and try a little bit more next time,” said Morgan.

Blind racehorse Laghat is ridden by his owner Federico De Paola (Image credit: creditUnknown)

An Italian racehorse named Laghat won 26 races despite being totally blind in his right eye and 95% blind in his left eye as a result of a fungal infection called mycosis.

“Laghat has a sixth sense, which tells him where to put his legs,” said owner Federico de Paola, who also rode the horse in amateur races.

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Would you spot if your horse had a tooth infection? Find out how and what treatment is available

Carol Phillips — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:27:25 +0000

Author John Mark O’Leary MRCVS is assistant professor at the UCD Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He is a specialist in endodontic dentistry treatment for horses and is inviting readers to be involved in his PhD research – see more details below...

Tooth infections in horses that involve the internal living part of the equine tooth – the pulp – can cause pain or discomfort leading to reluctance to drink or eat in some cases, or evasive ridden behaviour. But signs can also be extremely subtle with only minor changes in eating, biting and general demeanour being seen.

Why do horses get tooth infections?

Unlike humans, whose very common cases of tooth decay and associated infections are linked to diet, tooth fractures are a more common cause of pulp damage and inflammation in horses’ teeth.

In a horse’s front teeth (the incisors) problems are most commonly linked to a broken tooth, often associated with a history of a fall on the road.

A horse with broken front teeth. (Image credit: TI Media)

Horses that crib bite may wear down their front teeth faster than they naturally grow – resulting in exposure of the sensitive pulp. Once the pulp is exposed, it will become contaminated with food material and bacteria from the mouth, which leads to infection.

In addition to broken teeth, the other most common cause of inflammation in the pulp of the equine cheek teeth (the molars) is a local bacterial infection that spreads through the natural openings at the tip of the tooth’s root deep inside the gum (the apical foramina) without any changes to the outer surface or crown of the tooth. This is more common in horses under six years old.

Other causes include over-rasping or over-drilling with motorised dental drills and equipment.

How can I tell if my horse has a front tooth infection?

If a horse’s front teeth are affected they may show a reluctance to drink cold water or take hay from a haynet, or evasive ridden behaviour. Horses suffering an acute case typically will resent the exposed pulp being probed with dental equipment, which results in active bleeding.

However, once the infection becomes established, often with food filling the cavity leading to the death of the pulp and the loss of nerve supply (pulpar necrosis and denervation), then there may be no obvious behavioural signs or evasive reactions to probing.

Dentine defects on the surface of an incisor and lower mandibular cheek tooth with associated food contamination and chronic endodontic infections. (Image credit: John Mark O’Leary MRCVS)

The infection can eventually extend through the natural openings at the tip of the tooth’s root (apical foramina) to invade the the tissues around the tooth (periodontium). At this stage, gum recession or draining infected tracts may develop.

How can I tell if my horse has a cheek tooth infection?

Acute infections involving the horse’s cheek teeth typically show little to no obvious signs, unless a displaced fragment of tooth is causing damage to the soft tissue inside the mouth. Recent behavioural studies have reported subtle changes in eating, biting and general demeanour associated with infections in the cheek teeth.

When an established pulp infection reaches the top of the last four upper cheek teeth, bacteria can move into the sinus chambers above, leading to a discharge of pus from the nostril on that side of the face.

Chronic infections reaching into the roots of the other cheek teeth can show up as bony swellings on the face, with or without pus from the draining tracts.

Cases with obvious surface defects on the tooth are often spotted during routine dental examinations. Determining the extent and severity of an infection may require referral to an equine veterinary dentistry specialist.

The specialist will typically undertake a detailed oral examination with a camera and assess the reserve crown and roots using diagnostic imaging. Where X-rays are unable to clearly identify the issue, a more sensitive imaging modality, typically computed tomography (CT) at a hospital centre, may be necessary.

How are tooth infections in horses treated?

Endodontics is the name for the specialised branch of dentistry that treats infections involving pulp of the tooth.

There are three treatment options:

● Vital pulp treatment (VPT), in which all or part of the dental pulp is preserved

● Root canal treatment (RCT) where the pulp is completely removed to the end of the root

● Extraction, where the entire tooth is removed.

Endodontic treatment for horses

The extent and severity of the infection within the pulp and around the root tip (apical) will determine if either VPT or RCT are feasible. Treatment is usually carried out in a standing sedated horse with local anaesthesia.

The four typical steps of endodontic treatment are:

● access with motorised dental drills, typically through the overlying dentine defect on the occlusal surface;

● removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue (debridement) with dental root canal files and disinfecting the endodontic system;

● topical application of a dentine-stimulating product to the remaining viable pulp tissue, and

● finally applying an airtight seal (in the form of a filling) within the cavity created with a material that will wear down at the same rate as the tooth

Top left: an acute fracture of upper central and lateral incisor teeth with pulp exposure. Top right: direct endodontic access to the pulp horns at the gum margin. Bottom left: X-ray guidance of debridement depth with dental files. Bottom right: the remaining vital pulp was medicated and the access cavity sealed with a resin composite cement. (Image credit: John Mark O’Leary MRCVS)

Where suitable, VPT is typically the preferred treatment procedure in acute cases. This is because it optimises the potential for return to normal pulp function; it creates a hard dentinal bridge that protects the remaining pulp and preserves blood supply, innervation and immune functions. VPT also avoids having to negotiate the complex root canal system.

RCT is used for more severe and chronic tooth infections. It involves removal of the entire pulp and disinfecting down to the level of the natural openings at the tip of the tooth’s root inside the gum (the apical foramina). This is followed by the application of dentine-stimulating medication at the root level. The remainder of the cavity is sealed to the top of the tooth (the occlusal level).

Often a diseased cheek tooth is still partially healthy and only some of the pulp needs to be accessed and treated. In such a case the inside of the tooth is now unreactive, but the tissues that surround and support the teeth (periodontium) remain healthy and the tooth should erupt normally and remain functional for chewing. However, the lack of complete vitality does predispose the tooth to subsequent development of cavities and fractures.

Extracting horses’ teeth

Extraction is typically chosen for established infections extending to the tissues that surround and support the teeth or previously failed endodontic treatments, but it’s not risk-free.

Frequent long-term conditions following a cheek tooth extraction are the overgrowth of opposing teeth and drifting of adjacent cheek teeth, with increased risks for food entrapment and subsequent inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth (periodontitis).

A horse may need a period of enforced rest should an extraction complication occur so, if competing, surgery is best scheduled out of the competition season.

Importantly, equine athletes that are not showing obvious signs of infection (sub-clinical) may be treated with endodontic techniques to allow the horse to continue competing for a period, with extraction scheduled for the off-season.

How successful is treatment of equine tooth infections?

Equine endodontic treatment has improved over the past 10 years through anatomical studies, improved adaptation of human techniques and availability of better materials.

Infected teeth may need two treatments one month apart to clean the pulp cavity adequately, with long-term success rates of 75% for incisor teeth and 80% for cheek teeth reported.

Most specialists are reluctant to portray such a favourable outlook for cheek teeth RCT, given the lack of procedural sterility, and microscopic guidance to debride adequately and clean the pulp chamber and root canals, as required for human patients. Re-examinations are often needed at three and six months post-operatively and then biannually.

Endodontic treatment is rarely a one-step process as it may be complex, expensive and time consuming. Significant investment in training and equipment will be required by the attending clinician in selecting and completing the appropriate endodontic technique to optimise success. It is important that horse owners are informed fully before treatment begins to help to manage their expectations.

How you can get involved

The author of this article is inviting H&H readers to take part in a short survey to aid his PhD research into this specialist area of equine dentistry. If you’d like to be involved, visit horseandhound.co.uk/endodontic-survey

For more expert advice on equine veterinary conditions, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website for full access to our veterinary library

How to keep stabled horses happy and healthy

Georgia Guerin — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:58:14 +0000

Horses are not designed to live in stables – they have evolved to be free-range herd animals who eat at will – so can suffer ill-effects from being confined to a small space for long periods. While it is inevitable that many horses spend more time indoors over winter, we can greatly improve their lives and keep them happy and healthy with a little thought and a willingness to challenge the preconceived ideas of how they should be kept.

As owners, it is our job to keep asking how we can keep our stabled horses happy and healthy. Considerable research has been devoted to finding ways to mitigate the social, nutritional and health issues caused by stabling – here are some of the findings that we can put into practice, with advice from top equine vet Kieran O’Brien MRCVS.

How to keep stabled horses happy

Ensuring horses can interact while stabled is important for their social wellbeing (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Stable design

The first social issue is that many ideas about stabling originate from Victorian times. This has lead to stables that prevent continuous visual and tactile contact, where the only opportunity for a horse to see his companions is when they are looking over their respective doors at the same time.

Where horses are kept alone, studies have found a reduction in time spent lying down, more frequent displays of stress behaviours and development of stereotypies, such as weaving or box-walking.

How to improve stable design for wellbeing

“Fitting bars or grills between stables or making a “talk hole” in the partition wall will enable essential social contact, provided that neighbouring horses get on,” suggests Kieran. “A stable mirror made of safety glass can also provide companionship, although social interaction with real horses is preferable.”

A stabled horse also needs space to move, stretch and roll.

“An area of 12x12ft is considered a minimum,” says Kieran, “although horses measuring larger than 16hh will require more room.”

Providing enrichment

Enrichment has been proven to have a positive impact on stabled horses. This includes anything that you might consider a “boredom buster” for horses, such as stable toys, slow feeders or mirrors – they do not have to be edible. In fact, the enrichment proved particularly beneficial outside of meal times.

The results of the study showed that enrichment increased heart rate, foraging and movement, and decreased frustration behaviours, which suggests a positive emotional state.

How to keep stabled horses healthy

Mucking out causes dust particles to peak (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Air quality and stable ventilation

The quality of air in a stable is determined by the rate dust particles, fungal spores and ammonia (produced by urine) from the bedding is released into the air, balanced by the rate at which these are cleared.

Dust particles peak as you muck out and stay elevated for several hours afterwards, so where possible turn your horse out before you start. A second peak occurs when the bed is “pulled down” for the night – but you could eliminate this practice completely by scattering powdered lime on the urine “footprint” while mucking out and preparing the evening bed straightaway, thus turning over the bed only once.

Several studies have shown that most horses bedded on straw — not just those with equine asthma — have a significant number of fungal spores and evidence of inflammation in the lower airways.

These horses may show no external signs of respiratory disease, Kieran warns.

“Their performance may be subtly impaired, however, especially in disciplines with high oxygen demands, such as racing or jumping at speed.”

While the adverse effects of straw bedding can be partially mitigated by good ventilation, the optimum of four complete air changes per hour can never be achieved in a conventional 12x12ft stable with an open half-door and a small window.

It is not usually possible to objectively judge how “dusty” the air in a stable is, but this can be inferred from the type of bedding used. A persistent smell of ammonia from urine will suggest that ventilation is poor.

Ways to improve stable air quality

Feed haylage or soaked hay
Opt for dust-free bedding, such as dust-extracted shavings, miscanthus or chopped cardboard
If you create banks, pull the bedding in from the edges frequently to ensure all areas are fresh

Ways to promote air flow

Remove glass from windows
Use a stable guard or stall chain across the doorway when practical
Leave barn doors open at night unless necessary
Provide additional air inlets and outlets, as far away from the stable door as possible

How long a horse spends laying down is affected by their bedding (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ensuring good rest

Studies on human athletes have shown that a good night’s sleep is critical for optimum performance – and it would make sense that the same goes for horses. In horses, deep sleep is only possible if they lie down on their side or sits propped against a wall.

Research has shown that the time a horse spends laying down asleep is affected by the type of bedding, its depth and the size of the bedded area. The minimalist approach of a thin bed laid on rubber matting, covering a smaller floor area, may have implications for how much deep sleep a horse obtains.

“This may be a case where the traditional practice of providing a more substantial bed is best,” suggests Kieran.

Stabling decreases the frequency of large intestinal contractions (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Health risks of stabling

Stabling is a key risk factor for colic and exertional rhabdomyolysis, sometimes known as azoturia or tying up. Studies have shown that if time indoors is increased from zero to six hours to 19 to 24 hours, the risk of impaction colic is seven times greater.

“Confinement decreases the frequency of large intestinal contractions, reducing both fibre digestibility and the water content of droppings,” Kieran explains.

How to reduce the risks of stabling

“Exercise, or at the very least some turnout, every day, is hugely beneficial — both mentally, allowing social interaction with other horses, and physically, ensuring the normal function of the digestive and musculoskeletal systems and providing access to clean air,” says Kieran.

While exercise is generally a good thing, there is evidence that horses given a minimum of two rest days per week have a much lower incidence of gastric ulcers.

“Conventional twice-daily rations of hard feed, especially those containing cereal grains, further increase the chance of colic and also cause large shifts of acidity of the stomach – a known predisposing factor for gastric ulceration.”

When feeding horses prone to ulcers, small, frequent meals are preferable.

“Ideally use feeds high in oil and low in starch. Adding alfalfa chaff (preferably dry) increases salivation, helping to neutralise stomach acid,” Kieran advises.

Reduce reliance on hard feed by providing the highest quality forage you can find.

“Hay or haylage should be soft, green and leafy and fed ad lib, so there is always some left in the morning,” says Kieran, who also recommends providing multiple forage options.

“Provide forage in more than one place in the stable, to satisfy the horse’s strong natural motivation to eat and move, and use a hay bag, or a small-holed haynet to slow his intake,” he adds. “Placing some forage at floor level will vary his neck position and elevate his spine when eating, promoting natural drainage of respiratory secretions and ensuring correct alignment of the cheek teeth when chewing.”

Laminitis: how to spot the signs, plus treatments and ways to prevent it

Carol Phillips — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:12:50 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Laminitis in horses occurs all year-round and is an emergency that needs prompt action whenever it is suspected, so find out how to recognise it and what to do if your horse is showing signs

What is laminitis in horses?

Laminitis in horses is an inflammatory condition of the laminae within the feet – the tissues that attach the pedal bone (the bone in the centre of each foot) to the hoof wall inside the hoof capsule. Although many people mistakenly think laminitis is only suffered by overweight ponies, horses of all types, age and size can develop laminitis for many reasons.

The condition occurs when the sensitive laminae within each foot become inflamed, but they are unable to swell since they are restricted by the solid external structure of the hoof. This leads to the horse feeling extreme pain and adopting the classic leaning back on the heels posture in an attempt to relieve the pressure from the front of the hoof. In the most severe cases the horses will lie down as their feet are too painful to bear weight.

An acute new episode or flare up of laminitis is a veterinary emergency and an equine vet should be called to assess any horse with suspected laminitis as a matter of urgency. Some horses and ponies have long standing chronic laminitis, which may not be an immediate emergency, but still needs expert care and attention. According to the RVC¹ more than 7% of equine deaths are linked to laminitis, with many cases being put down on welfare grounds.

Laminitis can develop very rapidly. It can result in the pedal bone sinking or rotating within the hoof and in extreme cases the pedal bone can drop so far that it penetrates through the sole of the hoof. If the pedal bone completely detaches from the hoof wall then the horse has ‘foundered’ and euthanasia may be the only option.

An X-ray showing the pedal bone has rotated towards the sole in a horse with laminitis. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Laminitis: Signs | Diagnosis | Causes | Treatment | Prevention

Early signs of laminitis

Early signs of laminitis can be quite subtle and include the horse taking a shorter than normal stride and being reluctant to walk on hard or stony going, choosing grass or softer ground when possible. The horse may appear more lame on hard ground and turns, and may shift its weight between feet when standing still.

Acute signs of laminitis in horses

Lameness is typically seen in all four legs, although the forelegs may appear more badly affected. Signs of laminitis to look out for include:

An increased digital pulse at the back of the pastern/fetlock
The hooves may feel warm to the touch, although this alone is not a reliable indicator
Pain will be shown with use of hoof testers, especially around the point of frog on the foot
The horse stands leaning back onto its heels – the classic laminitic stance
The horse may lie down, and be unwilling to get to its feet

When do you see laminitis rings on the hoof?

Clear rings on the hoof wall can be a sign of a horse with chronic (i.e. long standing) laminitis. A horse that has suffered repeat bouts of the condition is likely to have misshapen feet with horizontal rings or lines on the hoof wall, which are wider at the heel than at the toe. The sole of the hoof may be flat or convex, with a wider than usual white line.

A horse that is overdue for shoeing with laminitis rings on the hoof wall that are likely to be linked to repeated bouts of chronic laminitis. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

How is laminitis diagnosed by a vet?

A vet should be consulted if laminitis is suspected and will usually diagnose the condition based on the clinical signs. X-ray images are useful to confirm whether the pedal bone has sunk or rotated, which will help as a guide to prognosis and inform the farrier fitting shoes. Blood tests can be very useful to help identify if any underlying endocrine disease is responsible.

What causes laminitis?

In general, ponies tend to be more susceptible than horses to laminitis, although the condition can affect horses of all breeds, sizes and ages. Risk factors associated with the disease include a flush of fresh grass at any time of year, grazing when the grass is under stress (such as after frost or severe overgrazing), and horses that are overweight.

Underlying conditions that can lead to laminitis include equine Cushing’s disease (also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction or PPID) and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). The hormone insulin appears to be significant in laminitis associated with endocrine disorders.

The RVC Equine department shared a timely warning on its facebook page in late October 2025 urging owners to be vigilant during autumn, saying: “The grass will continue to grow when the temperature is above 4°C, and on bright frosty mornings it will continue to make sugar but not use it up for growth, increasing the amount of sugar in each mouthful of grass.

“Research has shown that 90% of cases of laminitis are associated with an underlying endocrine (hormone) disease, with the two most common being equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID; also known as equine Cushing’s disease). In both of these diseases, it is high blood concentrations of the metabolic hormone insulin that seem to be responsible for causing the laminitis, and diet plays a big role in how much insulin there is in the blood at any given time, alongside the presence of EMS and PPID.

“It is important that animals with EMS or PPID are fed a diet low in sugar and starch and high in good-quality fibre to try and keep circulating insulin concentrations as low as possible.”

A 2021 study² conducted by Scotland’s Rural College in collaboration with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute found that steps taken to protect public health during the Covid-19 pandemic – including reduced exercise, turning horses away, and limiting yard visits – had the potential to compromise the welfare of overweight equines, increasing the risk of laminitis.

David Rendle, chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s health and medicines committee, said: “The study provides testimony that many horses spent additional time at grazing as a result of Covid health guidelines. Vets have been concerned throughout the pandemic that increased turnout during periods of good weather could tip laminitis-prone animals over the edge into clinical laminitis. The fundamental issue is the unacceptably high proportion of equines with obesity and associated metabolic disease.”

Research³ led by Garance Christen at the Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, published in 2020, found that horses aged over 25 may suffer from chronic laminitis without displaying any outward signs or suffering from contributory health conditions. Almost half of the total sample of 51 clinically sound horses from different age groups (15-32 years) showed signs of rotation on X-ray, although none of them showed signs of acute lameness or PPID. Of these, horses aged over 25 were found to be three times more likely to have pedal bone rotation than horses in the younger age category.

The study’s authors said: “We think that radiographic changes are related to early or pre-clinical PPID in this cohort of horses because this remains the best explanation for the higher incidence of laminitis in the old age group.”

Other causes of laminitis

Laminitis can also be caused by a retained placenta after foaling, following on from another illness, limb concussion caused by excessive work on hard ground, or overload of a limb due to a severe injury of the opposing leg. In these instances, if the primary condition is effectively treated, the laminitis risk will subside.

In diseases associated with inflammation (such as certain types of colic, diarrhoea, retained placenta and severe pneumonia), the inflammation throughout the body triggers inflammation of the laminae, although why this happens remains unclear.

In mechanical overload laminitis, such as when a fracture or infected joint causes the other leg to bear all of the horse’s weight, it’s thought the excessive and continuous weight bearing may negatively affect the blood supply to the laminae.

Cases linked to concussion can occur during the summer in susceptible animals when a heatwave bakes the ground, with ponies in active service during the school holidays, as well as show horses and racing thoroughbreds, at a higher risk.

Laminitis treatments

A vet should be consulted regarding any suspected case of acute laminitis as soon as possible. They may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as phenylbutazone or flunixin and potentially other painkillers to help manage the horse’s discomfort.

Foot support and complete rest to limit movement of the pedal bone is important and will help to reduce the extreme levels of discomfort. The horse should be placed on box rest on a deep bed of shavings or other similar bedding right up to the stable door. Special supports can be attached to the horse’s hooves by your vet or farrier to give additional support.

Acepromazine (ACP) has been frequently used to increase the blood supply to the feet, but it’s beneficial effect may be more due to its sedative properties, which will encourage the horse to stand still or lie down.

In cases of laminitis associated with inflammation, the use of ice to cool the feet may be beneficial, especially in the very early stages of the disease. Research comparing seven different ways of cooling the hoof⁴ found immersion of the foot and at least the pastern region of the leg in ice and water achieved the lowest hoof wall surface temperature for a sustained period, along with use of a prototype perfused cuff device with a dry interface. In summary, when apply cold therapy, the cooling should cover the whole hoof as well as the lower part of the leg for the greatest effect.

If the laminitis is the result of an underlying condition, such as an endocrine disorder, that should be treated accordingly. Discuss this with your vet, depending on the results of blood tests. If a horse or pony has insulin regulation problems caused by EMS or PPID, or both, he will certainly be at increased risk of developing laminitis and will require careful management. By diagnosing these underlying problems the vet can guide the owner more clearly and manage the case more effectively.

A new treatment for laminitis

Ertugliflozin, an SGL2 inhibitor used to help lower blood glucose levels in humans, has been found to successfully lower insulin levels in horses, and is being successfully used in the treatment of laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

Veterinary expert David Rendle, who has been involved in the early research⁵, said the drug can bring insulin levels down “remarkably quickly”, adding: “We have found in cases of laminitis the horse’s level of comfort increases very quickly. Everything is pointing toward SGL2s being an effective way of reducing the suffering associated with laminitis.”

Although the drug does not have marketing authorisation for use in horses, but it can be prescribed by a vet in the UK.

Research published in April 2024⁶ examining horse owners’ experiences and observations following the use of this treatment found 85.3% of 342 owners reported their horses had an improved quality of life after commencing treatment, while 9.4% reported no change and 5.3% reported a worsening of clinical signs.

Of the owners who had thought they might need to end the lives of their horses prior to treatment, 80.5% reported their horse’s level of pain to be either mild or absent after 30 days of treatment and 94.8% reported their horse’s quality of life to be improved. Side effects were seen by 114 owners (33.3%), particularly excessive urination (20.5%), excessive drinking (11.1%), excessive weight loss (9.9%) and dullness (7.6%).

Overall the study found that treatment resulted in excellent rates of owner satisfaction and owner-reported improved quality of life for the horse; although, some adverse effects were observed.

Feed for horses with laminitis

Diet is very important during bouts of laminitis. Clean fresh water should always be available while the horse should be fed poor quality hay, rather than grass. The hay should be soaked for at least an hour to reduce soluble carbohydrate levels. Fibre-rich feeds, such as unmollassed sugar beet and low-sugar chaffs or hay replacers, can also form part of the diet.

Horses that are overweight should not be starved in an attempt to shift excessive condition as doing so risks triggering hyperlipaemia, a disorder of fat metabolism.

All horses need to receive a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals, so discuss the best way to supply this with your vet. Once the acute stage of the condition is over, hoof supplements can be used to promote healthy hoof growth, while other supplements are formulated to help support healthy horses on restricted grazing. There are also feeds marked as suitable for horses prone to laminitis by The Laminitis Trust.

How to prevent laminitis in horses?

While it is not only overweight horses that get laminitis, the weight of all equines should be carefully managed to reduce the associated risk. Horses of all types need to go into the spring in lean condition (where you can easily feel and just start to see their ribs) to avoid the risk of obesity as the levels of nutrition in grazing improve.

Winter is a great opportunity to achieve weight loss in overweight equines by keeping them unrugged and not increasing hard feed, unless the horse drops clearly below a healthy bodyweight. Grazing muzzles can be used all year round to help control weight gain.

All horses hooves should be attended to by a qualified farrier or podiatrist every four to six weeks, whether they are shod or not, to maintain correct hoof balance and health. Appropriate shoeing can make a huge difference to the chronic laminitic by supporting the structures in the foot properly. There are many options of useful shoes designed to help laminitis cases including mouldable thermoplastic shoes and clogs amongst others.

The farrier who sees the case every few weeks is also in an excellent position to guide the horse owner, who sees their animal daily and therefore may not notice changes, especially in weight.

It is recommended that all riders avoid excessive trotting/cantering on hard ground, including roads, to reduce the concussion on the horse’s limbs and feet.

In broodmares after foaling, check that the whole placenta has been expelled. If you are unsure if this is the case, contact your vet urgently.

If your horse is recovering from a severe injury to one leg, discuss with your vet the best way to provide additional support to the opposing limb.

Above all be aware that we now know that there is much more to laminitis than simply avoiding lush grass. Underlying metabolic problems, proper regular attention to the feet and good general health care are all important.

Laminitis FAQs

What is the worst time of year for laminitis?

While laminitis can occur at any time of year, it is often seen in spring when the grass grows at a fast rate. This is typically the case in overweight equines, who are suffering with associated metabolic disease.

Should you walk a horse with laminitis?

No, a horse with laminitis should not be walked. Any horse with laminitis should be kept on box rest with a deep soft bed, such as shavings, to limit the risk of movement of the pedal bone while the inflammation of the laminae is ongoing.

How long on box rest for laminitis?

Every case of laminitis is different, but a horse is likely to need to be on box rest for at least a month after the initial signs of pain pass, even for a mild case of laminitis. More serious cases are likely to have to remain on box rest for a number of months while treatment is ongoing.

References and further reading:

Atypical myopathy: what you need to know right now to keep your horses safe

Carol Phillips — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:22:50 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Atypical myopathy in horses (also known as seasonal pasture myopathy, sycamore myopathy or sycamore poisoning) is an often fatal illness, usually found in grazing equines — mostly in the autumn and spring.

With the first of the UK autumn storms of 2025 having passed, H&H has been contacted by owners who have lost horses to atypical myopathy after grazing around sycamore trees. This year is a mast year for many types of trees (including oak), which means there is a very large number of seeds being produced, which increases the risk. Periods of high winds can result in large dumps and carry the shedding seeds and leaves over long distances, so the risk isn’t limited to sycamore trees in or on the fence lines of paddocks.

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has previously reminded owners of the dangers. “With leaves still on trees now is the time to identify sycamores in the vicinity of your horse’s fields and predict the future risk,” said Lucy Grieve, veterinary projects officer at BEVA. “Once the leaves start to turn and then drop it will be much more difficult to spot sycamores.”

This serious threat to horses’ health weakens the muscles of the horse’s body, including the heart, and can present with sudden stiffness, muscle tremors, collapse and colic-like signs, accompanied by a low temperature. Often dark urine is seen because the damaged muscle cells release the pigment myoglobin, which can damage the kidneys.

Atypical myopathy has a fatality rate of around 70% so should always be considered a veterinary emergency if it is suspected.

Atypical myopathy is not infectious and can affect horses of all ages and types, although young horses may be more vulnerable. Some horses appear to be more susceptible than others, which may be due to genetic differences.

What causes atypical myopathy in horses?

Studies have established that atypical myopathy is caused by ingestion of the hypoglycin A toxin from the seeds, seedlings and possibly flowers of certain trees of the genus Acer. The most common of this type in the UK is the sycamore tree, but different trees contain variable amounts of the toxin. It is important to note that the toxin is not present in every seed, seedling or tree.

The Royal Veterinary College provides a hypoglcyin A test that can be used on both plant samples and equine serum to identify the level of the toxin. This can vary within an individual tree from year to year, although a 2025 study found that trees in the same area typically have similar concentrations of hypoglycin A in their seeds. The study also found that toxicity could occur from water sources containing sycamore seeds and leaves.

Hypoglycin A prevents energy being produced within the muscle cells.

Much research has been done by the University of Liege and involved horses from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. High concentrations of hypoglycin A were found in all the sick horses. Botanists visited the pastures that had been grazed and the sycamore was found to be nearby in every case.

In the United States research has linked seasonal pasture myopathy (the US equivalent) to toxins from the box elder tree. Both trees produce seeds containing the agent hypoglycin A.

Sycamore seeds have a downward V shape with “wings” to help them travel on the wind, while the leaves of the trees have five points. (Image credit: Stephen Iles / Alamy Stock Photo)

The “helicopter” wing-shaped seeds are thought to be the primary source of the toxin, but sycamore seedlings have also been found to contain the toxin, being a particular concern in the spring. It is recommended that seedlings are mowed and the cuttings collected and removed from the pasture afterwards as the toxic hypoglcyin A remains in the plant material after it has been cut.

Sycamore seedlings are also a cause for concern and should be removed from pastures where horses graze. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

When are horses most at risk?

Outbreaks of the fatal condition tend to be seasonal, with cases typically occurring in the autumn and spring. Victims are usually kept in sparse pastures, where seeds or seedlings are on the ground and are eaten when there is not much other grazing available. Windy autumn weather is particularly risky as it can deposit large numbers of sycamore seeds on to grazing land, which are then eaten.

What are the signs of atypical myopathy in horses?

The onset of the disease can be extremely rapid, with some horses being found collapsed or dead in their fields. Signs include:

Stiffness
Weakness
Reluctance to move
Lethargy
Muscle tremors
Muscle pain
Sweating
Difficulty breathing
Shivering
Dark red or brown urine
Fast, irregular heart beat
Colic signs
Unable to stand
Sudden collapse and death

How is atypical myopathy diagnosed?

Your vets will be able to make a likely diagnosis based on the clinical signs as well as the horse’s environment, along with lab tests to confirm the levels of toxicity.

What treatment is available?

Horses diagnosed early will need treatment with intravenous fluids, pain relief and intensive care at an equine hospital, but once the signs are present it is already serious. Affected animals often deteriorate for the first 24 to 48 hours so should be moved to an equine hospital as soon as possible after the diagnosis is made as the period the horse is able to remain standing while in transit is going to be limited.

There is a compromise in that the horses do not want to be moved far, however effective intensive care is not really possible in the field, where they may be ingesting more toxin.

Supportive therapy including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may be helpful.

A 2018 study showed that activated charcoal may bind the toxin, so your vet may consider stomach tubing with this following removal of any cases from pasture.

Atypical myopathy in horses: what is the prognosis?

With some 70% of cases proving fatal, the prognosis for horses with atypical myopathy is cautious at best. However, if a horse can survive the first few days of treatment, they can go on to make a full recovery over a period of some months with no long-term effects of the disease.

How can owners reduce the risk?

Identify trees both around grazed fields as well as those in close proximity
Fence off areas where sycamore seeds and/or leaves have fallen
Regularly inspect fields to ensure seeds have not blown in from nearby sycamore trees
Remove any seeds and leaves that have dropped into water troughs
Mow areas where seedlings are growing and collect the cuttings
Supply extra forage (hay or haylage), especially where pasture is poor
Reduce stock density, so there is enough good grazing for every horse
Turn out horses for short periods (ideally less than 6hrs.)
Pick up and remove sycamore seeds, if possible
Test for the presence of hypoglcyin A in your pastures
Monitor horses carefully and if concerned, contact your vet immediately

If a case occurs and your horse is in the same field, ask your vet for advice and consider moving your horse.

Further reading:

Assessment of tree-associated atypical myopathy risk factors in Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore) seeds and leaves – January 2025

Royal Veterinary College’s atypical myopathy fact sheet for horse owners [PDF] – 2022

Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Horse Feeding and Management Practices to Reduce the Risk of Atypical Myopathy – February 2020

Equine atypical myopathy in the UK: Epidemiological characteristics of cases reported from 2011 to 2015 and factors associated with survival – April 2017

The Story of Equine Atypical Myopathy: A Review from the Beginning to a Possible End – November 2012

Hard ground: why it is a problem for your horse and how to help

Carol Phillips — Tue, 20 May 2025 15:30:56 +0000

We know that hard ground conditions can be detrimental to horses’ limbs, but what effects do they actually have and what are the signs that something is wrong?

Hearing the clickety-clack of hooves galloping across hard ground is enough to send a shiver up the spine of anyone who cares about their horse’s future soundness. Something’s got to give – and you can be sure it won’t be the cast-iron going underfoot.

The concussive forces generated as a horse moves at speed on a very firm surface are largely absorbed by the structures of the hoof, before being dissipated further up the limb into the bones, joints and soft tissues.

Understandably, a hammering can leave a horse feeling “pottery” and sore — as Hattie Lawrence MRCVS of Valley Equine Hospital in Berkshire explains.

“You know the feeling in your legs after hard day walking on pavements,” she says. “A horse with straightforward concussion will feel much the same, with sore shins, bruised feet and general inflammation of the lower leg and hoof structures. Colloquially termed being ‘jarred up’, this is typically the effect of a one-off pounding.”

If it is a one-off, your horse will probably get away with it. Damage can be accumulative, however, and in some cases catastrophic.

“A much bigger issue is that hard ground is fast ground;” says Hattie, explaining that with firm going there is no “holding” factor to check the horse’s speed.

“This increases injury risk. There is also the potential for a condition called subchondral bone disease, the effects of which can only be seen accurately with an MRI scan. The bone develops oedema [fluid] and, as it tries to remodel, it becomes more brittle and liable to fracture.

“Subchondral bone disease in jumping horses, both showjumpers and eventers, tends to be caused by the cumulative effect of landing over large fences, while eventers can also develop the condition after galloping on firm ground,” she adds. “Lameness usually occurs before too much damage is done and should resolve with rest, although the prognosis becomes less favourable with repeated episodes.”

Common injuries associated with hard ground

Concussion and jarring
Bruised soles
Splints
Tendon injuries
Laminitis: not all cases are due to ponies being overweight; some are seen in the summer months as a result of concussion, which traumatises the sensitive laminae
Sore shins: this is a common problem in racehorses, but it is also seen in other animals working on hard ground. The signs are swelling to the front of the cannon bone, which may lead to fractures within the bone if the horse is not rested

Early signs that a horse may be jarred up

Not all horses that are feeling the effects of hard ground will be obviously lame. More subtle signs to look out for include:

A shortening of the stride: a horse may lose the swing and spring in its step as it tries to minimise jarring when its feet hit the ground
Increased tension: muscles change their function on hard ground to help stabilise the lower limbs and reduce concussion. This means they reduce their ability to work independently and compromise overall performance
Refusing: jumpers may be reluctant to land after a fence, so may start stopping when they have never done so before
Flattening and rushing over a fence: to minimise concussion on landing the horse adjusts its technique to prevent it landing so hard

How can you reduce the risk?

“A horse with good conformation, who is fit for the work he is doing, will be less likely to suffer,” says Hattie. “He should be shod well, because correct foot balance will enable better absorption of concussive forces by the structures of the hoof. He should also be appropriately built and not overweight. As we become more inclusive of all types of horse at grassroots level, we must be mindful that we may be exposing less athletic horses to higher risk of injury.

“Different terrain can cause different problems,” she adds. “Ground that is hard and rutted, or patchy with areas of deeper going, increases the risk of a ‘bad step’ injury. This might involve soft-tissue damage to structures, such as the deep flexor tendons or the collateral ligaments.

“Applying ice or cooling boots after a punishing round will definitely help control the acute inflammatory process,” Hattie says. “With a tendon injury, for example, the horse’s inflammatory response is unhelpful and may worsen tissue damage and impair healing. While cooling cannot fix a significant structural injury – which needs to be identified and treated – it will settle everything down in the case of straightforward concussion, and make the horse more comfortable.

“We are better at recognising the risks posed by hard going than we used to be,” Hattie summarises. “Many venues make a real effort to improve the ground, but there is a limit to what can be done in dry conditions. If it feels like concrete underfoot and you can save your horse for another day, you probably should.”

Can hoof pads help?

Hoof pads and packing can provide some relief from hard ground, says farrier Haydn Price DipWCF.

“The frog and the digital cushion work within the hoof capsule to absorb concussion, but too much work on hard ground can exceed this absorbent capacity,” he says. “Pads and packing can help protect the solar aspect of the hoof from soft-tissue damage (bruising).”

According to Haydn, a flat sole is more susceptible to hard-ground problems that can leave a horse feeling “footy”.

“Early intervention is better,” he says. “If you know that your horse is likely to suffer the seasonal effects of hard ground, talk to your vet and farrier about initiating protection before it becomes necessary.

“Options range from traditional leather pads and hard, thermoplastic versions to some form of packing sandwiched between the sole and a plastic pad,” says Haydn, explaining that a soft gel-pad, for example, will afford some cushioning to the sole and the rest of the foot.

“There is a trade-off in that the hoof will lose its natural concavity and grip, but some pads feature ridges where the frog would lie to help prevent slipping.

“Modern materials have really improved;’ he adds, emphasising that there should be no issues with degradation of the sole.

“Where there is potential for bacterial ingress with repeated soakings or water treadmill use, we can even use a copper sulphate pouring pad [a pad that’s liquid when you pour it in, and sets to fit the shape of the hoof] with antimicrobial properties.”

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Equine herpes virus – all you need to know right now

Carol Phillips — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:14:21 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The equine herpes virus is always present in the British horse population, but the British Equestrian Federation is advising owners to be “extra vigilant” while they monitor a reported outbreak of the neurological form of the virus in France

The equine herpes virus (EHV) is widespread among the horse population in many countries, including Britain. It is thought most horses have been exposed to the disease when young, usually by the age of two and then become latent carriers of the virus. A horse can therefore be infected for life, and can intermittently discharge the virus from the nose and infect susceptible horses. The virus lays dormant in these horses before becoming active again at times of stress. It is important to understand that horses do not always show clinical signs while they are shedding the virus.

EHV has nine strains, with five (EHV-1 to EHV-5) affecting horses.

The two most common strains are EHV-1, which can cause respiratory problems, abortion in pregnant mares and, in rare cases (including an outbreak in southern Britain in January 2020 and a major outbreak linked to a showground in Valencia, Spain that began in February 2021 and spread widely around Europe), neurological problems leading to paralysis and in some cases death; and EHV-4, which most commonly causes mild respiratory problems and very occasionally a single case of abortion in a pregnant mare.

EHV is not a notifiable disease by law in the UK, although the Horseracing Betting Levy Board’s code of practice for the disease calls for thoroughbred breeders to notify the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association if EHV abortion or neurological diseases occur. Other breeders should inform their relevant breed association. Previously the Animal Health Trust also kept track of cases, but they can now be followed through the International Collating Centre (ICC).

There is a vaccine available for EHV, but effective biosecurity is equally important, alongside quarantine during an outbreak. Regular vaccination can lead to a reduction in infectious virus circulating in the population and it is likely to have helped, along with preventative management measures and biosecurity, in reducing the number of outbreaks of disease reported. There is evidence of reduced respiratory disease and abortion in vaccinated animals, however the efficacy of vaccination to prevent the neurological form of the disease is unclear.

It is not recommended to use the vaccine on any horses that may have recently been exposed to the infection while an outbreak is ongoing. That said, vaccination may be advisable for the horses, outside the immediate geographical location of the outbreak, to reduce the long term viral shedding and improve herd immunity. There are currently no official requirements for vaccination against equine herpes virus in the United Kingdom, but it is required for thoroughbreds racing in France.

Types of EHV

EHV-1 can cause respiratory disease in young horses, abortion in pregnant mares and paralysis in horses of all ages and types. The neurological form that causes paralysis is called EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

EHV-2 rarely leads to clinic signs, but it can suppress immunity and make the horse more prone to other infections as well as causing respiratory disease in some cases.

EHV-3 is a venereal disease that causes lesions on the penis of stallions and the vulva of mares.

EHV-4 usually causes low-level respiratory problems, but can occasionally cause abortion. It is also known as equine rhinopneumonitis virus.

EHV-5 is associated with pneumonia and lung scarring (equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis) in adult horses

EHV-6 to EHV-9 cause infections in wild equids, including asses and zebra.

Is it serious?

While most cases of EHV result in a relatively mild respiratory disease, it can cause either a single or group of pregnant mares to miscarry their unborn foals without warning, or a horse to show mild neurological abnormalities when walking and within hours be unable to stand.

The risks should not be under-estimated and a vet should be contacted for any horse showing signs. Data from recent outbreaks suggest the virus may be becoming more virulent, i.e. more likely to spread. This is another reason why effective biosecurity is so important.

Following the major outbreak in Europe in spring 2021, the FEI put in place new horse health requirements to help protect horses competing at international events.

What are the signs of equine herpes virus?

Most often seen in groups of young horses (weaned foals and yearlings), the signs of the respiratory form of the disease may include:

Raised temperature
Coughing
Watery nasal discharge that can become thick and infected
Lack of interest in food
Swollen glands around the throat
Conjunctivitis

Signs of the neurological disease may include:

Lethargy
Hind limb weakness and a lack of coordination
Head tilt
Inability to lift the tail
Dribbling urine/difficulty in urinating
Leaning against a fence or wall
Inability to stand
Neurological signs may be preceded by fever and respiratory signs

In abortion cases, the mare will unexpectedly lose her unborn foal, or a foal carried to term may be born weak, with breathing problems and die within the first few days.

Respiratory disease caused by EHV is most often seen in weaned foals and yearlings, typically in autumn and winter. However, older horses can also pick up the virus without showing obvious signs and then transmit it to others. The ability to shed the virus without showing signs is why EHV can spread widely leading to abortion in pregnant mares and cases of EHV neurological disease in horses of all types and ages.

How is it spread?

A horse becomes infected with EHV by inhaling the virus that has been expelled into the air by an infected horse coughing or sneezing, or it can be transmitted via infection in the local environment, or directly from horse to horse.

Unlike equine flu, EHV does not travel long distances in the air (only up to about 50 metres), but it is thought to be increasingly infectious and can spread quickly within groups of horses that are living together either in paddocks, open barns or America barn-style stable yards, or when they come into contact with other horses at shows or training events.

The incubation period may be as short as 24 hours, but more typically is approximately four to six days, and horses are most infectious in the early stages of infection (when their temperature is raised). This is why regular twice daily monitoring of temperatures is a wise protective precaution.

When mares abort due to the EHV infection, the fetus, fetal membranes and fluids can release large quantities of infectious virus into the local environment, which can then be inhaled or spread indirectly by those caring for the mare and the equipment they use. This is a particular concern when horses are stabled with shared air space, which allows the virus to spread, such as within a barn, without the wind being able to dissipate the infection as it would in an outdoor paddock. The virus can survive in the local environment for up to a month after being shed by a horse.

Diagnosis of equine herpes virus

Your vet will base their diagnosis on clinical history and signs, followed by tests to isolate the virus on nasal swabs taken as early as possible after infection is suspected.

In addition blood samples will be taken to measure the levels of antibodies in the blood when the horse is first examined by the vet and then again two to three weeks later. An increase in the levels of antibodies seen in the blood will confirm recent exposure to the virus.

Treatment of equine herpes virus

There is no specific treatment for EHV currently available, so careful nursing is key to helping horses recover. Because EHV is a virus, antibiotics are not effective against it, but your vet may prescribe them where a secondary infection is present. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce high temperatures and give pain relief where necessary. Intravenous fluids may be required in some cases. Occasionally anti-viral medications are prescribed, although these are not licensed for use in horses.

Horses showing signs of a respiratory infection should receive complete rest in a dust-free environment.

Horses showing neurological signs should be cared for in an appropriate location, such as a well-bedded stable, barn or paddock with feed and water within easy reach. If a horse becomes unable to stand and remains recumbent, nursing care becomes challenging and regrettably euthanasia may be recommended on welfare grounds. There are a few reports of some recumbent horses that have recovered with intensive care, careful nursing and support, for instance, with purpose-designed slings.

Mares that have aborted due to EHV usually appear well in themselves and do not require any special nursing, but they should be isolated for 28 days to reduce the chance to spreading the infection further and kept separate from other pregnant mares for eight weeks.

What to do during an equine herpes virus outbreak

If a case of EHV is confirmed on your yard, then all horse movement on and off the premise should cease. It is recommended that movement restrictions are kept in place for at least 28 days after the last case and that the local equestrian community should be informed.

Horses that are confirmed with EHV should be isolated with strict barrier nursing and biosecurity measures put in place to reduce the likelihood of the virus spreading. Ideally separate staff should attend to the infected horse(s) using suitable protective clothing and biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

The use of virucidal disinfectants and heat can destroy the virus so stables, equipment and transport should be cleaned, steam cleaned and then disinfected with an approved disinfectant. Bedding should be removed and destroyed. Where possible virucidal disinfectant should be allowed to dry naturally on suitable surfaces to maximise the chance of destroying the virus.

If there is an outbreak of EHV in your local area, it may be wise to stop hacking out or going to external training, shows or hunting to minimise the risk of coming in contact with the virus. This will help to contain the outbreak and prevent it spreading to other yards.

Can you vaccinate against equine herpes?

There is an equine herpes vaccine available with evidence of reduced respiratory disease and abortion in vaccinated animals, however the efficacy of vaccination to prevent the neurological form of the disease is unclear.

In non-pregnant horses, the primary vaccination course involves two vaccinations four to six weeks apart, followed by booster vaccines every six months. Pregnant mares are typically vaccinated at five, seven and nine months of gestation to reduce the risk of abortion associated with EHV.

It is not recommended to vaccinate any horse that may have recently been exposed to the virus. Horses that have no risk of having been exposed to the virus can receive the vaccination while an outbreak is ongoing, provided they are not going to be exposed in the near future, e.g. they are going to remain in a closed yard and are not going to be travelling. It is not recommended to vaccinate any horses in the vicinity of any suspected outbreak.

Vaccination is particularly useful for horses less than five years of age, those in contact with pregnant mares and horse kept where there are frequent equine movements on and off the premises.

How to prevent an equine herpes virus outbreak

Good biosecurity and hygiene practices are key. Even if your horse is vaccinated, you should still be strict in observing effective biosecurity measures.

Biosecurity recommendations include:

When away from your own yard, do not allow your horse to touch other horses, share drinking water or graze
Avoid touching other people’s horses or sharing any equipment
Practice hand washing in between handling horses
Keep separate feed buckets, brushes, towels, and tack/equipment for each horse
Know your horse’s normal temperature and take it twice a day, especially after your horse has been away to a show or external training session
Have a plan for isolating new arrivals or potentially infected horses
Early identification and reporting of ill horses is vital in order to trace possible points of exposure and to aid in the prevention of further spread of the disease.

There is a view that the management in the early stages following identification of a potentially infectious horse frequently determines the extent and scope of transmission and potential outbreak.

Always ensure you are ready for rapid implementation of an isolation plan at a competition grounds and/or at your home yard. Although not all yards have such a facility, it makes sense to isolate horses at first signs of illness and contact your vet immediately for advice.

When any new horse comes on to your yard, it should be isolated for three to four weeks to avoid bringing a new infection into an established group of horses. You should also consider what precautions to apply when a horse is returning to the yard from a show, training or veterinary treatment.

Due to being at particular risk from EHV, it is recommended that pregnant broodmares be kept separate from horses that are attending competitions or external training sessions.

If you have any concerns or questions, always consult your own vet.

Further reading

Latest update: 19 November, 2024

Colic in horses: what every horse owner needs to know

Carol Phillips — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:30:01 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Colic in horses is a term used to describe all types of abdominal pain, rather than a single condition or disease. It can affect horses of all ages and types and can occur at any time of the year. Colic can vary from a mild bout of discomfort that resolves itself, to something more serious that requires medical management, or worst of all a serious abdominal crisis requiring emergency colic surgery. Every year hundred of horses lose their lives to colic, with some high profile top competition and racehorses among them.

Most colic cases are successfully cured medically, but 5-10% will require surgery. It is difficult to know which colic case fits into which category, as in the early stages the clinical signs are very similar. Therefore it is vital that a vet is called promptly so they can give expert advice and differentiate whether the problem is medical or surgical as early as possible. The aim is to start appropriate treatment as quickly as possible. Any colic that requires surgical intervention has a much better chance of success if surgery gets underway quickly.

What are the signs of colic in horses?

The signs of colic vary from case to case, but studies have shown that of horses with colic:

44% roll43% paw continuously or intermittently29% lie down for long periods21% get up and down14% repeatedly look at their flank13% curl their upper lip10% back into a corner7% kick at their abdomen4% stand in a stretched position as if trying to pass urine1% fail to pass droppings for longer than 24hr

Regarding which signs are most likely to indicate that a colic is serious, a high heart rate, abnormal colour of the membranes of the eye and mouth, and the absence of bowel sounds in at least one of the four abdominal quadrants where a vet listens with a stethoscope, were found to be most significant when two large equine practices in Derbyshire and Kent carefully analysed more than 940 colic cases attended over a four-year period. While things like internal rectal examination findings, temperature, behaviour and sweating all add to the picture, they found if heart rate, membranes and bowel sounds are normal, a colic case is much less likely to be critical.

Types of colic in horses

There are many different types of colic that horses can suffer from. The list below is not exhaustive, but covers some of the most common examples.

Spasmodic colic: This occurs when the smooth pattern of peristalsis is disrupted, so that gut motility is irregular and it typically presents as periods of acute pain with calmer episodes. It is also known as gas colic, as there may be a build-up of gas in the horse’s gut due to excess fermentation within the intestines or a decreased ability to move gas through it.

It may be caused by a change of diet, a lack of roughage or parasites or other variables from the norm, such as stress, anxiety, transport or unaccustomed hard exercise. The clinical signs are generally mild and respond well to pain relief and spasmolytic medications. Food is normally withheld for a few hours and gradually reintroduced. The prognosis is good.

Impaction colic: A horse kept in a natural environment at grass will graze most of the time, so food passes through the gut at a steady rate. A horse that is stabled and worked will have its diet adjusted accordingly, so that it is no longer a fairly constant trickle feeder. There is an increased risk with a change in management, for example, the hunter brought in after a summer at grass, especially if it is then stabled on edible bedding such as straw. Some such horses will develop a blockage in the intestine, most commonly at the pelvic flexure where the large intestine has a U bend, i.e. the gut contents have to move around a 180 degree turn. The majority of impactions typically respond well to medical treatment in the form of pain relief, fluids and laxatives especially if treated early, but a few cases will require surgery. The prognosis is good, provided there is no underlying cause of the impaction, such as grass sickness.

Sand colic: This colic is most typically seen in horses kept on sandy pastures, especially when there is limited grazing available. The horse ingests sand (and dirt) that accumulates in the gut. It can lead to an impaction or it can irritate the lining of the bowel, causing diarrhoea. The weight and abrasion of the sand or dirt causes the bowel wall to become inflamed and can, in severe cases, lead to peritonitis. Surgery may be required to remove the impacted sand, but the majority of cases will respond to aggressive medical therapy.

Torsion or twisted gut: Various parts of the horse’s gastrointestinal tract have the potential to rotate upon itself, leading to a section of the bowel becoming entrapped and an interruption in blood supply to that section. This in turn causes the section of bowel that has its blood supply cut off to leak bacteria and toxins, resulting in rapid severe fatal toxic shock and potentially gut rupture. A twisted gut is extremely painful for the horse and requires emergency surgery to rectify otherwise it will be fatal.

Tumours and previous damage to the gut wall caused by intestinal parasitic worms can also result in colic.

If you think your horse has colic…

If you suspect your horse has colic, you should call your vet immediately. While you are waiting for your vet to arrive, the horse should not allowed to eat, although water should not be withheld.

Should you walk a horse with colic?

If the horse is only showing relatively mild signs of discomfort, they can be walked gently in hand for up to 10mins to help encourage the natural movement of the gut until the vet arrives. Do not keep the horse walking for longer periods as this will just tire them unnecessarily.

If the horse is trying to lay down and roll, the handler should not try to prevent this. Contrary to popular belief, rolling does not cause a twisted gut, although a twisted gut may make the horse want to roll. Above all be careful when handling a horse with colic. It is best either to put the horse loose in a stable with a deep bed after removing any buckets or other items which could cause injury while the horse is rolling, or lead the horse into an arena with a soft surface with a lunge rein attached to the headcollar. The handler should be wearing a safety hat and gloves.

Diagnosis of colic in horses

The vet needs to do a full physical examination, taking into account the clinical signs shown. If a horse is behaving violently, sedation may be required to perform a proper examination, often including an internal or rectal examination of the hindgut. Frequently a sample of peritoneal fluid will be collected as this can provide additional useful information. Abdominal ultrasound is also an important additional technique in evaluation any horse with colic. The vet will also take into account the horse’s history and whether there have been any recent changes to their management before deciding how to proceed.

How do you treat colic in a horse?

As the causes and types of colic are so varied, the treatment prescribed by the vet will depend on what clinical signs the horse is showing and the severity of pain and the response to pain relief.

If your horse does not respond with medical treatment at home, then consideration should be given as to whether it is appropriate for the horse to be transported to an equine hospital as promptly as is safely possible to do so. If referral is not an option, and the horse does not respond to further medical treatment, then euthanasia may be required.

The challenging case for both horse owner and vet are the ones that do not fit into either obvious category in that they are not bad enough to justify surgery or euthanasia, but still show recurrent signs of colic or fail to respond well to pain relief. In these case further investigations and probably an admission to hospital may be necessary.

Prognosis after colic

A horse that has suffered a single episode of spasmodic colic or minor impaction is likely to recover fully after treatment and should be able to gradually return to work after a few days to recover. Their day-to-day management going forwards should take into consideration their colic history and avoid any typical risk factors, such as rapid changes in diet including turnout, to avoid future bouts.

A horse that survives colic surgery (about 80% do) will face a recovery period of a few months. Cases where the first few days after surgery go smoothly can return home within five to seven days, while others may require several days of intravenous fluids and intensive medical care, or even repeat surgery.

Once discharged from hospital, colic surgery patients require box rest to allow the abdominal incision to heal, followed by periods of controlled turnout and gradually increased exercise. Most patients can return to gradually increasing work within four to six months. Many horses that have undergone surgical colic have successfully returned to full competitive work.

What causes colic in horses?

As colic is such a varied condition, its causes are numerous. It certainly is a case where prevention is far better than cure. While not every case can be prevented, the following should lower the risk.

Allow free access to forage whenever possible, both in the stable and during turnout
If the horse needs hard feed, feed little and often. Avoid single large meals
Choose feeds that are low in starch and high in fibre to aid gut health; if extra energy is needed, choose a feed with a higher level of oil
Do not feed forage or hard feed that is musty or mouldy
Avoid making sudden changes to your horse’s diet. This includes changes in forage or turnout on to lush grazing
Have fresh water available to drink at all times
Ensure your horse’s teeth are checked regularly by an vet or qualified equine dental technician
Maintain a regular worming programme by performing regular faecal worm egg counts, as recommended by a vet or suitably qualified person
Avoid situations where your horse is at risk of ingesting sand

Other risk factors include:

Stress, including travelling, competing or changes in routine
Stereotypical behaviours such as wind-sucking and crib-biting
Long periods of confinement (for example, during box-rest)

Research links

Short-Term Survival and Postoperative Complications Rates in Horses Undergoing Colic Surgery: A Multicentre Study – Animals, March 2023

A cross-sectional study of colic in horses on Thoroughbred training premises in the British Isles in 1997 – Equine Veterinary Journal, Jan 2010

Return to use and performance following exploratory celiotomy for colic in horses: 195 cases (2003–2010) – Equine Veterinary Journal, Aug 2012

Risk factors associated with colic in horses – ResearchGate, Nov 2002 (PDF)

Gastric ulcers in horses: the important facts every owner needs to know

Carol Phillips — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 07:30:57 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Gastric ulcers in horses (also known as equine gastric ulcer syndrome or EGUS) are a common problem, particular among racehorses and elite competition horses, although horses of all ages and types can have them, particularly if they have limited access to forage. Foals are also susceptible, not least because they have relatively thin gastric mucosa.

There are two different types of gastric ulcers that can be found in the horse’s stomach. Equine squamous gastric ulcers occur when the digestive stomach acids come in to contact with the upper part of the stomach lining, which does not have the same protective layer as the lower part of the stomach. Glandular ulcers affect the bottom two-thirds of the stomach, which is submerged below the acidic gastric juices. The correct names for these two conditions are equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD).

It can be hard to interpret the significance of gastric ulcers in the horse, as some positive cases will have no definitive clinical signs and it is important to review the whole horse’s health picture and not just the ulcers themselves.

Equine gastric ulcers [1,106 words]: Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Causes of gastric ulcers in horses

In a natural environment the horse will graze for up to 16hr a day, so the acidity is reduced by the forage filling the stomach almost constantly, as well as by bicarbonate in the saliva that is produced as the horse chews.

If stabled horses have access to ad-lib hay, haylage or grass, this natural preventative process continues. But if they are fed high-concentrate diets with only limited access to forage, the acidity in the stomach increases.

Any prolonged period without forage intake, whether due to management practices or illness, leads to increased gastric acidity and a risk of ulcers.

Training which includes fast work, especially on an empty stomach, increases the risk of the acid splashing around, resulting in damage the upper part of the stomach.

Stress can also be a factor.

Research undertaken in the UK¹ on the stomachs of slaughtered horses showed that even feral ponies living on the moors can develop gastric ulcers, although it was unclear whether they were living with them all the time or had developed them during the brief period between round-up and slaughter. The samples were all taken from animals slaughtered in mid-summer, when grazing was at its best and the predicted environmental stress at its lowest.

Diagnosing gastric ulcers in horses

There are no definitive external signs that a horse is suffering from gastric ulcers, but clues suggesting a performance horse may be suffering include:

decreased performance
attitude change (reluctance to work/not wanting to be tacked up)
poor body condition
reduced appetite
low-grade colic

Studies show that stride length in racehorses with ulcers decreases significantly. Equally in sports horses, the discomfort associated with stomach ulcers can cause a reluctance to engage abdominal muscles to extend, collect or jump.

To confirm that ulcers are present and what grade they are, a vet will use a 3m long videoendoscope to view the stomach lining of the horses (a gastric endoscopy) while the horse is sedated.

Treatment options

Gastric ulcers have been most commonly treated with an equine-specific form of omeprazole, given at a dose based on bodyweight. Other medications are now being used in some cases, so consult your vet for the most up-to-date advice. How long the horse requires this will depend on how bad the ulcers are and the management of that horse and its diet.

Squamous lesions that are widespread and shallow typically heal faster (within 14-21 days) than more focal, deep lesions, which can take up to a month or even longer.

After this period gastric endoscopy can be repeated to check how the healing is progressing. If all is well treatment can move on to the maintenance stage to avoid the ulcers from reoccurring. If all treatment is stopped at this point there is a high risk that the ulcers may reform (approximately 80% within six weeks).

For maintenance owners can continue using equine-specific omeprazole, but reduce the amount to a quarter dose. This is relatively effective in most cases and also user-friendly as it is a once-a-day treatment.

The alternative is to use an acid-neutralising feed supplement (containing aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate — think “Rennie” for your horse). This approach is less consistent and the supplement must be given three to four times daily, as its effect is short-lived.

There are a variety of other supplements containing different fibrous material or proteins, seaweed, plant or mineral extracts; however, none of them have been proven to be clinically effective in either the treatment or prevention of squamous ulceration.

Treatment for glandular gastric ulcers

A horse that has ulcers in the glandular area of the stomach (EGGD) will require different treatment.

These glandular ulcers will often need additional treatment with the mucosal protectant sucralfate as well as omeprazole. Another option is a coating agent supplement containing pectin and lecithin, given up to twice daily, which is often started at diagnosis and then continued for at least three months.

Also, a specific prostaglandin analogue is being used as an increasingly popular treatment. This has multiple mechanisms of action that may be of benefit, including suppressing acid production and helping healing, which is particularly beneficial for the glandular form of ulceration.

Different treatment options should be discussed with your vet, depending on the precise type of ulceration affecting your horse.

Preventing gastric ulcers in horses

Any horse that has been diagnosed as having gastric ulcers, alongside horses that are high-risk of developing them, need their management reviewed in order to reduce the likelihood of the ulcers taking hold. Knowing how to feed horses with gastric ulcers is really important.

The following steps are recommended²:

Allow access to high-quality forage, predominantly during the day (7am to 11pm), at a minimum daily rate of 1.5kg/100kg body weight (BWT). This should ideally be given continuously or at no more than 6hr intervals
Create multiple forage sources in the stable to improve eating consistency and allow foraging activity
Either hay (dry, soaked or steamed) or haylage can be used as the main forage source — there’s no difference between them in relation to ulceration
Feed no more than 0.25kg/100kgBWT of straw. This should not be the only forage source
Provide continuous access to fresh, clean water 24hrs a day
Split the concentrate ration into three rather than two meals per day
Opt for grains such as barley and oats instead of sweet feeds
Add chaff to all meals
Completely pelleted diets generate more stomach acid than the same diet formulated as a coarse mix
Buy a suitable high-quality feed, but bear in mind that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of specific “gastric healthy” commercial diets, nor of one manufacturer’s feed being better than another’s
Add a little corn oil or rapeseed oil (50-100ml per day) to help reduce the amount of stomach acid produced
Consider using fermented probiotics and the yeast Saccharomyces cervasii, which may increase the digestibility of the horse’s diet, so improving large intestinal function
Feed chaff before exercise — 2 litres chaff given within 30mins of exercise may trap acid and limit ulceration, and improve gastric blood supply. Use a 2-litre plastic drink bottle with the top cut off as a measure
Remember turn out at grass is beneficial for the majority of horses.

Research by feed manufacturer Dengie published in October 20183 found while knowledge of EGUS management techniques was good among the owners that took part in its online survey, many were not implementing all the advice. Specifically, while 67% of respondents who believed their horses had EGUS had increased access to hay or fibre, only 55% were feeding chaff before work, while only 38% had cut cereals and starch out of their horse’s diets.

References and further reading

1: A comparison of the prevalence of gastric ulceration in feral and domesticated horses in the UK – October 2015

2: How to keep gastric ulcers at bay: simple 12-step plan – January 2016

3: Owners failing to act to help horses with ulcers – October 2018

Kissing spines in horses: what all owners need to know

Carol Phillips — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:30:12 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kissing spines can cause severe pain and seriously affect a horse’s performance. Find out what the signs are and how it can be treated...

A horse with kissing spines is thought to feel consistent, low-grade pain from its back because the spinous processes (the sections of bone that point upward from the main vertebrae that carry the spinal column) press against or rub on each other during movement. The veterinary description of kissing spines is impingement (when the bones are touching) or overriding (when the bones overlap) dorsal spinous processes (IDSP/ODSP).

The bones with the spinous processes run from the first thoracic vertebra (T1) at the horse’s withers to the last lumbar vertebra (L6) at the point of the hip, with the T13 to T18 bones being the most commonly affected. This is the area where the saddle and the rider are located.

It is important to be aware that although changes on X-rays can be readily identified, they are typically insufficient to make a diagnosis. Many horses with changes on X-ray do not show any signs of discomfort. This is certainly a challenging condition with more to it that might at first appear.

Kissing spines in horses: Typical signs | Diagnosis | Horses at risk | Treatment | Prognosis

Typical signs of kissing spines

The signs of kissing spines can be subtle and are non-specific, but may include:

The horse showing signs of discomfort (such as shifting weight, pulling faces, biting) when being groomed over the back or when pressure is applied to the back such as when the saddle is put on or girthed up
Changes to the horse’s normal temperament and demeanour when working or being prepared to work
The horse may become difficult to mount, refusing to stand still, running backwards or forwards when the rider’s weight is added
When being worked the horse may show signs of stiffness through the back. It may be unwilling/unable to work ‘on the bit’ preferring a hollow or constantly changing outline or repeatedly tossing its head.
The horse may struggle to make transitions between the paces or within a pace, dropping behind the rider’s leg and show a reluctance to go forwards with impulsion
The horse may buck, rear, run away, kick out, or repeatedly shy
Canter is often a key indicator of kissing spines with many horses struggling to pick up the correct lead or maintain a true three-beat canter, tending to break or go disunited instead
A horse with kissing spines is likely to show a loss of muscle mass across its topline
Horses may also be reluctant to roll or lie down

Many of the typical signs can also be caused by a behavioural or training issue, or a medical condition that is not related to the horse’s back, so keeping a note of any changes you notice so you can share this detailed history with a vet is key so they can form part of the discussion prior to diagnosis.

It is noteworthy that some horses live with indications of kissing spines shown on X-rays without showing signs of discomfort and have a successful working life without requiring any veterinary intervention.

If your horse is showing a combination of the signs above, we would recommend working with your vet and your trainer together to identify the source of the issue as soon as possible. Further investigations are important rather than relying on vague signs or X-rays alone.

Diagnosing kissing spines

A vet called to a suspected kissing spines case will want to hear the horse’s history and will take into consideration its age, breed and gender. They will typically undertake a complete physical examination of the horse, including hands-on palpation of the entire body – not just the horse’s back.

This will be followed by a lameness examination, with the horse trotted-up in hand, potentially lunged and then worked under saddle, if this can be done safely, so they can compare the horse’s movement and way of going with and without a load on its back.

Some vets will inject a local anaesthetic between the spinal processes that they believe to be troublesome — basically a nerve block — before repeating the lameness work-up. Ultimately thorough clinical imaging is the best way to confirm if the spinal processes are impinging on each other. As well as the often all too obvious X-ray changes, nuclear scintigraphy (bone scans), thermography, and ultrasound are also options that can provide helpful information.

“Kissing spine often has very subtle symptoms,” says Dr Svend Kold, a specialist in equine orthopaedic surgery. “We watch the horse being schooled and look at everything, including the horse’s demeanour, limbs, posture, whether he is accepting the bit, whether he unlocked in his back, and the expression on his face. The trot is often okay, but the horse invariably struggles to maintain a three-beat canter and frequently gets disunited.”

What types of horses are affected?

It is predominantly racehorses and competition horses who are referred for treatment. This could be because it is more noticeable in performance horses due to the physical demands on them, while in horses used for hacking and low-level work, the problem may go unnoticed. Alternatively, it may be that performance horses are more prone to the condition, due to the physical demands placed on them. Researchers have also found evidence that the condition can be hereditary, and have identified a gene³ linked to cases of kissing spines – and its severity.

Veterinary literature has suggested that up to 34% of horses (which tend to be over-represented by thoroughbreds) may show signs of kissing spine on X-rays, but many do not exhibit any clinical signs as a result of them. It is always important to rule out other causes for concern, such as a poorly fitting saddle, rider issues or indeed lack of fitness.

Treatment for kissing spine

In cases where a definitive diagnosis has been made that the kissing spines are the true source of pain with the horse showing obvious signs of discomfort, surgery can be used to rectify the problem. However, the original operation developed has been modified in recent years to offer a far less invasive, and much cheaper option, with a far shorter recovery period.

“Instead of removing sections of bone, the ligaments between the spinal processes are cut — an interspinous ligament desmotomy (ISLD),” explains Ricky Farr, MRCVS. “This can be done under standing sedation.

“Some of the ligaments between the spinous processes in the back are cut through a very small incision (usually less than 1-2 cm) in the skin. This technique has gained popularity among surgeons due to being minimally-invasive and horses are often back into work within six to eight weeks.”

The ISLD is typically best suited to cases where the spinous processes are close and believed to be touching at times when the horse is in motion, rather than cases where the bones are significantly overlapping. In these cases, removal of bone may be required.

The original operation, which was developed in the 1980s, saw significant chunks of bone removed from the spine under general anaesthetic with recovery times of three months or more. The risk of complications from this type of surgery is also much higher.

In some cases an ISLD under standing sedation is now combined with a “bone shave” process, where some smaller sections of bone are removed via an incision along the top of the back, but which does not require a general anaesthetic.

Dr Kold explains the traditional surgery process: “After the incision along the back, we would cut through the supraspinous ligament. Once all muscular and ligamentous attachments are severed down either side, we cut off around half the spinal processes, removing about three inches of bone. Next, the ligaments and skin are sutured. After the procedure, a void is left, as the bone doesn’t re-grow and a blood clot forms, followed by fibrous tissue.”

A small US study¹ (18 horses), published in 2020, found horses which showed improvement when having their back “blocked” with local anaesthetic during diagnosis were more likely to experience a long-term improvement in clinical signs after undergoing ISLD surgery than those who were not tested prior to surgery.

Non-surgical treatment options

Whether or not to operate depends on how badly the bones are pressing on each other, the individual horse’s tolerance levels, his lifestyle and the owner’s financial situation.

Some horses with confirmed kissing spines can be successfully managed with ongoing physiotherapy and targeted training to strengthen and maintain the horse’s core muscles and the muscles over the horses back to help support the spinal column. This work may need to be combined with regular, such as twice-yearly, steroid injections into the area between the relevant spinal processes to reduce inflammation.

A rehab programme of physiotherapy and training to strengthen the horse’s back and core muscles will also be required after surgery, and then maintained in the long-term to reduce the likelihood of the problem re-occuring.

Equine surgeon Bruce Bladon says: “In cases where we’re talking about the normal flexibility of the spine occasionally resulting in the edges of the bones ‘kissing’, it is easy to see how increased muscle tone as a result of physiotherapy and a change in work, might prevent this.”

Other methods that your vet may recommend to help control the pain and inflammation associated with kissing spines include:

shock wave therapy
therapeutic ultrasound
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
muscle relaxants
chiropractic
acupuncture

Prognosis

Most horses diagnosed with kissing spines are able to return to ridden work after appropriate veterinary treatment and a recommended rehab programme is completed. In some cases they may be unable to return to the same level of work as before, but are comfortable when working at a lower level. Research from a 2019 study² of 71 cases dating from 2012 to 2017 undertaken in the US found 91.1% of horses successfully returned to work after ISLD surgery, with 52.9% returning to the same or a higher level of performance than before surgery.

Paddock retirement is an option for most horses if the owner is unwilling or unable to undertake the appropriate veterinary treatment and rehabilitation that the horse requires, but some will cope well with an adjusted riding regime, so never give up too quickly. Very few horses with kissing spines require euthanasia, unless they have other underlying issues that cause ongoing pain.

It is worth noting that some horses with kissing spines will also have limb lameness and/or suffer from gastric ulcers that may be directly or indirectly associated with their back pain. In some cases the limb lameness only becomes clear once the back pain has been resolved. It is also possible that the back pain is secondary to the lameness, so it is always best to consider the bigger picture.

Kissing spines case study (the author’s horse)

In early 2021, my rising six-year-old 16.2hh Irish Sport Horse was diagnosed with kissing spines. He initially presented with some straightness issues, preferring to carry his left hind on an inside track on the left rein, and step out of line to the outside on the right rein. He would occasionally catch a toe behind and would often take a shorter stride with the left hind. He also struggled to maintain an outline, particularly in trot, and felt like he was pulling himself along with his shoulders, rather than pushing from behind. He would often trip in front. In general, his behaviour was becoming increasingly unpredictable and volatile, particularly when being ridden.

A lameness work-up didn’t show anything significant, but my vet agreed that he was clearly more uncomfortable when ridden than being lunged or trotted-up in hand on any surface. He went to a referral centre for X-rays and a bone scan in the hope this would help us get to the bottom of the problem. The bone scan did show up hot spots in his back and the X-rays confirmed that the bones were very close in a number of places, showing signs of occasional impingement. While at the referral centre, the vets put some pain relief into the problems areas to see if this made him more comfortable under saddle and it did seem to help.

X-ray before surgery showing the close spinous processes with some early signs of bone remodeling. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Initially we attempted conservative treatment, with steroids into the close areas and a programme of lunging and long lining before getting back in the saddle. We saw some improvement, but in just a few weeks, it was clear he was becoming uncomfortable again. We tried an additional batch of steroid injections into his back to help him through this tricky period, then a few weeks later, we had an incident while being ridden where I was knocked out and ended up in A&E. At this point we decided to go for surgery. We turned him away for the month or so we had to wait for his appointment as he was being increasingly difficult to handle at this stage.

The same horse’s back after surgery showing the bone that has been removed and the staples above closing the incision. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

My horse had an ISLD in four places under standing sedation, combined with a bone shave (ostectomy) of one process, in mid June. He was discharged a few days after surgery and moved to a specialist rehab yard, where he stayed until the end of August. They oversaw his two weeks of box rest, after which his staples were removed, then gradually reintroduced controlled exercise, including use of a water treadmill every other day, along with lunging, long-lining and turnout, enabling him to build up his strength gradually. He also had physio sessions. His general demeanor improved considerable, making him much easier to handle. I had his saddle refitted in mid August and sat back on him for the first time late August, before bringing him home to his normal yard.

Over the next few months we did a lot of groundwork, long-lining and lunging, including work over poles, with small amounts of ridden work, which we increased gradually. We started hacking out in mid September and had our first canter under saddle in November. He continued to show improvement in his strength and way of going, until I felt he was ready to have his first small jumps under saddle in February – eight months after surgery.

We are now three years on from surgery and he successfully returned to full regular work, including jumping up to 1m and working up to elementary level on the flat. I continue to monitor his back carefully with physio every eight weeks and frequent saddle fit checks. I also work to maintain his core strength, including daily carrot stretches, work in-hand, and ridden polework every week.

Unfortunately he picked up a deep digital flexor tendon injury in his near fore in October 2023, so he has undergone another period of careful rehab. Although he has returned to ridden work, we are not jumping at present, although I am hopeful we will be able to start again later in the year.

References

1. Long-term outcome and effect of diagnostic analgesia in horses undergoing interspinous ligament desmotomy for overriding dorsal spinous processes Kara A Brown, Elizabeth J Davidson, Kyla Ortved, Michael W Ross, Darko Stefanovski, Kathryn B Wulster, David G Levine – 9 January 2020

2. Long-term prognosis for return to athletic function after interspinous ligament desmotomy for treatment of impinging and overriding dorsal spinous processes in horses: 71 cases (2012-2017) Amanda J Prisk, José M García-López – 22 July 2019

3. Genomic loci associated with performance limiting equine overriding spinous processes (kissing spines) L.Patterson Rosaa, B.Whitaker, K.Allen, D.Peters, B.Buchanan, S.McClure, C.Honnas, C.Buchanan, K.Martin, E.Lundquist, M.Vierra, G.Foster, S.A.Brooks, C.Lafayette – 5 December 2022

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) / arthritis in horses: all you need to know

Carol Phillips — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:12:00 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is another name for osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis in horses. It is a chronic, (i.e. long-standing) disease in which the cartilage on the ends of bones wears down, resulting in loss of joint mobility, swelling, heat and pain.

It is a common cause of lameness, reduced performance or stiffness, especially among older horses, that often improves with gentle exercise. It can affect a single joint or several joints simultaneously. In more severe cases it is a common cause for retirement of an older horse.

Bone spavin (arthritis of the lower hock joints) and ringbone (arthritis of the pastern or coffin joints) are two of the best-known examples, but any joints are at risk.

The causes of DJD are not clear and currently the condition cannot be prevented. Once established, it can only be managed, not cured. Management must aim to reduce pain and minimise progression of the condition by stimulating the cartilage and inhibiting further degradation.

Another serious type of arthritis found in horses is septic arthritis. This is an acute form of DJD caused by a bacterial infection inside a joint. It is typically seen in foals that have compromised immune systems or systemic disease, as well as in horses of any age that have suffered a traumatic injury near a joint. In all such cases, infection enters the joint cavity, which can be difficult to treat. Unless a septic joint is treated rapidly and aggressively, usually by flushing out the contamination, it can be career-ending.

Arthritis/DJD in horses: Signs | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prognosis

Signs of DJD

Typical signs of DJD include:

Horse demonstrates stiffness that gradually reduces with gentle work
Swelling of one or more joints in the leg; commonly the lower limb, such as the fetlock, pastern joints, knee and/or hock
Lameness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of DJD follows a thorough physical and lameness examination by your vet. X-rays can be used to assess the severity of the joint damage.

Treatment of DJD

Most arthritic conditions of ‘high motion’ joints (such as the fetlock) cope well if you can maintain active movement through low impact exercise, in addition to reducing the load and internal inflammation within the joint.

This can be achieved via a treatment plan focusing on both:

Physical management — such as changes in diet, exercise, shoeing, stable/environment
Pharmacological management — the use of drugs

Physical

As long as lameness does not increase, it is best to keep the horse active. Spend extra time warming up and avoid working the horse on hard, concussive surfaces at any pace faster than the walk.

It is important to keep the horse’s weight under control as excess weight can cause more pressure on the joints.

Talk to your vet and farrier to ensure there is a good hoof-pastern axis in order to equalise the weight distribution throughout the lower limb.

Monitor the progress of the condition and make changes to the levels of exercise as appropriate.

Pharmacological options

Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatories — the use of oral pain killers/anti-inflammatories is common in the management of this chronic condition. A good way to help an arthritic horse is to use bute strategically — if you only ride once a week, then give bute the day before the horse is worked and the day after. By doing this you gain the maximum benefit without the body becoming used to the medication.

Steroids — There are several types of steroid available to inject into joints to reduce the ongoing inflammation, with different medication being required for different high and low motion joints. The individual advantages/disadvantages of each these need to be discussed with your vet. There are other newer options for intra-articular (i.e. into the joint) therapy, such as products derived from stem cells, see autologous products below.

Polysulphated Glycosaminoglycans — these products with the principle component chrondroitin sulphate can help to prevent cartilage degeneration.

Pentosan Polysulphate — these products have been suggested to help stimulate hyaluronic acid production within joints, which is essential for good joint function. These products include Cartrophen.

Bisphosphonates — these products are designed to affect the “turn over” of bone, which can be excessive during the arthritic process. Once again, these products have many advantages and disadvantages, which need to be individually discussed and evaluated with your vet.

Autologous products — these are products derived from the patient, quite often by extracting blood/bone marrow or fat and processing it prior to re-implantation back into the patient. This is a very specialised therapeutic avenue, but has very promising results.

Many of these treatment options are not permitted in competing racehorse and/or sports horses.

Alternative therapies

There is a range of alternative therapies that have some anecdotal evidence for use helping horses with DJD. However, very few, if any, have peer-reviewed, double-blinded studies demonstrating their effectiveness. That is not to say that they do not work, but vets require all treatments to have some form of proven safety record or, at least, should have peer-reviewed critiques of the product used.

This lack of research means few vets will recommend the use of alternative therapies to help manage DJD. However if you wish to try alternative therapies on your horse, those with anecdotal evidence to support their use include:

Under Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) rules, nutritional supplements cannot claim to treat an established medical condition, but there are numerous joint supplements available that have been formulated purporting to help support joint health. They vary in their ingredients, with many containing chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, others glucosamine alone, or a mixture of plants and herbs including meadowsweet, nettle and yucca, with devil’s claw. NB: If you are planning to compete, then you must check any supplements you are using do not contain banned substances under the rules of that governing body.

Prognosis

As with any degenerative disease, the prognosis is guarded, but in most cases a horse with DJD can be managed with a suitable exercise program, supported by appropriate medications.

The management of any degenerative condition is multifactorial and should be tailored to every individual patient with your vet, farrier, physiotherapist, nutritionist and trainer as it will vary greatly depending on the age of the horse and the work he is doing.

Further reading

Osteoarthritis: a common disease that should be avoided in the athletic horse’s life – Raquel Yvonne Arantes Baccarin et all, June 2022

Drug trial indicates significant benefits for horses with arthritis – Horse & Hound, July 2023

New gene therapy research could help treat arthritis in horses – and humans – Horse & Hound, May 2020

The horse as a model of naturally occurring osteoarthritis – C. W. McIlwraith, D. D. Frisbie & C. E. Kawcak, Nov 2012

6 common hoof problems to keep an eye out for

Alex Robinson — Fri, 31 May 2024 07:00:24 +0000

They can’t tell us when they feel under the weather so it’s our job to make sure we’re constantly monitoring our horses to spot any underlying health issues. And there are a few common hoof problems for which horse owners can be on the alert at all times.

Farrier Ben Benson AWCF describes six common hoof problems to look out for next time you are cleaning horses’ hooves…

1. Bruising

Bruising is caused by direct trauma to the foot — for example, when a horse has kicked the stable door or wall. Bruises can also occur when one foot has struck into the other in the field or during work, or when a foot hits a pole.

How to spot: Look out for any unexplained lameness. Bruising will show more clearly on white hooves than black because of the pigmentation. Black feet do bruise as often and as much as white feet, but it is just more difficult to spot.

It may be that your horse is at the end of his shoeing cycle and his feet have grown out of balance. Shortening the time between farriery visits may help resolve the issue. A shorter shoeing cycle also means the feet are less out of balance, so there will be less uneven pressure on the hoof wall.

2. Thrush

Thrush is an infection which turns healthy frog into a necrotic, infected, black, slimy horn – the bacteria rots the frog as it’s the softest and most flexible horn on the horse’s foot. If the feet are not picked out thoroughly, bacteria will begin to impregnate the horn and start to break it down, creating a microclimate of warm, soft, wet horn.

How to spot: The most obvious sign of thrush is a black, foul-smelling discharge from the frog, which itself may have softer spots and appear irregular in shape. Horses with thrush often show no signs of lameness, despite the offensive smell and discharge.

The feet must be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of it completely. Cleaning the stable and disinfecting the floor and bedding is a must, and bare rubber mats should be avoided. If your horse is on straw, shavings on the floor under the bedding will help absorb the urine. Remove all droppings from the bed as often as possible and pick out the feet a few times a day. Scrub the frog with warm water and chlorhexidine (brand name Hibiscrub), then apply an antimicrobial spray. Dry for 10 minutes then apply hoof oil over the top – this helps seal the treatment and provide a waterproof barrier against anything infected the horse may stand in between treatments.

3. Sheared heels

Sheared heels are a structural breakdown between the heel bulbs that causes deep cracks in the frog’s central groove. They often result from bad cases of thrush, but can also cause such cases – sheared heels make it nearly impossible to pick the frog out properly. Sheared heels are primarily found in horses with conformational deformities, or in those whose feet have become unbalanced.

How to spot: They are incredibly painful, so lameness is expected. It can be much worse when the horse is walking or working on soft surfaces, as they tend to ball up in the feet and put direct pressure on the affected area.

Foot balance is key to managing sheared heels, and good stable management is key to treating the secondary problem of infection. If the horse is lame and uncomfortable, take your vet’s advice on pain management. Ensure your farrier or foot trimmer is aware of the issue and amends their work accordingly.

4. Rings on the hoof wall

Rings have many causes including; changes in environment where the growth of the horn slows down or speeds up, markings where the foot experiences a direct trauma leaving a mark in the horn, or concussion where one-off accidents or random footing placements cause the hoof wall to thicken.

How to spot: The rings on feet are quite often referred to as growth rings and can be seen on the hoof wall. They become visible only some time after the event which caused them, and are often superficial and will be dressed off when the feet are trimmed or shod.

If a horse is not trimmed or shod regularly then they can be more prominent. With oblique or diagonal ridges it is always worth looking to a farrier or trimmer to make sure that the foot balance is as optimal as possible.

5. Seedy Toe

Also known as white line disease, seedy toe makes the wall and white line of the hoof crumbling and “cheesy” in texture. Very wet or very dry conditions will exacerbate seedy toe, as will too long a gap between farrier visits or if the walls are allowed to grow over the shoe.

How to spot: The hoof wall will peel away or, sometimes,  a cavity within the hoof wall will be visible.

Seedy toe is a combination of a bacterial and fungal infection; most remedies treat one or the other. Preventative measures include regular trimming to maintain foot balance and shorter trimming or shoeing cycles to reduce torque from uneven landing and loading on the shoes. Topical treatments are the mainstay of the remedies, consult your vet.

6. Cracks

Foot imbalance or overgrown feet are the main reason for cracks appearing on feet.

How to spot: Daily checks on your horse’s feet will allow you to see if a split or crack has appeared. Your vet can confirm if it is superficial or something more serious.

Make sure that feet are kept in balance and toes are not left too long. Large cracks or those that appear at the coronary band must be treated as serious. Horizontal cracks generally result from a trauma or an old infection that has blown out the coronary band. Cracks should be kept clean, and it is a good precaution to apply an antibacterial topical treatment to the split to reduce the chance of infection.

The benefits of hillwork for horses: everything you need to know

Liz Brown MRCVS — Wed, 15 May 2024 15:30:55 +0000

Hillwork is beneficial for horses across a range of disciplines.

Working on a gradient boosts cardiovascular fitness, and musculoskeletal strength and conditioning; it also helps enhance a horse’s balance and the body awareness known as proprioception.

Hillwork can be incorporated into hacking or carried out over grass fields and turf or all-weather gallops and may include long, slow distance work and faster canter or gallop work – both of which are required for optimum fitness.

A horse moving uphill is working against gravity, which increases exercise intensity. It takes more effort for the horse to travel the same distance up a slope than on the flat, so slow hillwork can be better for building muscle strength.

Cardiac output is also increased during hillwork, as greater blood flow is necessary to supply oxygen to these harder-working muscles. Cardiovascular fitness is improved by increasing the efficiency of the heart and the circulation and by an improved aerobic capacity, due to adaptations in the muscle and cardiovascular systems. However, there is virtually no increase in the capacity of the lungs and ventilatory system as a result of training.

Strength and conditioning is important in all disciplines. An event horse going across country does not rely purely on cardiovascular fitness; he must stay in balance over the twists and turns in preparation for the fences and when jumping, landing and moving away.

Similarly, a three-year-old running in the Derby is tested not only by the speed of the race, but by the unique changes in camber and the undulating terrain at Epsom, so he will need strength and balance to maintain his position.

Muscle groups are used to different extents according to gradient. When going uphill, loading on the forelimbs is reduced compared to when moving on the flat and the quarters, back and neck muscles work harder. Going downhill strengthens the pectoral, shoulder and forearm muscles, while the quadriceps muscles of the hindlimbs must stabilise and balance the horse.

The quadriceps support the patella and stifle, so work both up and downhill is good for improving stifle stability. This may benefit young horses and those with fixation or delayed release of the patella – where the medial patellar ligament remains hooked over the medial trochlea ridge of the femur, often due to poor muscle tone or straight hindlimb conformation. Introduce this work gradually, on a gentle incline.

Tendons cannot be conditioned after they reach maturity, at about two years of age. The tendons connect muscle to bone; in a mature horse, it is the muscle that can be conditioned by training.

However, since tendons are more prone to injury when a horse is fatigued, improving muscular fitness can help. Damage to tendons is also caused by repetitive strain and peak loading during faster work. Working uphill reduces tendon loading by decreasing the vertical force and also by allowing the same cardiovascular work to be carried out at a slower speed.

Varied workload

Gradients can benefit showjumpers and dressage horses, as well as eventers and racehorses. Cross-training and variety will condition different muscle groups and can have a protective effect on the muscles, tendons and ligaments used repetitively in regular skills training.

Both strength and balance can be improved if a horse is worked downhill at walk, trot and canter. A session involving work up and down is most beneficial – for example, hacking back down a gallop perhaps or using a sloping field, so you can canter a circuit downhill as well as up and also cross the incline.

A horse uses his head and neck to balance when moving and jumping. Allowing him to work with a long neck on a contact, rather than a loose rein, and use his neck during training and exercise will encourage the correct development of neck and back muscles and strengthen his topline. This will bring benefits in any discipline, as a correctly strengthened neck is important for flatwork, jumping and galloping.

Proprioceptors are embedded in the muscle fibres at the junction of muscles and tendons and also within the joint capsules. These give the horse continuous information about his limb position and joint movement, which is essential for joint stability and the performance of complex movements.

When a horse works on a consistent surface, such as an arena, there is little variability in footfall. Therefore, moving across varying terrain and going, including hills, improves his proprioceptive control and will result in better preparation of his nerves, joints and muscles for when he is tested in a competition situation – on uneven ground, for example, or when he must make a quick recovery from a turn or slip. This can in turn help minimise injury and maximise performance.

Learning curve

Hillwork should be introduced gradually to allow the horse’s body and limbs to adapt to the surface and incline. Trying to do too much in one session, before he has acclimatised, will increase injury risk. For example, if you transport your horse to a gallop for the first time, a gentle canter may be all that is necessary to allow him to get used to the surface and terrain. This can then be built up on subsequent visits.

The steeper the incline, the more work the horse must do over the same distance. He may need to travel slower up a steeper hill, although the greater muscular effort required by the incline means that the same heart rate may be achieved at a slower speed. A steeper gallop will stimulate a quicker increase in heart rate.

As with any exercise, variety is important to allow the body to recover from each training session and build the appropriate muscular responses before these are tested again. While fast work on hills should be carried out at appropriate intervals within a planned fitness programme, steady hillwork, such as hacking, can be a part of daily exercise.

Where there is no access to inclines, some of the benefits can be gained through water treadmill work, polework, cavaletti exercises and walking in the sea; all will help strengthen the back and neck muscles, albeit without the same cardiovascular gains. Swimming may encourage greater cardiovascular fitness, but will not work the same muscle groups as hillwork.

How to best use hills

Warm up and cool down appropriately, to prepare the horse’s muscles for strenuous exercise and to assist recovery.
Make sure that his body is worked symmetrically, to encourage even muscle development and minimise any uneven loading on the limbs. It’s important to canter and gallop on both left and right leads for similar periods. Any unevenness of gait or a tendency to “hang” in one direction should be investigated before an injury or lameness develops.
Hillwork may not be ideal for horses with certain injuries or conditions. Sacroiliac pain may be aggravated by going up or down steep hills, so a gentle incline is better for training horses with this condition. Some hillwork is beneficial, however, to build muscle through the thoracolumbar region and to help strengthen the muscles that support the sacroiliac region.
Some tendon and ligament injuries, especially those in the hindlimbs, can be caused or aggravated by pushing too hard up a steep hill. An inconsistent surface can also contribute to the risk of these injuries. Be aware of how the horse is coping with the terrain and footing; do not push him harder than conditions safely allow.

The author: Liz Brown MRCVS focuses on the performance horse in eventing, racing and dressage. She is an FEI vet for eventing and the team vet for the British eventing team. She attended the Tokyo, London and Rio Olympic Games in this capacity and continues to work with the team.

Struggling with mud fever? Here’s what you need to know to tackle it…

Carol Phillips — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 13:00:33 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

British winter weather means that whether your horses are living out 24/7, or just being turned out for a few hours a day, their feet and hooves will become waterlogged in the inevitable wet and mud, which can cause frustrating skin problems like mud fever and rain scald.

Skin disease is a common challenge, being reported in the annual Blue Cross Equine Health surveys as seen more frequently than lameness. Sweet itch (the top summer nuisance) and mud fever (the top winter worry) accounted for nearly half (40%) of all the skin diseases recorded.

Horses’ skin is amazingly delicate and when waterlogged in wet weather it becomes more susceptible to damage and infections — grooming or even being worked in a sand school can cause micro-abrasions that let bacteria in.

The horse’s ability to ward off skin infections is reduced by continuous wetting and sweating, as well as standing and being ridden in cold wet muddy conditions, hence the name “mud fever”. The proper name for the condition is pastern dermatitis, reflecting the range of skin reactions that affect the lower limbs due to different skin irritants, including bacteria, fungal infections and mites.

Mud fever: Signs | Causes | Treatment | Prevention

Mud fever is similar to a person having chapped hands or lips — the horse’s skin can become very inflamed and sore. Pink skin under white hair is more sensitive, but dark skin can be affected too. Whatever the trigger, the skin will become red, crusty and scabby and the legs will become swollen. Sometimes the hair will fall off. In severe cases the horse will be lame. Long, “feathered” hair can act as a protecting waterproofing layer, unless it gets completely waterlogged or is infested with feather mites.

Typical signs

The signs of mud fever are fairly classic and easy to recognise, with the distribution of the sores reflecting the areas that have been subjected to continued wetting and trauma.

Matted areas of hair containing crusty scabs
Small, circular, ulcerated, moist lesions beneath scabs
Thick, creamy, white, yellow or greenish discharge between the skin and overlying scab
Removed scab typically has a concave underside with the hair roots protruding
Deep fissures in the skin – in severe cases the skin at the back of the leg may split open, producing horizontal fissures, which is why it is sometimes called “cracked heels”. When these are found on the front legs they can be mistaken for over-reach injuries
Eventual hair loss leaving raw-looking, inflamed skin underneath
Heat, swelling and pain on pressure or flexion of limb
Possible lameness
If severely affected, lethargy, depression and loss of appetite can ensue.

Dermatitis can occur on other parts of the body, especially the back and hindquarters, when it is called rain scald, literally as a result of horses being literally being soaked to the skin repeatedly, when exposed to wet weather.

Causes of mud fever

Some soil types seem to predispose horses to these infections. This may explain why several animals on the same pasture become affected.

There are various other predisposing factors:

Prolonged damp, mild conditions
Standing in deep mud or soiled bedding
Constantly washing limbs before and/or after work without fully drying them afterwards
Excessive sweating under rugs or tack
Heavy limb feathering is frequently blamed, but this is probably because the legs tend to be washed and scrubbed more than unfeathered ones; clipping them may not be the answer as this exposes the skin further, although it also gives better access for treatment
Skin trauma, such as rubbing from overreach boots or incorrectly fitted bandages, chaffing from artificial surfaces such as sand, or over-enthusiastic grooming
Generally unhealthy skin or the presence of a poor immune system, usually secondary to some other primary health problem
White limbs or patches on the body, possibly due to an associated photosensitisation issue

Some horses with pastern dermatitis will be suffering from infestations of tiny chorioptic mange mites, similar to those that cause human scabies. This is most common in horses with long hair around their lower limbs, but can occur on less hairy legs. The condition is often called heel or leg mange.

Fungal infections can also be responsible for skin damage.

Another form of pastern inflammation is caused by a disorder of the body’s immune system, which attacks the skin. This is known as leucocytoclastic vasculitis and targets the unpigmented areas of the lower limbs. The condition tends to spread up the cannons. As it is usually seen on the outside and back of the limbs and sunlight is thought to aggravate it. In persistent cases your vet might take a blood sample to check liver function, especially if the dermatitis is limited to white areas of skin only.

Treatments

Mud fever is a complex syndrome rather than a single disease caused by one type of bacteria — a range of skin reactions to a number of different irritants. In just the same way as there are a multitude of treatments for the common cold, there are a vast variety of mud fever remedies and careful consideration needs to be given to other underlying causes. As with any condition where there are a number of possible treatments, no one cure is effective for all cases.

Removing the horse from the wet and mud will improve matters, although that is not always easily done. Keeping the skin clean and dry is the basis of treating the condition. This may only be possible if the horse is removed from the wet and mud and kept stabled for some time.

It is important to know what you are treating – correct treatment from the outset can save wasted time and money, so it is recommended you consult your vet to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

You will know if your horse’s pastern dermatitis has bacteria involved, as the skin will appear red and sore. When a scab is picked off, the hair will come away with it revealing a raw area, possibly with pus beneath it. Views vary, but generally when there are scabs with infection underneath, the legs need careful cleaning and the scabs gently lifted off. Your vet may need to sedate the horse to do this effectively. Consult your vet to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

It is wrong to assume that bacteria cause all mud fever and rain scald, which means antibiotics are not always necessary. If there is a management improvement that you can make, try that first. Appropriate washes can work well, but make sure they are allowed sufficient time to soak in, ideally more than 15 minutes, which is not always great in mid-winter. So use them wisely – talk to your vet to check that you are using the best antiseptic, properly and not traumatising the skin further, nor unnecessarily chilling your horse.

Current thinking is to avoid antibiotics, or antimicrobials as they are properly called, unless they are deemed essential by your vet. They should be saved for the worst-case scenarios. Antimicrobial resistance is a clinical problem that is increasingly causing concern amongst vets and doctors. So think carefully before considering antimicrobials for the horse with scabby skin, as it is unlikely to produce a permanent cure and it may not help at all.

Usually diluted chlorhexidine (widely known as hibiscrub) is recommended to wash the limbs. Drying the limb thoroughly is vital — clean towels or kitchen roll can be used to blot moisture and a hairdryer is an excellent way of thoroughly drying the area if the horse will accept it.

Hibiscrub | Amazon.co.uk
This antimicrobial and antibacterial chlorhexidine skin cleanser helps to prevent infections by killing germs on the skin.View Deal

Once dry, there are numerous creams, lotions and emollients that may help. Zinc, castor oil, lead acetate and various commercial anti-inflammatory ointments can all play a part, but only if the skin is clean and dry first, otherwise any infection may be exacerbated under the layer of grease.

Likewise, bandaging an affected limb can be a good way of keeping it clean and dry, but only if the skin has been properly prepared beforehand, and the correct bandaging technique is used. Bandaging that’s too tight or has moisture trapped underneath can encourage an infection to flare up again.

This whole process may need to be repeated several times, and in bad cases a full recovery can take many weeks. Some horses may be really quite sore, so your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatories, but this will depend on the individual case.

While most cases can be resolved, some chronic scarring and skin damage may be left, contributing to a tendency to re-infection. Management changes to help prevent any further problems are worth pursuing.

Preventing mud fever

It is important to be vigilant. The sooner you spot the first telltale signs of mud fever, the quicker you can take action and so prevent a lengthy, and costly, recovery. There are also basic steps that can help avoid it in the first place.

Ensure bedding is clean, dry and non-irritant at all times
Although many horse owners are reluctant to keep their horse stabled, once the infection is established it may be the only option
Avoid over-washing and/or extremely vigorous grooming
If bandaging or putting on boots, ensure both limbs and boots/bandages are clean and dry
Consider topical barrier creams (usually produced in an oily base) such as tea tree oil, sulphur, MSM, aloe vera, honey with vitamin E, calendula and hypericum, goose grease and petroleum jelly. Only use on clean, dry legs prior to turnout or exercise
Creams should be used with caution, as they may provide a suitable environment for bacteria to grow between the waterlogged skin and the greasy layers applied on top
Try using water resistant leg wraps for turnout, provided they do not rub delicate skin.
Consider nutritional supplements for promoting healthy skin and ensure the skin is not damaged by close clipping.
Rotate paddocks to avoid poaching
Use electric fencing to block off muddy areas around gates
Some horse owners find concreting or putting down hardcore in the areas where horses congregate helps keep legs dry

Whatever you do to prevent this, mud fever remains a very common condition of horses turned out in British winter weather.

Using plastic packaging could be a ‘game-changer’ in healing serious wounds

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 19:33:53 +0000

Using the plastic packets in which sutures are sent could be an economical and effective method of treating serious wounds.

This is the conclusion of research published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, investigating a “novel tension relief technique to aid the primary closure of traumatic equine wounds under excessive tension”.

Study author Dylan Gorvy, a British vet based in Sweden, told H&H the “tension tile system” technique he has developed, using stitched-on small pieces of plastic around the injury, is a “game-changer for wound management”, as it relieves the tension on the surrounding skin, allowing improved healing.

Horses are susceptible to traumatic wounds, often on lower limbs, and Dr Gorvy said that if these are not managed correctly, these can mean “months and months where the horse is out of action”, often with the final result of an area of the limb that is “cosmetically poor and functionally weak, susceptible to cracking”.

He added that with traditional techniques of primary closure of wounds, the risk of dehiscence, or reopening, is high. He cited a 2002 study showing that the success rate after stitching was only 28%.

“Over the past few years, I’ve come up with this technique of using readily available material; the packs the sutures come in,” he said. “This relieves the tension on the skin – and we’ve managed to completely turn round the success rate.”

Dr Gorvy said the technique is “not rocket science”, but rather understanding the mechanics of skin. If the edges of a wound are pulled together by stitches, this puts that skin under significant tension, which decreases circulation and can lead to necrosis, and impaired healing. This tension is increased if the wound is in an area that is put under more pressure when the horse moves.

“We’re trying to take the tension away and move it away from the wound, to healthy skin,” he said, explaining that he puts foam underneath the plastic packs and stitches those on healthy skin either side of the wound, then adds more sutures through the holes in the tiles, to hold them together. The wound is stitched as normal, with the tension off.

“In a case series of 191 horses, involving three hospitals, we achieved a success rate of 69%,” he said. “Most horses were back in work after four weeks. This is really a game-changer in wound management, allowing the successful primary intention of wounds that we would never have dreamt of closing in the past.”

British Equine Veterinary Association president Roger Smith told H&H it is a “depressing reality for owners” that horses “seem to gravitate towards” objects that can wound them.

“Large wounds require closure using skin sutures or staples,” he said. “In equine lower limbs there is relatively limited skin, which means closure of larger skin defects in these regions can be challenging and can end up being under so much strain that breakdown of the repair frequently occurs.

“This study describes a simple and effective way of accommodating this tension in the surgical repair. The system was used in 22% of 860 wounds and resulted in 69% of those wounds healing without breaking down. Unfortunately it is not possible to determine whether this is better than when not using the device but its ease of use, mechanically justifiable reason, and low cost make it an attractive solution for large equine wounds.”

Dr Gorvy added: “We’ve had tremendous results. The location of the wound wasn’t relevant, the results were just as good on hocks, stifles and fetlocks, which are traditionally very difficult areas. I’ve presented on this and it’s starting to get more recognition, but it would be great for horse owners to know what’s possible.”

9 signs of depression in horses

Alex Robinson — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 08:32:46 +0000

Horses can develop forms of depression, just like people. Equine vet Gil Riley MRCVS explains some common signs of depression in horses that owners should keep an eye out for, some of which will be similar to symptoms of depression in humans.

1. A lack of mobility

The horse often faces the back wall of the stable. His eyes are open, but dull, unfocussed and staring straight ahead with a prolonged period between each blink. His head is lowered and ears immobile with the neck stretched (open jaw-neck angle) and at the same level as the back. This is described as a ‘withdrawn’ posture and differs markedly from that of a horse observant of his surroundings, whose neck is held higher and whose ears move inquisitively. It also differs from the posture of a resting horse who relaxes his muscles, often rests one hindleg, rotates ears laterally, allows eyelids and lips to droop, and holds his neck such that it slopes lower and rounder.

2. Indifferent and unresponsive to humans and other stimuli in their home environment

This sign was demonstrated most emphatically by a French study performed at the Universite de Rennes. A group of horses exhibiting the withdrawn stance were exposed sequentially to a series of five unusual sounds that they would not have encountered before (a new stimulus in their home environment.) By way of contrast, a group of ‘normal’ horses (horses not exhibiting the ‘withdrawn’ posture) were similarly exposed to the sounds as a control group. Each day, each horse heard one of the sounds, played for three seconds from a speaker next to his stable, and their reaction was videotaped. The sounds were rotated daily until all the horses had heard all of the sounds. It was shown that the withdrawn horses were significantly less likely to pay attention to the noises, with only around half of them reacting (pricking their ears, lifting their head or some other sign of attention) compared to 90% of the normal horse group. In addition, over the five-day course of the study, the control horses showed habituation to the unusual noises while the reaction of the withdrawn horses did not change significantly. These findings indicated that the withdrawn horses had undergone a ‘cognitive shift’, that they were so physically or psychologically stressed that they had developed ‘sensory inattention’ (‘tuned out’ or switched off from their surroundings.) While some of the control horses did take longer to react to the unusual sounds, this was believed to be a consequence of them simply being calmer, distinct from the withdrawn group in which many of the horses did not react at all on the first day.

3. Loss of appetite

Depression causes a horse to lose its appetite. This can result in unhealthy weight loss, which could in turn bring about other health conditions.

4. Stereotypies (vices)

Symptoms of depression in horses also include cribbing, weaving or other destructive behaviours which represent an abnormal mental state.

5. Lack of sleep

6. Unwillingness to work

Or no longer taking pleasure in work they used to enjoy. This is especially important when considering rider and horse safety. A withdrawn horse might not react appropriately to potentially dangerous situations. If their attention is elsewhere while riding or driving, it could be dangerous for the rider and the horse.

7. Increased fear, anxiety, or spookiness

A study published this year by The University of Edinburgh found that 95% of equine vets reported working with difficult horses on at least a monthly basis, resulting in 81% of them sustaining at least one injury in the past five years.

8. Reduced blood cortisol levels

The study at the Universite de Rennes identified that depressed horses had a lower blood cortisol level than normal horses. Cortisol is the stress hormone of the body and reduced levels are found in human sufferers of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and post-viral fatigue. While we are a long way from the blood cortisol level being used as a reliable marker for depression in a horse, the authors suggested a low reading implied that horses exposed to stress-inducing management conditions suffer a “profound disturbance of the physiological system.”

9. Avoidance of other horses

Separating themselves from the herd or failing to react to other horses in their environment.

Could my horse’s depression be a seasonal problem?

If Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a possible cause, then increasing light in the stable should be considered. A study was performed at Nottingham Trent University where trial horses were put under an hour of high intensity broad spectrum light every day for six weeks. Their behaviours regarding feeding, sleep patterns and attitude to being handled and ridden were compared to a group of horses that had not received the therapy. The untreated horses were noted to be sleeping longer, lazier at ridden exercise and grumpier.

Further reading: Investigating attentional processes in depressive-like domestic horses (Equus caballus)

Dehydration in horses can be deadly — here’s what you need to know

Carol Phillips — Tue, 16 May 2023 07:32:04 +0000

Dehydration in horses will not only affect a horse’s performance — it can also be life-threatening. Long hot dry spells are being seen increasingly often in the UK, so when they do occur, owners need to take extra precautions to keep their horses fit and well.

How to prevent dehydration in horses

Have fresh, clean water available at all times. Do not restrict your horse’s access to water at competitions. If your horse does not like the taste of water when you travel, take some from home or flavour it with something like mint, apple juice or one of the special products designed to help horses drink that are now on the market.

For a horse who doesn’t drink well, a switch to haylage can be advisable because of its higher moisture content. This provides the horse with water and may reduce the risk of colic. Soaked hay is a cheaper alternative.

After exercise on a hot day, reduce sweat losses by cooling your horse off thoroughly as soon as possible after exercise. Once the horse stops sweating, it will become less dehydrated.

At summer competitions, try to keep your horse in the shade wherever possible. Your horse will be losing water without you necessarily being able to see it.

Electrolytes should be used to help replace the essential salts in the body that are lost through sweat.

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Measuring dehydration in horses

The gold standard test is to take a blood sample as this will reveal the level of proteins in the plasma and the proportion of red blood cells in the blood compared with the plasma.

However, there are other, more practical, indicators of dehydration that you can keep an eye out for:

A horse that produces dark urine or who has not passed urine for some time
The appearance of the mucous membranes — if they are congested and are red in appearance, the horse is dehydrated

For a long time the skin pinch test was used to test hydration levels. The skin, typically over the neck, is pinched up and the time it takes to return to normal is counted in seconds. However, several recent studies have shown that this is not a particularly good indicator of dehydration, so it should not be relied upon.

Why do horses become dehydrated?

The horse is highly adapted to lose heat through sweat, and does so more efficiently than any other animal. In the performance horse, heat is dissipated through not only sweat, but also by increased respiration rate. Both cause the horse to lose water.

Equine sweat is hypertonic — it contains more salts than body fluid — which means that a sweating horse loses more electrolytes than water. Typically, a working horse will lose 7-8 litres in an exercise bout, although the maximum sweat rate measured for horses is 15 litres per hour. The rate does vary depending on temperature, sunshine, level of fitness and work.

Offering water alone to a dehydrated horse does not rehydrate it. Instead, the water dilutes the body fluids surrounding the tissues, which in turn “turns off” the thirst mechanism. The best rehydration therapies include the use of electrolyte preparations, either in feed or water, to stimulate drinking.

Rasping, ageing and helping the long in the tooth: 8 key questions answered about horses’ teeth

Martha Terry — Sat, 13 May 2023 07:32:41 +0000

Horse teeth are the source of a few colloquial idioms, such as “long in the tooth”, and “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”. But what of the more serious aspects of equine dental care?

1. How many teeth do horses have?

Like us, horses are diphyodontous, meaning they have two sets of teeth during their lifetime. They lose the baby (or deciduous) set around three to five years of age, which are pushed out by the adult set. Adult horses have around 36–42 teeth. Male horses tend to have 40, while mares usually have 36–40. This is because the majority of mares do not grow canine teeth.

2. What type of teeth do horses have?

Equines are heterodontous – which means their mouths contain different shapes of teeth for different purposes.

Premolars and molars, also called cheek teeth: for chewing and grazing, these make up more than half of the teeth in the horse’s mouth, with six of each on the top and bottom jaw each side.
Incisors: the 12 teeth at the front of the mouth (six upper and six lower), used for biting off grass and grabbing hay – or nipping each other and other unwanted behaviours!
Canines or tushes: short, sharp teeth found in male horses and a small proportion of mares, in between the incisors and cheek teeth. Originally used for fighting and serve no purpose in the modern horse
Wolf teeth: not present in all horses. Wolf teeth are often removed as they can interfere with the bit placement in the ridden horse and cause contact issues.

3. Why do we need to rasp teeth?

A horse’s tooth and root are several inches long. Each tooth continues to erupt through the gum at a rate of 3mm per year on average, with more tooth emerging in the younger horse.

Horses were originally designed to eat coarse vegetation for 18-20 hours per day. The modern horse, however, is largely fed on lush grass and soft hay and their chewing time has changed with the different diet. Another factor is horses eating with their heads up, for example munching from haynets can alter tooth wear.

These changes produce extremely sharp points, which can damage the soft tissues within the mouth and need to be removed by rasping – also called floating.

Unlike humans, horses have hypsodont teeth, which have enamel extending into the gumline and the nerves are deeper within the tooth so floating does not cause them pain unless it is overdone. Unless, for some reason, a horse takes a severe aversion to the routine rasping process, sedation is unnecessary. However, in cases requiring motorised equipment or where a detailed diagnostic assessment is necessary, judicious use of sedation under vet supervision is appropriate.

4. Can regular dental treatment reduce the risk of colic?

Yes. Horses and ponies who have their teeth checked regularly have been shown to be at reduced risk of colic caused by large colon impaction/distension. But it is important not to over-rasp the teeth, as that may make it hard for the horse to eat and could cause colic.

The pulp is the term applied to the internal blood and nerve supply to a horse’s tooth. Horses’ teeth have a blood and nerve supply that enters at the root (apex) and travels up inside the tooth. These pulps are numerous and communicate with the dentine of the tooth, meaning that equine teeth are very much living structures, to be respected and preserved where possible. If we rasp more than 3-4mm off the surface of a horse’s tooth, we can expose these pulps and potentially cause irreparable damage.

A good rule of thumb is for horses to see the equine dental technician at least once a year, but if there are issues needing monitoring, they may suggest more frequent check-ups.

5. Can dental issues be linked directly to poor performance?

Yes. When a horse is uncomfortable he may hold his head in an unnatural position, which can cause pain in the poll, neck and back. When a horse is asked to work in an outline, he needs to be able to work comfortably in the vertical head position. This means the lower jaw moves forwards slightly owing to the change in body position, so it’s important to make sure there are no overgrowths that would affect this. A tight noseband may make this more uncomfortable for a horse. There is a view that rounding off the front of the second pre-molars helps reduce discomfort — the so-called bit seat.

6. How can you tell a horse is suffering from dental pain?

Slow eating, weight loss, choke, dropping food (quidding) and bad breath are all signs of possible dental pain and should be looked into immediately. But often the signs are much more subtle. As detailed in point 5, some horses may indicate pain in their mouth through poor performance or bad behaviour. Research has also found that the horse grimace scale can be used to identify dental pain.

A horse’s natural chewing action may change in response to pain, but obvious signs of discomfort may not be apparent. They can adjust their chewing patterns to adapt to dental pain, often to the point where owners are unaware that there is a problem. When they eventually show the problem, it may be too late to treat. Meanwhile, the result is the abnormal wearing of the teeth, which may eventually result in severe overgrowths and other painful dental disease.

The good news is that early intervention, through regular veterinary checks and careful rasping, may well prevent many future dental issues.

6. Why might it be necessary to X-ray a horse’s teeth?

Traditional oral examinations can only show about one-tenth of the horse’s tooth. In some cases changes in horse’s teeth can be picked up through a thorough oral examination with sedation, and with use of a dental mirror and more sophisticated techniques, oral endoscopy (examination by camera) shows us a clearer magnified view of the teeth.

Such examinations, however, will only show the part of the tooth visible in the mouth — the clinical crown. To assess the remaining tooth, many vets now use digital X-rays and, in some cases a CT (computerised tomography) scan or a combination of both of these to examine the tooth beneath the gum.

X-ray of a horse’s mouth with the wolf teeth circled. (Image credit: Nadine Page)

7. How do I care for my veteran horse’s teeth?

Equine teeth continue to erupt until around 18 years of age. The older horse needs to be treated with caution because, unlike young animals, their cheek teeth have stopped growing and there is no reserve crown left, so any tooth rasped away will never be replaced.

As the horse ages, molars eventually wear out and become level with the gums — this is sometimes called “cupping” or expired teeth. Once this has occurred the horse will require special dietary management. Horses can also develop gaps between their teeth, known as diastema. These gaps become impacted with food, which can lead to painful gingivitis.

Look out for chewed-up balls of forage, and quidding, where the horse spills and drops feed as they chew. Foul-smelling breath and pain when chewing can also indicate tooth abscesses or the presence of compacted feed in a diastema.

Veteran horses with poor dentition will need to be fed appropriately to ensure they receive all the vital nutrients. Short-chopped fibre feeds are a good alternative for horses struggling to chew long-length forage. You could also feed pelleted fibres or feed that needs soaking to ease chewing such as sugar beet pulp. Most feed companies offer a veteran range.

You should also consider a digestive supplement to help the microbes in the gut.

8. How do I tell a horse’s age by its teeth?

This is harder than you might think – it depends on what sort of nutrition the horse has had and how much wear on the teeth. Beyond the age of 10 it’s more of an estimate, even for the experts. Five things to look out for are:

Occurrence of permanent teeth – for instance, by the age of five, most horses have a full set of adult teeth; tusks in male horses tend to appear around four or five
Disappearance of cups – indentures in the centres of the surface of the tooth, which gradually disappear to become smooth from six to around 11 years
Hooks – a hook appears through wear on the upper corner incisor around seven, disappears a year later; repeating at around 13
Angle of incidence – the older the horse, the more acute the angle of the incisors
Galvayne’s Groove – a vertical line occurs on the upper corner incisor at around the age of 10, reaching halfway down the tooth at around 15 and the whole way by 20. It then gradually starts disappearing, and is gone altogether on those horses who reach the age of 30

Tetanus in horses: what every owner needs to know

Carol Phillips — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:02:44 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tetanus in horses is a bacterial infection, where the toxins produced attack the horse’s nervous system. The condition is also known as lockjaw because as the disease progresses, the mouth clamps shut so the animal cannot eat or drink. It is usually fatal. Once a horse is recumbent because of the disease, it is reported that almost 80% of these cases will die. Certainly, it is a far easier disease to prevent by vaccination than it to treat.

At least three different types of deadly toxins are released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani to cause tetanus. Spores of this bacterium are widespread and can be found in dust, manure and soil. These spores enter a wound and given the appropriate conditions, they will germinate into bacteria.

Perhaps surprisingly, a large, cleanish cut is a lower tetanus risk than a small puncture wound. The biggest danger is a deep, festering wound with dead tissue and pus, which is not exposed to fresh air.

Horses and ponies are the most susceptible domestic animal to tetanus. They are readily exposed to the spores while grazing and their predilection for wounds such as lacerations and punctures make them prime candidates for acquiring tetanus.

Tetanus in horses: Signs | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

High-risk situations that are most likely to lead to a horse suffering from a tetanus infection include:

Puncture wounds contaminated with soil, e.g. kicks
Stake wounds, because they are often deep and heavily contaminated
Umbilical infections in the foal
Castration wounds
Infections at foaling

Once the tetanus infection takes hold, the deadly toxins migrate along the peripheral nerves to the brain affecting the nervous system.

The incubation period depends on the distance the toxins have to travel from the wound to the brain and ranges from three days to several weeks. The clinical signs usually become apparent within one to two weeks. The shorter the incubation period, the more serious the tetanus infection is. Tetanus is not contagious, so it cannot be passed between horses or between horses and humans. However, the bacteria can infect humans directly.

Signs of tetanus in horses

The signs of this distressing disease are characterised by extreme sensitivity to stimuli, increasing stiffness and muscle spasms.

Early signs of tetanus include:

Abnormal sensitivity to sound or touch
A stiff gait
Prolapse of the third eyelid, which may cover half the eye
Very rigid ears that stick up
The top of the tail sticks out
A worried expression, with retraction of the eyelids and flared nostrils due to muscle spasm
Inability to open the mouth due to spasm of the masseter (powerful chewing) muscles
Regurgitation of food and water from the nostrils and drooling of saliva from the mouth as swallowing becomes more difficult
Partially chewed hay may be held in the mouth
Colic

As the disease progresses, increasingly distressing muscle spasms and convulsions can be seen. These eventually lead to death from respiratory failure and dehydration.

How is tetanus diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made on the history and the clinical signs. Sometimes additional conditions such as colic, pneumonia and laminitis can confuse the picture, but it is frequently all too obvious, with a visible dirty wound on an unvaccinated animal.

How do you treat tetanus in horses?

If you see any signs that point towards tetanus, call your vet straight away. Cases that are caught early will have the best chance of survival. Intensive and expensive treatment including large doses of tetanus antitoxin along with antibiotics, sedatives and muscle relaxants will be required (see tetanus case study). If a tetanus case is unable to stand, it is kindest for the horse to be euthanised, since the chance of recovery is remote.

Prevention of tetanus in horses

Tetanus can be easily prevented by a safe, effective and inexpensive equine vaccination that is readily available. Make sure all your horses and ponies are vaccinated following your vet’s advice. Humans should also be vaccinated.

The primary vaccination course of tetanus toxoid includes two doses given four to six weeks apart. Regular boosters are given thereafter. The exact schedule may vary slightly according to the recommendations of different vaccine manufacturers and whether it is combined with vaccination against equine influenza. Your vet can advise you.

Booster vaccinations in horses are usually administered only every two or three years, whereas most people only need booster immunisations every 10 years or even longer. Tetanus is more common in certain areas of the country, where it may be advisable to have more regular boosters.

Vaccinated pregnant mares should have a tetanus toxoid booster four to six weeks prior to foaling. This ensures the foal receives maximum protection from the antibodies in the colostrum (first milk). Foals usually begin their vaccination programme at approximately four months. Foals of unvaccinated mares or those who do not receive adequate colostrum for any reason should be given tetanus antitoxin at birth.

Horses who are unvaccinated or are of doubtful vaccination status should be given tetanus antitoxin if they have a wound or require surgery, although this antitoxin which provided rapid protection is more costly. A vaccination programme should be started straight away, as well as administering the antitoxin that provides immediate temporary protection for three to four weeks. Tetanus vaccinations should be recorded in the horse’s passport.

References:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1939-1676.1994.tb03210.x – Tetanus in the horse: a review of 20 cases (1970 to 1990).

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(Image credit: Karen Coumbe)

The definitive guide to the pre-purchase equine vetting

Carol Phillips — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:02:27 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

So you think you’ve found the right horse, but you’re unsure whether or not to get it vetted, what type of vetting to have and which vet to use. Don’t worry, we are here to help to navigate what can be a stressful situation for all involved...

Pre-purchase equine vettings are designed to provide a buyer with a vet’s expert opinion on whether the horse they are looking to buy is physically suitable for the job it is intended for. Whenever possible it is recommended a purchaser attends the vetting, so they can see and discuss any potential issues that arise, and that their normal vet is used, if that is an option.

Pre-purchase equine vettings: Two stage | Five stage | Optional extras | Results | Further reading

If this is not possible then using a vet who does not have links with the seller or the horse would avoid any conflicts of interest. If you are looking for a vet outside your local area, then we recommend you do some research online before deciding which individual to use. Local contacts including social media groups can be a good place to seek recommendations, or ask your own vet. Where possible try to choose a vet who has a similar approach to risk as yourself, so it is worth speaking to the vet in advance to ascertain this.

In areas where there is only one specialist equine veterinary practice, unless the buyer’s vet is prepared to travel (and the buyer is prepared to pay extra for them to do so) the only local choice may be to use a vet from the same practice as used by the seller. This could be beneficial to the buyer as the seller’s own vet should only undertake the task if they can reveal all of the horse’s history, although it does have potential to cause awkwardness for the vet, so they may prefer not to do so. Should the horse’s regular vet decline to undertake the vetting then the seller should take a moment to consider why that might be – while the reason could be entirely innocent, it equally may not be.

It is important to understand that the vet typically has less than a couple of hours to assess the horse during a pre-purchase equine vetting. Vets do not possess a crystal ball to predict the future soundness of a horse, nor their likelihood of picking up an injury, although the vetting is designed to show up signs of an existing health problem. The vetting is an assessment of that horse on that day and cannot provide a long-term guarantee.

It is extremely difficult for the vet to obtain an accurate picture of the health and soundness of a mature horse that is out of work. It helps hugely to have a performance record and evidence that the horse is in regular work at the time of the vetting, or else you should consider carefully why the horse has been rested.

Vets are not there to provide advice as to the suitability of a horse for an individual owner or rider, nor whether the temperament, type or ability of the equine is suitable for the level and type of work the buyer intends to pursue. Advice on this matter should be obtained from a trainer or other equestrian professional prior to the vetting if needed.

The seller is responsible for providing the horse’s passport for verification, together with any documents regarding the horse’s breeding. In addition to a valid passport, from October 2020 all horses and ponies must be microchipped. The vet should be able to confirm the horse’s identity from its passport markings and the microchip. The passport should include information about the horse’s age, which can also be checked by the vet against the horse’s teeth, although ageing a horse from its dentition is not always that accurate, especially in older horses. If the height of a horse or pony is important, then an accurate height record should be obtained by the buyer via the Joint Measurement Board. A vetting will not include verification of a horse’s reported height.

Most insurance companies require a two- or five-stage equine vetting, undertaken often no more than 14 days before a policy is taken out, in order to insure a new horse. There are no set rules about this, so it is important to do your research with potential insurers before you book the vetting to ensure it is appropriate for your, and their, needs.

Two-stage equine vettings

Stage one is observation of the horse at rest in his stable. The vet notes the horse’s breathing rate, listens to his heart and examines its eyes. The examination of the eyes requires a sufficiently dark stable for the eyes to be fully checked out. The horse is then taken outside to examine the skin, limbs and teeth in good light. The inspection of his teeth is simply to confirm approximate age – a full dental examination is not normally conducted. If you want to know if the horse needs its teeth done, then you will need to ask the vet to check for this.

The aim is for the vet to look all over the horse’s body. Any lumps and bumps denoting old injuries, or sarcoids or masses on the body, should be noted. The vet should view and preferably palpate every inch of skin to check for abnormalities, even under the belly. It can be challenging to do this properly in a poorly handled youngster, or a horse with a thick winter coat or which is ungroomed and dirty. Any conformational defects will be observed and may be discussed at this point.

Stage two involves walking and trotting up the horse in a straight line on a firm, flat surface, looking for signs of lameness. Vets will usually conduct flexion tests on the joints of the lower limbs at this point depending on the age and temperament of the horse. If the vet is happy with the findings, the horse should be trotted on a circle each way, ideally on both hard and soft surfaces, and asked to back up.

If only a two-stage vetting is required, then the examination will end here and the vet will advise on whether or not he feels the horse is suitable for the type of work required from the limited information he has available. However, for a five-stage equine vetting the examination will continue with assessing the horse during exercise.

Five-stage equine vettings

Stage three is the exercise phase — this section is to identify if there are any potential issues with the cardiovascular system (heart and lungs and upper respiratory tract) when they are placed under stress so the horse is required to undergo strenuous work. It is also a chance to look for any gait anomalies or lameness that was not evident in stage two. In most cases the horse is worked under saddle and will be asked to do some fast canter work once suitably warmed-up. In the case of a young or unbacked horse, this stage can be undertaken on the lunge or via loose schooling. If the horse is not ridden, it may be harder to assess the back fully. It needs to be established in advance who is going to ride the horse and what facilities are available. A good rider can present a horse more favourably, so it may be sensible for the purchaser to ride their potential new horse themselves for this stage of the vetting.

Stage four is a period of rest where the horse’s recovery after fast work is assessed. This is also a good time for the vet to examine the horse’s official paperwork, including its passport, which must be available at the time of the pre-purchase examination.

Stage five is the final trot-up examination. This is to show whether the horse has stiffened up after the strenuous exercise or whether the work has given rise to any gait anomalies that were not apparent at stage two. Some vets will perform flexion tests and lunge the horse on a hard surface once again, and/or back it up and turn it in tight circles too.

Optional extras

Most vets recommend taking a blood sample from the horse during the vetting. This can be kept for six months and then examined should the buyer suspect that the horse was under sedation or receiving pain relief at the time of the viewings and vetting.

In addition to the standard vetting process, some buyers may ask to have x-rays taken of joints or the horse’s neck and back or for the limbs to be scanned to look for potential damage of the tendons or ligaments. Each of these examinations will carry significant additional costs for the buyer.

Increasingly livery yards are asking owners to prove their horses are strangles-free prior to arrival so buyers may also ask their vet to take a swab or more likely a blood sample to check for a history of strangles, if they are confident about proceeding with the purchase of the horse.

Do horses pass or fail vettings?

Once the examination is complete, the vet will give their opinion on whether the horse is suitable for the job it is intended for.

It is important to understand that vets no longer ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ a horse during an equine vetting. The official wording on the vetting certificate is: “In my opinion, on the balance of probabilities, the conditions reported do/do not prejudice this horses suitability for purchase to be used for…”, which emphasises that as much information as possible has been noted and considered before a decision has been made.

While a few horses will receive a clean bill of health, in most cases the vet will find one or more issues and will then grade the degree of risk so the buyers can decide whether or not to go ahead with the purchase.

It is likely that anything noted on the vetting certificate will be excluded from insurance cover, so even if the vet thinks the horse is suitable for the intended work, the buyer should share their vetting with the insurance company before agreeing to buy the horse.

If a vetting does raise a soundness or other health issue, the vetting is not the time to undertaken a thorough investigation into what that problem is. This is something for the seller to look into with their own vet at a later date.

It is important to understand that vettings can be a stressful time for all involved. The seller wants to sell the horse, the buyer wishes to buy the horse – both parties want the horse to be approved by the vet. This puts significant pressure on the vet, but they cannot allow themselves to be swayed from their impartial and pragmatic opinion – to do so would not only be unprofessional, but it could potentially result in disappointment all round, or even legal action if they approve a horse that later proves to be unsuitable for the purpose.

Further reading

Remarkable vet stories: ‘I was faced with a choice — keep pushing my hand in to try to find the foreign body or don’t wake him up’

Polly Bryan — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 15:32:47 +0000

Phil Cramp — a partner at Hambleton Equine Clinic, Yorkshire — recalls one of his most memorable cases of equine surgery, with an eventer that had run into a fence

“A case that will always stick in my mind is that of an eventer who had run through a fence and staked himself with the fence post,” says vet Phil Cramp. “It had gone in through the side of his neck and created a large, deep wound. He had the post removed and the wound cleaned, flushed out and stitched.

“At first, all seemed fine, but the area started to periodically swell up, develop an abscess and he would be in a lot of pain with a stiff neck. There had to be a fragment of the fence left in there somewhere, but despite multiple scans and X-rays, no one could get to the bottom of it.

“Having had the wound reopened a number of times, he came to me on his very last chance — he was to be put down if I couldn’t solve the mystery.

“I could clearly find and follow the pocket but I could find no remnants of the fence post or any other foreign body in the wound. So, while he was under general anaesthetic — his third — I decided to use a coat hanger to create a sterilised long probe to extend all the way in. I realised the tract extended a lot further than I thought — about 40cm beneath the shoulder blade — so I enlarged the hole with my fingertips in order to put my whole arm in.

“I was faced with a choice — keep pushing my hand further into the horse to try to find the foreign body and get it out, or don’t wake him up. It would be dangerous — it was very risky making such a large incision so close to the shoulder joint, and I was very concerned about the nerves and vessels in the area and the damage I could do getting the foreign body out. But I had nothing to lose by trying.

“So I slowly worked on the tract with my fingertips, enlarging it and extending it with my arm inside the wound up to above my elbow. I had to keep stopping because it was cutting off the blood supply to my arm, but I also had to work as fast as I could. I was having to push and pull so much that I was physically moving the horse around on the table.

“Finally, I felt something at the tip of my finger and as I wrapped my fingers around it, I could feel it move. I tried to ensure I had it all in my hand because not only was I worried that I might not get it all out, but that he might come round and not be able to move his left leg.

“All of a sudden, the object started to come out easily — and there it was, a 4x2in splinter of fence post. Having checked there was nothing left behind, I thoroughly lavaged the wound and stitched it with a large drain in place.

“Thankfully, the horse came through the recovery safely from the general anaesthetic, and the wound healed up surprisingly well.”

Please note, the picture above is not of this particular veterinary case

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Remarkable vet stories: ‘It’s incredibly rare and goes against everything I’ve experienced’

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Remarkable vet stories: ‘It’s incredibly rare and goes against everything I’ve experienced’

Polly Bryan — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:02:03 +0000

Lesley Barwise-Munro is a partner at Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group, Northumbria, and is also an official FEI vet. Her main areas of expertise are lameness, respiratory disease, dentistry and how they influence performance. She tells H&H about a particularly startling case

“In September 2014, a horse owner phoned to say that his four-year-old Friesian broodmare was off colour. She had been due to foal in May, and the owner had gone out to her when he saw her getting up and down in the field.

“But he didn’t find a foal, or foetal membrane, and a few weeks later discovered what he assumed were the remnants of a foal. The mare remained her usual self until we were called out, months later.

“The situation immediately triggered alarm bells — something wasn’t adding up. I wondered if there might be more to that first foaling than the owner realised.

“The mare was stiff and off her food with a high temperature. I examined her and felt what seemed to be legs in her uterus. The cervix had closed up but I opened it, only to find a dead foal inside — it had been decaying for more than five months. It was an unbelievable finding — I was flabbergasted, not least because the mare was as well as she was.

“I had to assume it was the second of twins. It was astonishing that infection hadn’t set in, especially as the cervix had opened for the first foal, preventing the uterus from remaining a sterile environment.

“We brought her in and it took around two hours to remove all the foal’s body parts from inside her, while she was on drip sedation. We were pulling out individual bones and bits of hair, piecing the foal together on the floor. Everyone was coming to look — it was bizarre.

“The mare was at great risk of toxaemia and laminitis, and one of the foal’s rib bones had pierced her uterus. The uterus is very fragile so I had to be careful not to traumatise it as I felt around inside with my gloved hand. I found the whole thing intriguing, rather than gruesome, and I knew there was no way the mare would have survived had we not got everything out — she would have gone downhill fast.

“Eventually, it seemed that we’d got everything out — parts of dead foal were lying all over the floor. The mare was very uncomfortable that evening, but quickly became brighter. We flushed out the uterus daily until no more debris came out. The mare’s resilience was unbelievable — she returned home after 12 days. She never became ill as a result of the experience.

“To think that she had had that foal rotting inside her for months, and yet recovered so fast is unbelievable. It’s incredibly rare and goes against everything I’ve experienced as a vet.”

Please note, the picture above is not of this particular veterinary case

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The lameness work-up: what it is and what it can achieve

Andrea Oakes — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:02:24 +0000

Poor performance or lameness with no obvious cause may call for an examination known as a work-up. Gil Riley MRCVS explains what’s involved

A lameness work-up is an investigation of the horse’s movement to diagnose injury or damage that is causing pain. The more accurate the diagnosis, the more finely tuned the resulting treatment plan can be. This, in turn, maximises the likelihood of a successful outcome and a return to athletic work in the shortest possible period of time.

A work-up may be performed because a reason for lameness is not apparent, or because performance is below par. There are many causes of loss of performance, including gastric ulcers, respiratory issues and temperament problems. By far the most common problem is orthopaedic pain, resulting from an abnormality somewhere in the musculoskeletal system.The aim of the work-up is to determine the root of this pain, using a sequential series of steps.

Where is the best place for a lameness work-up?

With so many unavoidable variables due to the individuality of every horse, it is important to standardise the procedure wherever possible.

A work-up is ideally performed at a veterinary clinic, where the vet will be familiar with how horses respond to the environment, the handlers and the facilities. These facilities will have been designed to allow the most obvious demonstration of lameness in the horse in the safest way — a small gravel lungeing ring, for example, that enables the horse to be seen moving on a hard surface with minimal risk of slipping.

Typically, one vet will use their experience and the examination results to lead them to the source of pain. A good lameness clinician needs to ensure they remain sufficiently objective to pinpoint the diagnosis. An advantage of bringing a horse to an equine hospital is that there may be more than one specialist, along with gait analysis systems and different imaging techniques that may be unavailable at home.

In certain cases, variations to the procedure may be necessary. A horse that has recently had its shoes removed may not be lunged on a hard surface, to avoid making him footsore, while the riding part would be omitted, of course, for an unbroken or miniature horse.

If the answer is found with the initial, static examination, or on the straight-line trot, the process ends there. It would be inappropriate to put the horse through unnecessary discomfort that would provide no further information.

If a horse will not tolerate nerve-blocking injections, we may opt to introduce imaging earlier than usual to minimise distress caused. This is not ideal, as it will take more time to reach the correct diagnosis, but it is a better alternative to risking injury to the horse, vet or handler.

Unravelling issues

Lameness in the limbs is most common, but pain in other areas can result in poor performance — especially back issues, such as impingement of the dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines) or spondylosis of the vertebrae. Such horses often exhibit no lameness on the straight-line trot or on the lunge, but show profound discomfort during ridden exercise under the weight of tack and rider. They may also resent palpation of the back, alerting the vet to the possibility of a problem in this area.

A work-up can also help to unravel a primary source of pain from secondary complications or compensatory lameness. An example would be hind limb suspensory pain — a common cause of lameness in dressage and event horses. Because it can develop insidiously, and in both limbs simultaneously, the rider may not realise anything is wrong in the early stages. The horse may adapt his movement to minimise pressure on the painful suspensories by moving his pelvis more, causing sacroiliac pain. When his suspensory ligaments are blocked out (numbed), the clinic rider is likely to report that he now moves more freely — but with a stiffness “higher up”. A subsequent nerve block of the sacroiliac area will then lead to further improvement.

Pain relief, such as phenylbutazone, should not be given for at least two days before the exam. Anything that makes lameness less obvious will make obtaining an accurate diagnosis more difficult.

What’s the verdict?

Eliminating possibilities to reach the correct diagnosis can take money and time.

While a definitive diagnosis is obtained in most cases, some may still evade an absolute answer — although a logical and well-supported suggestion can usually be made. Lamenesses that remain undiagnosed are usually suspected as being neurological in origin, emanating from the spinal cord or the associated spinal nerves and plexuses.

The emergence of gait analysis systems has been an exciting development in lameness investigation, particularly for horses that are unbroken or have become unrideable, or where lameness is so subtle that it is difficult for the vet to identify. These systems, however, should be regarded as another tool available to the vet, and just part of the process in uncovering the source of some lamenesses.

A lameness work-up: the process in detail

Part 1: historyThe horse’s background is explored thoroughly, from specifics of ownership and use to any previous lameness issues or suspicions. Other health conditions are also noted, along with the horse’s shoeing regime, the nature and onset date of the current lameness, details of any treatment and subsequent response.

Part 2: static examEach limb is palpated for swellings, heat, bony lumps or signs of traumatic injury, along with response to pressure. The feet are inspected, with attention paid to shoe fitting, the presence of a pulse and any pain upon use of the hoof testers.

The back and neck are palpated for areas of sensitivity or exaggerated pain reaction, and baited (carrot) stretch tests performed to assess neck manoeuvrability.

Part 3: dynamic examA. Straight-line trot: Unless severe lameness is already evident at walk, the horse is trotted away and back on a hard, level surface. As a two-time gait, trot allows direct comparison between sides. All but the mildest cases of lameness are usually apparent. Flexion tests may be performed at this stage. Any change in gait in the trot-away may point to a problem in a joint or an associated structure.

b. Hard-surface lunge: lungeing on a tight circle can provide vital information. Lameness that is particularly obvious on a hard surface may stem from a foot. Noting whether it worsens when the affected limb is on the inside or outside can help to pinpoint the pain source to a certain area of the foot.

c. Soft-surface lunge: lameness that is worse on the soft indicates that the problem is unlikely to be in the foot and may instead be in a soft tissue structure, such as a ligament or tendon. Further clues can be gained if it worsens in one direction.

d. Ridden exercise: the majority of lameness work-ups are brought to us by owners not because a horse looks wrong, but because he feels wrong.

An experienced rider can be invaluable in helping the vet determine the source of this abnormal movement, or lameness, by reporting, for instance, that the horse feels choppy on both front limbs, is not tracking up with a hindleg or resents pressure on his back.

Part 4: nerve blocksPossibly the most important tool in lameness diagnosis and often the cornerstone of the investigation. While “pain” cannot be imaged, the vet can narrow down the problem by progressively blocking out regions of the affected limb, or spine, before re-assessing movement. If an area is no longer painful, a horse’s gait will improve significantly — indeed, he may become sound. Such a response will categorically regionalise the source of pain.

Part 5: imagingWith the source of pain localised, imaging can be employed to assess the specific area — commonly radiography, ultrasonography, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and nuclear scintigraphy. Using information about the damage found, along with knowledge and experience of dealing with lameness, the vet may reach a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.

This feature was first published in Horse & Hound magazine; 9 January 2020

Why your horse might be coughing this winter, plus 5 ways to manage it

Alex Robinson — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:32:04 +0000

While a cough can occur at any time of year, it is not unusual for some horses to develop a cough during winter. While it can be triggered by a virus or, more rarely, a bacterial infection, if a horse only develops an irritating cough when he is spending more time in his stable, and otherwise appears happy and healthy, the cause is more likely to be an allergy to contaminants in the air, such as dust and spores.

Why is my horse coughing?

The horse’s airway is made up of the upper respiratory tract (the nasal passages, larynx and trachea) and the lower respiratory tract (the lungs and the small airways – bronchi and bronchioles).

The horse’s respiratory tract overcomes contaminants in the air in two ways:

The mucociliary escalator – specialised cells that line the airway and filter the air before it reaches the lungs
Cellular immunity – specialised lung cells that kill bacteria and inactivate viruses

Excessive cold or dusty air, ammonia and stress can all reduce the effectiveness of these defence mechanisms, increasing the horse’s susceptibility to respiratory problems, which can result in the horse coughing.

When should I worry about my horse’s cough?

If a horse develops a cough, it is wise to isolate them until you know they are not carrying an infection. Take the horse’s temperature, monitor their general health, and speak to your vet. A vet may decide to carry out some of the following investigations to diagnose if the cough is infectious:

A full clinical examination, including listening to the lungs with a stethoscope
An endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract
Blood tests
Swabs from the back of the throat to test for viruses
Taking samples of discharge to establish the presence of bacteria or inflammatory cells

Can I ride my horse while it has a cough?

It is recommended that you rest a horse that has a cough, although it should have access to plenty of fresh air. Turnout is generally recommended.

There is a traditional horseman’s saying that a horse should be rested for two days for every day they are coughing. Once this period has passed, exercise can be gradually reintroduced – light exercise can help the horse to clear any remaining mucus from its airways.

How will a vet treat a horse’s cough?

In many cases, rest and good horse husbandry (see advice below) are all that is necessary. If the vet feels medication is appropriate, this may include mucolytics to help loosen the discharge, allowing for easier drainage, and broncodilators to increase the airway diameter and reduce muscle spasm.

Anti-inflammatories can be used to help to reduce soreness and enhance the effects of other drugs; inhaled preparations are also successful in some cases. Where bacteria are involved, antibiotics may be prescribed.

How to avoid a winter cough in horses

Roger Lee MRCVS offers some helpful advice on management techniques that can help avoid a winter cough in horses.

1. 24/7 turnout

One easy way to cure the problem of winter coughing is to leave your horse outside 24/7. With a waterproof rug, field shelter and plenty of feed, even horses in full work can winter outside very well, if the ground is suitable. However, if leaving your horse out is impractical, the next best way to tackle equine asthma is to improve air quality.

2. Use dust-free bedding

Bed your horse on dust-free shavings, paper or another low-dust type of bedding – avoiding straw. Consider where your horse’s stabled – there is no point having one horse on shavings and soaked hay if every other horse around it is on straw, or if the yard’s hay/straw barn is right outside its stable.

3. Feeding regimes to reduce dust

Feed dampened hay or haylage; forage is the single biggest source of dust and spores in the stable. Feed forage from the floor as this creates four times less inhaled dust than a haynet. Hay steamers are very good at eliminating dust and spores if you wish to feed hay.

4. Maintain a clean bed

Ammonia from urine-soaked bedding is irritant to the lungs. Keep the bed clean and dig out wet patches daily. If you are using rubber mats, make sure that there is plenty of bedding on top of them, and that urine is not building up underneath.

Also do not muck out your horse’s stable or sweep while they are inside – taking your horse outside while doing these tasks will keep a stabled horse happy and healthy.

5. Improve air circulation

Simply having the top stable door open is not sufficient — there needs to be a through movement of air, so open wide any windows at the back. If there isn’t a window, see if you can safely remove some boards to create one. If you are worried about draughts, put an extra rug on your horse.

If your horse is in a barn, give him a stable near the entrance where the air quality is best. A simple test of air quality is to stand at the back of the stable and take several deep breaths. If the air smells stale and dusty, it is not going to be good for your horse’s lungs.

Strangles: what is it, how to spot the signs, plus a new vaccine to help protect your horse

Carol Phillips — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 13:02:58 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

What is strangles in horses?

Strangles in horses is one of the most common infectious equine diseases in the UK. It is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the bacteria Strep. equi (Streptococcus equi subspecies equi). Horses, ponies and donkeys of all types and ages can be affected, but young horses typically develop more severe signs.

While it is not typically life-threatening, strangles can spread quickly among horses on a yard or in locations where horses come together in large groups such as at shows, if appropriate levels of biosecurity are not in place. Stables, yards or show venues that have a positive case of strangles are encouraged to stop equine movement in and out of the location and to advise professionals such as vets, farriers, physios and external trainers prior to visiting. The economic impact of a strangles outbreak to an equine business can be significant.

Signs of strangles in horses

A horse with strangles will typically have a temperature (above 38.5°C), depression with a loss of appetite, and thick, yellow mucus draining from both nostrils. Hot, painful abscesses may develop on the sides of the head and throat, which may burst and discharge pus. The horse may experience difficulty eating or extending his head, due to the discomfort in its throat, hence the name strangles.

The signs of strangles vary from mild to severe and are not always typical. Strangles can produce only subtle signs in a healthy adult horse, who may display a slight short-term increase in temperature, a brief loss of appetite and a clear nasal discharge. When the disease is this mild, it may be missed.

If you suspect your horse may have strangles, it should be immediately isolated and veterinary advice sought.

How is strangles spread?

The bacteria are primarily transferred between horses by direct contact or shared environments such as water troughs, with discharge from any draining abscesses being highly infective. It can also be transferred via a third-party such as people’s hands or clothing, or tack and yard equipment. However, the strangles bacteria cannot be blown far in the wind unlike the equine flu virus, which is airborne over long distances.

Strangles can contaminate pastures and stables, but the bacteria survives best inside the horse. Outside of the horse strangles doesn’t survive well in hot, dry environments, usually lasting just a few days outdoors in summer but in wet, cool environments such as water buckets or troughs it may survive for more than a month.

The best way to reduce spread is to spot the signs early. It is important to isolate any horse suffering with the condition and undertake good hygiene and biosecurity precautions to avoid transferring the infection to others. It is good practice to isolate new equine arrivals to reduce the risk of bringing a fresh infection on to your stable yard — ask your vet for advice.

What is the timeline of strangles?

The incubation period is up to 14 days (usually 3-10 days), but abscesses can take up to a week to appear after that. The condition typically lasts for at least three weeks, if untreated, but can linger and may take a much longer to spread from horse to horse, so once a yard is infected, it can remain a problem for months.

Following recovery, around one in 10 of affected horses will become carriers, appearing outwardly healthy, while still carrying bacteria in one or both guttural pouches, which are cavities at the back of the horse’s throat. These ‘carriers’ can intermittently shed bacteria for months — or even years — afterwards, meaning they pose an on-going risk for potential infection to other horses.

How is strangles diagnosed?

A vet will make the initial diagnosis based on clinical signs. There are various lab tests available to confirm if a horse is suffering from the condition, where swabs or other samples can be collected to check for evidence of the bacteria. These are particular useful since some animals (usually up to 10%) will be carriers and not show any signs of illness. Once a horse has been identified as a carrier it can be treated to avoid risk of infecting others.

How to treat strangles in horses

Most horses with strangles will require only good quality nursing, including rest and anti-inflammatories. Hay or haylage and hard feed should be fed from the floor to encourage drainage of discharges. Throat abscesses can be hot-packed to encourage them to burst, or your vet may lance them to allow them to drain.

The use of antibiotics to treat strangles remains controversial and is best addressed by your own vet on a case-by-case basis. Fresh air can help affected horses, but this benefit of turnout needs to be balanced with the risk of grazing becoming contaminated.

Vets have devised a traffic light system to separate horses into smaller groups of infected horses (red group), high risk cases (amber) and those who are hopefully clear (green) and then separate them, ideally with separate yard staff managing each group.

Complications

Although strangles is rarely fatal, there may be complications in up to 20% of cases. The abscesses in the throat can cause difficulties with eating and breathing if they put pressure on the airway, which is the reason for the name “strangles”. Rare complications include bastard (metastatic) strangles, where abscesses form elsewhere in the body, and the immune system disorder purpura haemorrhagica.

How to deal with an outbreak of strangles

Yards that have an outbreak of strangles are recommended to share the news openly with the local equestrian community in order to prevent wider infection.

Isolate the affected horses and those suspected of being positive until proven otherwise
Place a disinfectant foot bath outside isolation stables and at the yard entrance
People looking after affected/isolated horses should change all their outer clothing and wash their hands before handling other horses
The strangles bacteria will be destroyed by a hot wash, so changing and washing clothes will reduce the risk of spread
Monitor rectal temperature twice daily in all horses you are concerned about. A raised temperature may be the first clue that they may be about to develop signs
Let industry professionals such as the vet, farrier, equine dental technician, saddle fitter, feed delivery man, etc know before they come to the yard. They may prefer to make you the last visit of the day to avoid any chance of spreading the bacteria to other yards
Warn horse owners using adjoining fields or who ride close to the yard to keep their distance

Behave responsibly and avoid taking in-contact horses to shows where they may spread the disease to other horses and yards.

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Aftercare

Once a horse has been given the all clear by the vet, they can be removed from isolation and return to their usual care routine with work being reintroduced gradually.

It is recommended that a yard with a strangles outbreak should remain on lockdown with no horses going in or out for up to a month after the last case occurs, but seek advice from your own vet.

Prevention of strangles in horses

In order to prevent a strangles outbreak, yards may require new horses to be tested for the condition prior to arrival. This helps to identify ‘carriers’ (see above) that can then be treated to avoid introducing the bacteria to a new group of horses.

Owners of horses that attend off-site training or competition should exercise good basic biosecurity measures such as not allowing their horses to touch others, don’t share water buckets or feed buckets, don’t allow the horse to graze at the venue or use water troughs away from home. All horse handlers should avoid touching other people’s horses or equipment.

Is there a vaccine for strangles?

Scientists from the Animal Health Trust, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Karolinska Institute and Intervacc AB announced in early 2018 that they had developed a new protein-based vaccine against strangles¹. Large-scale production of the Strangvac vaccine began in 2019² with the vaccine being released for veterinary use in August 2022³.

The new strangles vaccine is the result of more than 25 years of research. The new vaccine does not use live bacteria; instead it uses eight proteins from the strangles bacteria. The use of so many proteins should help to provide protection against different strains of strangles, and by avoiding the use of live bacteria, the risk of serious side effects is significantly reduced.

Like a flu or tetanus vaccine, the new strangles vaccine is given into the muscle, so administration is more familiar to vets and owners than some previous vaccines that required injection into the lip or squirting into the nose. A little, temporary, soreness at the injection site is not unusual and occurs at a similar frequency to that with other vaccines, such as equine flu. The initial course is two vaccines four weeks apart, however the level of protection is improved greatly by a third dose three months after the second.

Importantly, vaccination does not interfere with the results of laboratory diagnostic tests for strangles.

Can vaccinated horses get strangles?

Vaccines rarely, if ever, provide complete protection in every single case and in the studies so far the Strangvac vaccine has reduced the severity of strangles (for example by reducing temperatures and numbers of abscesses), but has not prevented all clinical signs in all cases.

Strangles in horses: common questions

Can a horse recover from strangles?

Yes, most horses recover from strangles, although some may continue to carry the bacteria while showing no external signs of the condition. These horses can intermittently shed bacteria for months — or even years — afterwards, meaning they pose an on-going risk for potential infection to other horses.

What is the survival rate for strangles in horses?

The vast majority of horses that catch strangles recover fully. Around 10% may suffer complications, with those proving fatal in up to 4% of cases⁴, so the survival rate is approximately 96%.

Does strangles have to be reported?

Strangles is not a notifiable disease in the UK so it does not have to be reported by law. However, yards with an outbreak are encouraged to be open about it with their local community in order to limit its spread. While there is no legal requirement to stop equine movement to and from an infected yard, it is recommended that any horse that may have come into contact with one carrying strangles does not mix with other horses.

Strangles is a reportable disease in the United States of America⁵.

How long should you quarantine a horse with strangles?

Any horse that has had strangles – or has come in contact with a horse suffering from strangles – should be quarantined for at least four weeks after all clinical signs have passed.

References:

Essential horse health checks every owner needs to know

Carol Phillips — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 08:32:50 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Being able to undertake basic horse health checks in order to monitor your horse’s vital signs and recognise typical signs of illness early are skills that every horse owner should have. If you’re unsure of what you’re looking for or how to assess your horse, we are here to help with an easy-to-follow guide to all you need to know…

Horse health checks: Signs of illness | Temperature | Pulse | Respiration

How to take a horse’s temperature

The average healthy horse has a temperature in the range of 37–38°C or 98.5–100.5°F. An increase in temperature is typically an early sign that your horse’s health is not as it should be, so it is recommended all horses’ have regular temperature readings taken. This allows you to identify what is normal for each individual horse while doing essential horse health checks so changes can be picked up easily.

Daily monitoring of horses’ temperatures is common practice in many top competition and racing yards. It is hugely beneficial if horses can be trained to have their temperature taken as part of normal routine, just like grooming and picking out the feet.

A horse’s temperature is taken rectally normally with a digital thermometer (like this one) or occasionally an old-fashioned mercury thermometer. If the horse is unfamiliar with this procedure we recommend someone holds the horse while it takes place.

If you have a digital thermometer then turn it on. A mercury thermometer should be shaken vigorously until the mercury is below the temperature scale.

Lubricate the end of the thermometer with some petroleum jelly or a similar substance.

Standing close to the horse’s hindquarters, but to one side, lift the horse’s tail and gentle slide the thermometer into the horse’s anus until the full measuring tip of the device is inside the horse. Tilt the end of the thermometer until it is pressing gently on the gut wall, rather than being suck in the middle of a ball of droppings. NB: Make sure you have a firm hold on the device, as it has been known for the thermometer to be draw inside the rectum by some horses.

Wait a full minute for a mercury thermometer or wait for the digital version to beep, then withdraw it, wipe it clean and read the temperature. The rapid reading 10 second digital thermometer is highly recommended as it will mean less time is spent waiting in the horse’s kicking zone.

Make sure you clean and disinfect the thermometer before returning it to its case. It should be stored in a cool place.

How to take a horse’s pulse

The normal pulse rate of a horse at rest is between 28 and 42 beats per minute. This is quite a wide range so it is worth taking your own horse’s pulse at various times of day across a few days to work out what is normal for that individual. A resting horse’s pulse will rise if they are frightened, anxious, excited, have a high temperature or are in pain.

You can take a horse’s pulse where the facial artery runs over the lower jaw, by applying light pressure and counting the beats over a 15 second period. Multiple this number by four to work out the beats per minute.

Alternatively you can use the digital pulse on the horse’s leg, which is located where an artery runs over the sesamoid bones, just above the fetlock joint. Or you can place your hand on the horse’s side, just behind the elbow, where the vet would use a stethoscope to listen. It is normally more difficult to feel the pulse in these two locations.

How to measure your horse’s breathing rate

The normal respiratory rate for a horse at rest is between 8 and 16 breaths per minute. Once again, this is quite a wide window so it is worth working out what is normal for your horse.

You can count the horse’s breaths by watching the horse’s sides. They will move up and out with each breath in, then drop down and in as the horse breathes out. In cold weather you can watch the horse’s nose as you will be able to see the air being pushed out turns into vapour. Horses can only breath through their nose, so there is no risk of missing a horse taking a breath through their mouth.

Spotting typical signs of illness

Recognising the early warning signs that your horse is not feeling at their best is a skill that is acquired with experience, but there are some simple horse health checks that all owners should doing. In most cases anything that appears unusual for a particular horse should be noted and monitored as it could give useful information to a vet if a health issue develops later.

Keep an eye on your horse’s overall demeanour. If they appear quieter than usual and aren’t interacting with their field companions as normal, this could suggest a problem. Lying down or rolling more often than usual could suggest stomach pain known as colic in horses, while standing in an unusual position, such as pointing a front foot or repeatedly lifting a leg off the ground may indicate pain in that limb. However, a horse resting a hind leg while in a relaxed state is rarely significant.

If they are grumpy when being groomed, tacked up, having rugs changed or while being ridden, it is worth paying attention to. This could be early signs of a problem that hasn’t yet manifested itself into more severe clinical signs.

Changes to a horse’s levels of appetite, frequency or consistency of droppings and volume or colour of urine may be a cause for concern so we would recommend speaking to your vet in these cases. Sweating at rest, a change in breathing rate, and a raised pulse can all be signs of pain.

While a small trickle of clear discharge from a horse’s nose is unlikely to be a cause for concern, thick or coloured mucus suggests a problem. Any consistent discharge from the eyes is unusual and warrants veterinary investigation.

Any heat or swelling on a limb, especially accompanied by lameness, is a clear sign there is a problem. Even minor cuts and grazes should be attended to promptly to help avoid infection setting in.

If you are concerned about your horse, then it is wise to check their temperature, pulse and respiration against their normal levels and have this information to hand when you contact your vet. It helps to keep a temperature chart, especially if you are travelling with your horse. Your vet will appreciate having the information available, if required.

Impaction colic in horses: signs, treatment and prevention

Carol Phillips — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:02:21 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Impactions are one of the most common types of colics seen by vets, so get the latest expert advice on how to recognise the signs and what to do next

Impaction colic occurs when a blockage within the horse’s gastrointestinal tract prevents the normal passage of its contents through the gut. It is usually caused by a build-up of solid material, such as drier than normal food or partially formed faeces. Occasionally there can be blockage caused by something else, such a foreign body, for example a plastic bag, a nylon hay net or occasionally parasitic worms. Impaction colics are among the most common colics seen by vets.

An impaction will cause discomfort or pain, leading to typical colic signs. The severity will depend on the size of the blockage and its location. Most commonly the obstruction is in the large colon, where there is a natural U-bend in the hind gut, but they can occur elsewhere. Obstructions are more of a problem when they happen further forward in the bowel, while a blockage filling the stomach can be particularly problematic to treat.

While most cases of large colon impaction can be successfully treated medically, some will require surgery. If left untreated an impaction could potentially cause the gut to rupture. All colic cases should be considered as serious and veterinary advice sought immediately.

Impaction colic: signs to look out for

Typical signs will vary according to the severity and location of the impaction. In early cases of colon impaction, you may notice your horse is passing fewer droppings than normal and that the faecal balls are small, firm and dry. He may also be quieter than normal or appear to not want to eat.

As the impaction worsens the horse will show normal signs of colic, including pawing the ground, kicking at his belly, look round at his flanks, sweating, rapid breathing, lying down and rolling.

What to do first

If you are seeing signs of colic in your horse, call your vet immediately.

While waiting for the vet to arrive, if possible, gently encourage your horse to walk around on grass or another soft surface, such as in an arena, but do not force the horse to walk if it is showing signs of distress.

The handler should be wearing gloves and a hard hat, while the horse should have a long line attached to their bridle or head collar. If the horse is determined to roll, then let him – this will not cause a twisted gut.

Do not let the horse eat.

Diagnosis of impaction colic

Impaction colic is usually relatively easy to diagnose. On arrival your vet will take note of the signs being displayed by the horse, check the horse’s vital signs and undertake a rectal examination to confirm the location of the impaction.

The most common site for an obstruction to occur is the pelvic flexure of the colon. This is a large U-bend at the rear end of the bowel. The gut contents slow down as they turn this narrow corner, which can result in a blockage.

Pelvic flexure impactions are one of the most common causes of colic, accounting for between 12-40% of colic cases treated in the UK horse population.

Treatment for impaction colic in horses

Most colon impactions can be cleared without surgical intervention by the vet administering a combination of water, laxatives, electrolytes or other substances via a nasogastric or stomach tube that is passed into the horse’s oesophagus (gullet) towards the stomach via the nose.

Painkillers, such as phenylbutazone (bute), may be given intravenously to control the discomfort until the impaction is passed. The horse should receive minimal feed but can be allowed to drink if they wish, depending on the vet’s advice for the individual case. The horse will need to be monitored to observe colic signs and amount of faeces produced.

Walking the horse gently in hand as regular intervals will help to stimulate movement inside the gut. Your vet may need to re-examine the horse several times to check the impaction is softening and to administer more laxatives and painkillers as necessary.

Once the horse is comfortable and is passing droppings again, small amounts of laxative feed, such as grass and sloppy bran mashes, may be given, with normal feed then being slowly introduced a few days later.

In severe cases of colon impaction, more frequent dosing of water and lubricants by stomach tube is needed, and the horse may need an intravenous drip, which usually requires hospitalisation. In these cases, it can take days for an impaction to clear. Long-standing obstructions of the large colon have an increased tendency to recur.

Impactions of the small intestine are more likely to require surgery. These tend to be caused by the horse eating inappropriate foodstuffs, such as twigs or shavings. Your vet may suspect a small intestinal obstruction if he or she can feel loops of small intestine that have become distended with gas and fluid during a rectal examination or further assessment by ultrasound. Also the patient may show signs of more severe pain with any impaction in the further forward small intestine or stomach.

Without a vet it is impossible to know whether colic is the result of an impaction, impending diarrhoea or a twisted gut, so any colic must always be treated as an emergency. However, most impactions are treated successfully and horses usually make a full recovery.

What causes impaction colic in horses?

The following factors may lead to an impaction in an otherwise healthy animal:

A change in management, such as stabling a horse that was living out at grass
A drop in the amount of exercise a horse gets, for example box rest after an injury
Dehydration, due to insufficient fresh water or the horse not wishing to drink very cold water in winter
Bingeing, such as when a greedy pony gains access to the feed room or an unlimited supply of hay or haylage
Animals that eat straw bedding may have a higher risk
A horse which eats unsoaked sugar beet may develop impaction in the gut or in the oesophagus (choke)
Animals grazing on sandy soil may take in sufficient quantities of sand to cause impaction of the colon

Impactions can also occur as a result of other conditions, such as dental problems, diseases that reduce gut mobility, repeated sedation of the horse and severe roundworm infestations, typically in young horses.

Preventing impactions

For stabled horses in particular, feed little and often, and include plenty of roughage in the diet
Soaking hay is a good way to ensure that the horse gets plenty of moisture, and hard feed should be wetted down – soaked sugar beet can be a useful addition
If your horse does not tend to drink very much, introducing a salt lick or adding a teaspoon of salt to his feed may help
During the winter, hot water can be added to buckets to take the chill off and encourage horses to drink
Try to leave horses that are prone to impaction out at grass as much as possible
Regular exercise is a very important way to prevent impaction. If your horse cannot be turned out to graze, make sure he has some form of exercise daily, even if it is just walking in-hand
Horses or ponies that eat straw should be kept on an alternative bedding, such as shavings, paper or rubber matting

References:

Prospective survey of veterinary practitioners’ primary assessment of equine colic: clinical features, diagnoses, and treatment of 120 cases of large colon impaction pub. July 2014

Medical management of large colonic impactions pub. December 2015

Hoof abscess (pus in the foot): how to deal with this common problem

Carol Phillips — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 13:02:46 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A sub-solar hoof abscess, also known as pus in the foot is a common cause of lameness, particularly in wet weather conditions following a long dry period, as well as during an extended spell of frequent and heavy rain. It is thought that tiny cracks appear in the hoof wall and allow moisture, dirt and bacteria to enter. Infection sets in, followed by a build-up of pus that, within the restricting hoof cavity, soon becomes extremely painful. Other cases are associated with puncture wounds to the hoof, while sometimes infection can ascend via the openings left by the tracts of horseshoe nails.

It is not unusual for an abscess to cause a horse to be non-weight bearing on the affected limb, and many a vet has been called to a horse with a “broken leg” that turns out to be an abscess. If you suspect your horse may be suffering from an infection in the hoof, a visit from your vet or farrier should be arranged as soon as possible as relieving the horse’s discomfort must be a priority.

Hoof abscess in horses: Signs | Treatment | Complications

How to recognise a hoof abscess

Be vigilant of any slight or intermittent lameness that becomes more pronounced until the horse almost bears no weight on the affected leg
More weight may be carried on the toe to protect the heel
The affected foot may feel hotter than the other feet
There may be a noticeable or pounding digital pulse towards the back of either side of the fetlock
The leg may become filled and swollen
There may be severe pain and signs of distress
If not drained, the abscess will eventually burst through the coronary band

How to treat a hoof abscess

It is likely that the shoe will need to be removed to find the hoof abscess, which, once located and drained, will bring rapid relief.

The farrier or vet will advise how to clean the site, perhaps with antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide. Traditionally, tubbing the foot in warm salty water has been recommended, however this can soften the hoof wall and sole, which may not be in the horse’s best interests.

Typically a hot wet poultice is applied to the hard horn on the sole of the hoof, being replaced twice a day for for up to three days, to encourage the abscess to drain downwards. This avoids the need to poultice the soft skin of the coronary band. It is not recommended to use a wet poultice for more than three days.

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The area should be kept covered until it has healed sufficiently to prevent any dirt from entering the wound. Disposable nappies make very effective dressings for this purpose.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

How to poultice a horse’s hoof: your essential guide

Dr Stuart Thorne MRCVS, of Fellowes Farm Equine Clinic, gives useful tips to make poulticing easy

While many vets and farriers will recommend stabling the horse during treatment to reduce the risk of further infection from external debris while the wound is open, some owners continue to turn their horses out while protecting the dressing with a thick plastic bag secured with thick strong tape. If you do so, take care not to cause a pressure sore when taping over the hoof covering.

It is usually unnecessary to treat pus in the foot with antibiotics. It is better to drain the abscess to eliminate the infection, particularly since antibiotics do not penetrate properly into the hoof and horn of the horse’s foot. Antibiotics are only really justifiable in rare cases where there are complications and the deeper structures within the foot are involved.

It is far more important to establish adequate drainage to ensure all the infection can drain while giving the horse sufficient pain relief. The two are frequently combined in that a horse with a foot abscess will feel much better as soon as the pus is drained.

Once located and drained, most abscesses will resolve in a week or two with one study showing that they take an average of 11 days of treatment.

Complications

Most foot abscesses are straightforward and can be treated relatively rapidly, however complications can develop. These include cellulitis (infection in the soft tissues), hoof cracks, inflammation and infection of the underlying pedal bone and other structures, as well as recurrent abscesses. If a horse suffers repeatedly from hoof abscesses then it may be worth testing for Cushings/PPID as this can be a sign of that condition.

Fortunately the majority of cases recover well, and once the pus in the foot has drained, then the horse’s shoe can be refitted and they can return to work.

References:

Factors associated with prolonged treatment days, increased veterinary visits and complications in horses with subsolar abscesses – December 2018

Foot abscessation in horses – February 2019

Frosty grass: will eating it give your horse colic?

Aimi Clark — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 09:55:46 +0000

Have you ever wondered whether turning out on frosty grass could be harmful to your horse’s digestive system, and even cause colic? With Britain facing yet another period of cold and frosty weather this winter, waking up to find your fields covered with a layer of frost first thing in the morning is a familiar sight.

But should you be worried about this causing colic in your horse? Not according to vet Kieran O’Brien MRCVS of Penbode Equine in Devon.

“Horses living out in winter can happily eat frosted grass every morning for weeks on end without suffering any adverse effect,” he says. “Evidence that frosted grass causes colic is only circumstantial.

“Frozen grass will be rapidly warmed in the horse’s mouth during chewing and mixing with warm saliva, and it will be further warmed as the grass travels down the oesophagus to the stomach.

“Furthermore, there are unlikely to be any significant frost-induced chemical changes in grass in winter such that colic would ensue. While it is easy to attribute an unexplained colic case to having recently eaten frosted grass, the evidence that this is a real factor is just not there.”

There are other factors to consider when trying to prevent winter colic:

1. Due to shorter days and wet ground turnout time typically decreases. Horses are stabled and immobile for longer and their grass consumption decreases, both increasing the risk of colic.

2. Horses don’t like drinking cold water. This, coupled with eating less grass — which is 80% water — increases the colic risk because water is essential for a functioning digestive system.

“Water maintains the fluidity of the contents [in the gut], ensuring easy passage through the twists and turns in the digestive tract, especially the colon,” explains Kieran.

“Excessive dehydration of the intestinal contents in a water-deprived horse can slow the passage of digesta, risking on obstruction of the colon and causing impaction colic.”

The following may help encourage your horse to drink more:

Warm up the water. In one study, horses drank more when water was offered very slightly lukewarm.
Feed soaked sugarbeet (soaked according to manufacturer instructions on the bag).
Feed haylage, which contains 20% more water than hay.
Add flavouring to water, for example apple juice or Ribena.

Also consider turning off automatic drinkers – which may freeze during very cold weather – and using buckets instead, so that you can monitor water intake.

How to put on a stable bandage correctly

Martha Terry — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 15:32:17 +0000

Liphook Equine Hospital veterinary nurse Anna Stone talks you through how to put a stable bandage on your horse — ensuring correct positioning and that you are not applying too much pressure.

All horse owners should know how to put on stable bandages – which can also be described as “wrapping legs” – correctly.

If bandages are applied too tightly, they can cause pressure sores, necrosis due to restricted blood flow or soft tissue damage. If they are too loose they can slip off and become a trip hazard.

You will need:

quilted pad, Fybagee or Gamgee pads
stable bandages (fastening with Velcro)

How to put on a stable bandage

First, brush the horse’s legs off so that there is no bedding or mud that will get stuck underneath the bandage and cause rubbing or pressure sores
Crouch beside the horse (do not kneel)
Aiming for the bandage to cover from just below the horse’s knee or hock down to the coronet band, wrap the pad around the leg with even pressure, finishing with the seam on the outside of the leg, so that any extra pressure won’t lie on the tendons or the front of the leg. Some quilted pads, such as Waldhausen’s, have a velcro strip to help keep it in place
While holding the pad in place, take the bandage and start midway down the leg. Wrap the bandage around the leg with a nice even pressure, aiming for half a width of wrap covering each time
Go down to just below the fetlock and then start to come back up the leg
Continue wrapping in the same way up to just below the knee or hock, fastening at the top with the velcro
There should be no creases or wrinkles, as these will cause pressure points and restrict blood flow
Check the pressure. You should easily be able to fit two fingers down from the top and up from the bottom, so you know it won’t be too tight and will be comfortable for the horse
Change stable bandages at least once a day
To remove, unfasten the velcro and carefully but quickly unwind the bandage by passing the bandage from hand to hand, neatly collecting the bandage up as you go so that there is no loose trail.
Shake off any bedding and roll up the bandage with the Velcro inside so that this comes out last when you are putting the stable bandage on. The Velcro fastening should be stuck to itself and facing upwards as you reroll. Quick tip: new bandages are often fastened with the Velcro on the outside, so you’ll need to reroll them before you start.

Why use stable bandages?

The horse’s legs might need support, for instance if he has an injury such as to his tendon. You should also bandage the opposite leg to provide additional support to the uninjured leg, which is likely to be taking more weight
You might want to protect a wound that requires a bit of cover, and some owners choose to use them as protection during transport
Stable bandages can reduce swelling of the lower limbs for horses on box rest
They can also provide some warmth and comfort to recuperating horses and protect the lower limbs from bruising if he is lying down more than usual due to illness or injury.

However, a bandage applied incorrectly can do more harm than no bandage at all, so make sure you practise this skill dozens of times with someone knowledgeable to check your work to become proficient.

Sweet itch in horses: what all horse owners need to know

Carol Phillips — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:00:33 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sweet itch in horses can be described as pruritus – the technical term for itchiness, the unpleasant sensation that leads horses to bite, scratch or rub at their skin. Sometimes the sensation is so strong that horses will cause severe damage to themselves or their environment, while in extreme cases, horses cannot tolerate tack on their skin, let alone a rider.

Although poorly understood, pruritus is known to result from the stimulation of special nerve endings and receptors in the skin. In the horse, the three main factors inducing itchy skin are ectoparasites (such as biting insects), allergies and some infections. Biting insects including lice, midges, black flies and horse flies can trigger cases of pruritus, but milder cases can occur simply as a horse sheds its coat.

Sweet itch in horses: Signs | Prevention and management | Treatment

In most cases a severe itch is made up of a number of smaller itches. The point at which a horse responds to an itch will vary from animal to animal and is known as the pruritus threshold. Below this threshold the horse may have potentially itchy stimuli present, but not respond to them.

One example is that a horse can carry a burden of parasites such as lice, which cause damage to the skin, without showing any clinical signs. However, once the damaged skin becomes infected, this additional level of discomfort can push the horse beyond its pruritus threshold, causing it to rub or bite itself.

Sweet itch in horses is the term for the itchiness caused by midges, which typically appears in spring and settles down to virtually disappear during the winter provided it is cold enough for the midges not to be flying, which is usually less than about 4°C. For this reason, purchasers need to be aware of the potential risk of buying a horse with no signs of skin disease during the winter which, by mid-summer, could turn into a major sweet itch case. Any signs of irregularity and discolouration of the skin, most noticeable when the coat is clipped should be viewed with suspicion. Similarly if the mane or tail are a little thin or threadbare, do not just dismiss them as a rug or hood that rubs.

Sweet itch develops when the affected horses and ponies, which are more commonly the worst sufferers, are sensitive to the irritants in midge saliva.

Typical signs

Mild to severe itching and rubbing, usually along the mane, back and tail
Loss of tail and mane hair
Bald patches, which can look ugly and grey due to permanent hair loss and skin damage
Areas of sore, open, broken skin, which tend to bleed
In some cases, itching along the legs and under the belly

Different types of midges will attack different parts of the body, resulting in different areas of skin being affected, but true sweet itch mostly affects the mane and base of the tail, which is a clue to the identity of the problem.

Prevention of sweet itch and management of itchy horses

A good midge repellent is essential – your vet will be able to guide you on this
The problem can be controlled in many horses by moving to field that is away from water courses and where there is often a strong breeze
Small areas of water can be midge breeding areas, such as water troughs, so they need to be cleaned often
Stable your horse from about 4pm to 8am when midges are at their worst. Using insect-proof mesh on the windows and door of stables may help
Keep your horse’s skin covered using an ear-to-tail sweet itch rug designed to help prevent midges accessing your horse. This is really important and needs to be started while the weather is still cold and the midges are not out, otherwise the sweet itch sufferer will already be itching and will shred any rug
Use strong ceiling fans in stables as midges cannot fly against a strong air current
Carry out medicated treatment frequently (it is often required on a daily basis), otherwise the midges will start to bite, which triggers the itch/scratch cycle
Although there is limited research available, anecdotal evidence from owners of horses suffering from sweet itch suggests feed supplements designed to support and maintain good skin health can help
It is hoped that in the relatively near future, vaccines may become available to make affected horses and ponies tolerant to the irritation

Investigation into the causes of pruritus should focus on the major trigger factors of parasites and allergies, while remembering that it is common for more than one problem to be present. With parasites, such as mites, reinfection is common.

The distribution of the sore areas, such as the classic rubbed mare and tail associated with sweet itch, can help identify if parasites are responsible by simple pattern recognition of the lesions present.

Skin scrapings are useful in many cases, enabling the vet to check for lice and other skin parasites, such as mange mites. A detailed dermatology examination, including biopsies of the areas of freshly damaged skin are often more informative than skin scrapings alone, however it can be hard to obtain a diagnosis on longstanding cases, especially when the skin has been coated in a variety of lotions and potions. Sometimes treatment has to be stopped to enable the vet to obtain a true picture of the problem.

Your vet may recommend further investigations to establish the precise cause of skin irritation and itchiness. This may include equine intra-dermal skin testing, which involves the intradermal injection of a range of potential allergens relevant to the geographical area. Results are scored subjectively and there may the option to consider immunotherapy depending on the results, which will work in some, but not all cases.

Treatment of sweet itch

Prevention is better than treatment, which should include all possible measures to reduce the exposure to biting insects, including the use of fully covering sweet itch rugs, fly masks and fly sprays or fly gels.

Steroids can be used to combat the irritation, but unless they are accompanied by treatment for the underlying cause of the pruritus, a relapse is likely. They may be beneficial to give short-term relief, although they are not always as effective as one might expect. Side effects also need to be considered, especially with long term usage.

Steroids are not the only option available to make the horse more comfortable while further investigations into the cause of the problem are carried out. Soothing emollient shampoos, solutions and sprays can help some cases. Cold water hosing and ice packs applied to the irritated areas can also lead to an improvement. Shampoos containing colloidal oatmeal and oils such as borage, tea tree, evening primrose and aloe vera can also have palliative effects. Sulphur is one of the oldest anti-pruritic products available and has positive benefits in relieving the itch.

Both humectant and emollient sprays are available as therapy in pruritic horses. A humectant is an oil-free product, which increases the water-absorbency of the top layer of the skin, producing subsequent soothing effects. An emollient is an oil-based solution, which coats the skin and prevents water loss. Oil sprays applied via a simple plant sprayer can also prevent the skin drying out.

Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are sometimes used with caution. There are currently no antihistamines specifically licensed for use in the horse, so any such treatment should discussed with your vet.

Sweet itch and other causes of itchiness are bad enough in any affected horse or pony, however it is especially problematic in competition animals. Not only can it affect their performance and appearance, but also special care has to be taken to ensure that they are not treated with prohibited substances during or around the time of competition.

Obviously it is not right to compromise a horse’s welfare by leaving it itching, however it cannot have potentially performance enhancing medication such as steroids or anti-histamines whilst competing. There have been high profile cases where competition ponies have been disqualified as a result of competing on such prohibited treatments. Thankfully there is a lot that can be done to manage sweet itch without using prohibited drugs. It is best to check with your vet to ensure any treatment is legal for use in competition. Your vet will also be able to advise on topical treatments, which are not absorbed internally. Fastidious management is very important, but may be challenging when travelling to events away from home.

Immunotherapy, which is treatment designed to adjust or reprogram the sweet itch sufferer’s immune system is thought to be the way forward to manage sweet itch in the future. There are anecdotal reports that a European vaccine designed by ringworm has been useful to moderate sweet itch signs this year; however it is too early to know whether this is effective.

Why do horses roll? H&H explains…

Emily Donoho — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:02:24 +0000

Anyone who has spent time around horses, will have witnessed a horse take to its favourite muddy patch, dusty arena, or fresh shavings, with its nose to the ground, pawing the dirt, circling, then buckle its knees, drop to the ground and roll from side to side. The horse will go back and forth in ecstasy, then maybe leap to its feet and give a buck, or simply shake itself off and start grazing.

So why do they do it? It turns out that there are many reasons horses roll, sometimes because they feel good, while at other times it’s an indication that a vet is required.

Sarah Clark, an equine behavioural consultant in Essex, who runs her own behavioural consultancy business, explains: “Horses roll for pleasure when they are relaxed and feel it is safe to do so. Similar to when a person yawns, rolling is evidently contagious, and you can often see more than one horse roll in sequence.”

She adds: “As well as for enjoyment, a horse will roll to help with shedding their coat and to maintain their coat and body temperature too. Mud and dust can act as a skin conditioner as well as a natural insect repellent. Any irritation caused by drying sweat can be relieved by rolling as the dust or mud has a cooling and drying effect. This is demonstrated when, to the horror of the horse owner who has just bathed their horse and turned them out, seconds later finds them dirt-coloured again!”

It can also be the horse’s way of communicating that he might be over-rugged. Sarah explains: “Excessive or frantic rolling in the winter can indicate that the horse has become too warm in their rug and they are trying to cool themselves or adjust their thermostat.”

An observant owner can use rolling (among other behaviours) to assess their horse’s social status in the herd and perhaps improve any behaviour problems they might be experiencing. A herd will often have a favourite rolling spot.

Sarah says: “The most socially confident horses in a group usually make their scent marks last. This includes being the last to roll, often in a favourite spot and near access points including gateways in a domestic setting.”

Rolling isn’t always benign or for pleasure or self-grooming though, and vets are often called to cases where the horse is rolling as a response to pain.

Brianna Harris, DVM, a vet in Colorado, says: “The big medical one would be rolling due to a belly ache. If you’ve ever eaten too much of a holiday meal, you can relate. I’ve actually tried rolling myself to ease the pain of a distended stomach from taking seconds way too seriously!”

She counteracts the myth that rolling makes colic worse, explaining: “It’s a mechanical way of trying to move stuff like gas or fluid pockets around to get some relief. For some horses, it likely works to their benefit, and they can work themselves out of a colic situation. We humans often stop them from rolling, because we think it could make the colic situation worse — it likely won’t matter either way.”

There are reasons, however, to prevent the colicky horse from rolling. Brianna points out: “Horses are often kept in areas of confinement in which they could do a lot of damage to the structure as well as themselves. Painful rolling horses can get cast in stalls, break legs and fencing, not to mention the abrasions they get on their faces from rubbing their head against the ground over and over again.

“For a sick horse, rolling can be an indicator of their level of pain and the importance of calling a vet out to evaluate the situation.”

Article continues below…

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(Image credit: Future)

She advises owners to get to know their horses well and learn the differences between rolling for pleasure and rolling in pain. A sick horse may be sweating, pacing, looking anxiously at its sides, often getting up and down, whereas a happy one will look bright and relaxed and after rolling, is likely to either play or graze.

“My own horse would have been tubed after every ride had I not known how much he loved his self-inflicted post workout message. He lived for the roll out after getting the tack off,” says Brianna.

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(Image credit: Future)

Choke in horses: what you need to know

Carol Phillips — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:45:55 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Choke in horses occurs when the animal has an obstruction made of food stuck somewhere between the back of the mouth and the stomach within the gullet, which can be more correctly described as the oesophagus.

Signs of choke in horses

Horses with choke are typically in a very distressed state, coughing and spluttering with general signs of discomfort. Sometimes, food and saliva pour from their mouth and nose as profuse green slime. While horses cannot vomit in the same way as people do, while suffering from acute choke they will retch in an unpleasant fashion.

Other signs of choke include:

Difficulty in swallowing
Intermittent bending and stretching of the neck in an attempt to shift the blockage
Occasionally there may be a visible swelling or lump that can be felt on the left side of the neck at the top of the oesophagus (pictured below)

swollen Esophagus (Image credit: Derek C Knottenbelt)

Choke in horses: Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Paradoxically, affected horses may still try to eat, even though the food passage is blocked, which is hazardous as it means food material has the potential to go the wrong way into the lungs. If the blockage does not shift, most will lose their appetite and then they run the risk of becoming dehydrated.

Often the signs are noticed soon after the horse has been fed. When a horse has choke, it is obvious that there is something wrong. The good news is that it usually looks worse than it is. While a vet should be called for advice, many cases resolve without treatment before the vet arrives.

Causes of choke

The swelling of dry feed as it combines with saliva can block the oesophagus and cause choke. Inadequately soaked sugar beet is a classic cause. The initial obstruction is made worse by further mouthfuls of food that pile up behind the wedged mass.

Other substances that may also cause choke include pieces of fruit or vegetable, pieces of wood or even shavings. Chokes caused by the feeding of inappropriate food stuffs by well-meaning members of the public has been increasingly seen during the coronavirus pandemic as more people explore their local countryside in the UK.

An often-underestimated reason for choke is feeding a horse too soon after he has recovered from sedation or anaesthesia. So be patient and give any drowsy horse time to return to normal alertness, so they can swallow properly, before allowing them to eat.

Another potential risk is exhausted or dehydrated horses, so ensure that they drink before they eat and that all feed is sloppy and easy to swallow if your horse is tired.

If a horse has repeated bouts of choke, it is worth looking for an underlying cause. Once feeding problems can be ruled out, it is important to consider other possible causes of recurrent choke. These include:

Dental difficulties, including sharp or worn teeth in older horses and loose or erupting teeth in younger horses
Some kind of obstruction — usually rare — pressing on the outside of the oesophagus that prevents the smooth passage of food. One cause is neck injuries causing swelling and abscesses, such as those associated with strangles and, more unusually, tumours
Other causes of difficulty in swallowing should be considered
Greed — there are certainly horses who just gobble their food too quickly and get it stuck, but have nothing medically wrong with them.

Diagnosis of choke in horses

Diagnosis is usually straightforward, based on the clinical signs. Sometimes, a vet will gently pass a stomach tube to confirm the site of the obstruction.

Occasionally, a flexible endoscope is used to enable direct observation of the obstruction itself or to check the area for damage after the obstruction has been shifted.

The challenge with choke is that many cases sort themselves out and do not require veterinary attention, but the risk of complications increases significantly the longer the duration of the obstruction.

The biggest risk is the horse inhaling food and saliva then developing pneumonia. Some degree of aspiration pneumonia is seen in up to 67% of cases. This has the potential to be serious, so if your horse has had choke monitor them closely for the next few days, including taking their temperature.

Good first aid can reduce the risks:

Prevent the horse from eating or drinking anything further, so he is less likely to get food down the windpipe. It is best to put him in a box with no hay or water and non-edible bedding, then contact your vet for advice
Occasionally, a lump of obstructed food can be felt on the left side of the neck; massaging this gently may help it disperse
Keep the horse quiet, with his head low, to allow saliva to drain. The vet may give sedative drugs to help this happen.

If the obstruction does not shift within a few hours, you will need your vet’s assistance.

Treatment

What the vet will do depends on how long the choke has been going on and how uncomfortable the horse is and whether they are dehydrated . The majority of horses will need very little treatment apart from injections to relax them and allow the obstruction to pass.

If the problem persists, the vet may use more aggressive treatment to move the blockage. A stomach tube is sometimes passed up the nose into the oesophagus and fluid gently pumped through to soften and shift the blockage.

Giving the horse large amounts of fluids via an intravenous drip will help, because the choke case can become dehydrated through continually dribbling saliva and being unable to drink because of the blockage.

On rare occasions a general anaesthetic is needed to shift a blockage using surgical procedures.

The prognosis for a complete recovery after one episode of choke is good. Withholding dry, fibrous foods for at least three days can reduce the chance of recurrence or scarring at the site of the obstruction. Any associated respiratory infections will usually rapidly resolve, but may need antibiotics for a few days. Your vet will advise what is best for the individual case.

How to prevent choke in horses?

The most obvious preventative measure is to avoid dry feed if a horse has choked before. Anything that stops him bolting feed may also help.

Suggestions include:

Feeding the horse away from others so that he does not rush while he eats for fear that another horse will steal his feed
Try feeding a smaller amount more often so that the horse gets the same amount of feed per day as he was previously
Put an object that is too big to eat, such as a large stone, in the feed bowl, so that the horse has to search for his feed slowly

While choke may be distressing for both horse and owner, diagnosis and treatment is often straightforward. And, as always, prevention is better than cure.

Sarcoids in horses: what every horse owner needs to know

Carol Phillips — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:20:55 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sarcoids are the most common skin tumour in horses and ponies and, although they may look like warts, they are locally destructive and are a form of skin cancer.

They are most often found on the abdomen, inside the back legs, around the sheath, on the chest and around the eyes and ears. They also often appear at the site of old scars, particularly on the legs. These are sites where flies typically congregate and insect transmission may be involved in the development of the condition.

Young to middle-aged horses are most commonly affected and there may be a genetic predisposition, meaning horses related to sarcoid-prone animals are more likely to develop the problem. It is a condition that is unique to horses. There is no clear link between colour or breeds of horses being more susceptible.

Sarcoids can appear singly as tiny lumps or in clusters. As they enlarge, the skin may ulcerate and become infected. In summer, they attract flies and can end up as open sores that will not heal.

Recognising sarcoids in horses

The appearance of sarcoids can vary considerably. In the early stages they may appear innocuous and are sometimes missed completely if they are concealed within the horse’s coat.

Some sarcoids look like smooth, nodular skin lumps, especially in the early stages, while others are irregular and roughened from the start. The lumps frequently become larger, irregular in shape and cauliflower-like in appearance. Some will ulcerate and become aggressive at which stage they are described as fibroblastic or malevolent sarcoids. Sarcoids can also appear as flat, slightly bumpy areas of skin with a dry, scaly appearance. This verrucose form of sarcoid is sometimes mistaken for ringworm, but it never clears up. Such plaques are often found on the neck, chest and inner thigh. In time, they may develop into other forms of the tumour.

Types of sarcoid found in horses

An occult sarcoid beside the horse’s eye prior to treatment. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Occult: a flat patch of hair loss with a grey, scaly surface, which can be confused with ringworm, as they are often circular. Commonly found on the face, neck and between the back legs.

Verrucose: wart-like, grey and scaly but extends deeper than the occult sarcoid. More irregular in outline; multiple lesions often appear.

Nodular: lumps under thin and shiny skin. These vary in size, some being more than 5cm in diameter, and occur commonly around the groin and eyelids.

Fibroblastic: aggressive fleshy masses. They can begin as a complication of a skin wound and sometimes grow rapidly, often ulcerated and “hanging” on a stalk (pedunculated) or extremely invasive into the surrounding skin.

Mixed: a variable combination of two or more types of sarcoid, often of different ages, forming a “colony”.

Malevolent: A term used to describe the most aggressive type of sarcoid. These spread through the skin and even along lymph vessels, with cords of tumour tissue interspersed with nodules and secondary ulcerative lesions. They can become large and difficult to manage.

How serious are sarcoids in horses?

Sarcoids originate from cells called fibroblasts, which play a critical role in wound healing by producing the extracellular matrix and structural proteins that bind the body together. Fibroblasts also produce scar tissue, which is one of the reasons that sarcoids can be so difficult to treat. Most treatments stimulate scar tissue — which exacerbates the problem.

The site of these locally invasive fibroblastic cancer lesions can be troublesome, especially if growths appear in the girth area, groin, in the ear or around the eye. Sarcoids are very likely to recur and can become more aggressive if subjected to accidental or deliberate interference, such as rubbing by tack or failed treatment attempts.

Every single sarcoid should be taken seriously when first detected, as they become more problematic as they enlarge. Where there is one, there is always a risk of others growing elsewhere on the horse’s body. Early treatment is usually most effective, before they become large and more difficult to remove. If you notice a lump on your horse’s skin, it is best to get a vet to check it out.

Horses do not die of sarcoids, but some are put down because the sarcoids become a major nuisance that prevent them from either working or enjoying a good quality of life.

Treatment for sarcoids in horses

Although several treatments are available, there is no magic cure for sarcoids and there is always a high risk of recurrence. Treatment will depend on the position, size and number of sarcoids. Overall the prognosis is poor because of their tendency to recur despite treatment, which can become costly.

Treatment options include:

Surgery: The disadvantage of removing the tumour surgically is that there is a high failure rate – the wound often heals poorly and the sarcoid frequently recurs. If this option is chosen a wide surgical margin around the tumour is important

Ligation: This involves applying a tight band around the base of the tumour. While it will work for some horses, there is a high risk of leaving tumour cells behind to grow back and it can be painful for the horse, especially if the sarcoid is in a delicate area

Cryotherapy: The tumour can be frozen to destroy it, but it often requires repeated lengthy treatments and often general anaesthesia for treatment to be carried out safely

Immune therapy: This method involves injecting the horse with substances, such as BCG, to stimulate the immune system to eliminate the tumour. It can work well for sarcoids around the eye, but several treatments are needed, often under heavy sedation. There is a reported risk of reaction to this treatment, so premedication is routinely given to reduce this risk. There have also been supply problems obtaining the BCG.

Topical treatment: This involves special creams. In the UK a heavy metal preparation was developed by University of Liverpool, while there is also a chemotherapy cream that can be prescribed by sarcoid expert Professor Derek Knottenbelt via his Equine Medical Solutions service. The occult sarcoid pictured above was successfully treated with a combination of Bleomycin Max and Lignaine under Professor Knottenbelt’s direction. Lignaine acts as a local aneasthetic although its use in this situation is to increase the uptake of the active ingredients in the Bleomycin Max to maximise its effectiveness. Results show that the creams work well in some cases, particularly on smaller superficial lesions.

Radiation therapy: This has been shown to be effective. Unfortunately, the danger of radiation makes the treatment expensive and, again, general anaesthesia is required. Radiation therapy is only available at certain specialised centres because of the technical difficulties involved.

Laser removal: A relatively new development, a surgical laser is used to remove the tumour, along with a margin of healthy tissue to reduce the chance of leaving behind any potential cancerous cells, using standing sedation with local anaesthetic or under general anaesthetic. This technique is becoming increasingly widely used.

A small verrucous sarcoid on a horse’s chest before and after lazer removal, showing the large area of surrounding tissue that requires removal. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

After surgery the site is typically left to heal by itself from the inside out, usually form a large scab within five to seven days. The extent and location of surgery will dictate the healing rate, but has usually resolved within four to six weeks. Benefits of this treatment include relatively rapid healing time, good cosmetic results with a positive success rate and it can be effective in some difficult anatomical areas, such as the ears.

The lazer surgery site where a small verrucous sarcoid has been removed from the horse’s chest, pictured left 17 days after surgery and right two weeks later. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Whatever treatment option is selected it is essential that treatment is continued until there is an effective response. If treatment is stopped before the sarcoid has been eliminated, there is a strong risk of recurrence, sometimes with a worse lesion than was originally present.

A wide range of home treatments are widely discussed and recommended among horse owners, but vets do not recommend this route. An experienced horse vet once summed this up by asking a client: “If you had been diagnosed with skin cancer by your doctor, would you ask your friend for advice then go online and buy a cream which claims to cure a multitude of aliments, or speak to an oncologist (a doctor that specialises in cancer therapy) and treat the tumours accordingly?”.

How does a horse get sarcoids?

The cause of sarcoids is currently unclear. It is thought that insect transmission may be involved in the development of the skin condition. Research has indicated that bovine papillomavirus¹ may involved in the development of equine sarcoids. Strangely the bovine papilloma virus has been found in both sarcoids and normal skin, but a recent study shows there is lower viral load in the normal skin.

Can sarcoids be prevented?

Is it thought there could be a genetic predisposition to the skin condition. Protecting the horse from flies may help. No vaccine is currently available.

Buying a horse with sarcoids

When buying a horse look out for any skin lumps, even if the seller claims they are ‘just a wart’. If you buy a horse with sarcoids, insurance companies will exclude cover for treatment as they are a pre-existing condition and this can prove costly. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your vet.

References and further reading:

1. Association of bovine papillomavirus with the equine sarcoid – May 2003

A pilot study on the use of ultra-deformable liposomes containing bleomycin in the treatment of equine sarcoid – 21 June 2018

Equine asthma (also known as IAD/RAO/COPD/heaves): how to help your horse

Carol Phillips — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:24:43 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Horses with equine asthma suffer from inflammation and/or obstruction of the lower airway so are unable to breathe as well as a healthy horse. An accumulation of excessive mucus in their airways can cause the horse to cough from time to time and affects their ability to exercise, while severe cases show a clear increased effort to breath while at rest, traditionally referred to as heaves or being broken-winded.

This condition, which has previously been described as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is now widely referred to within the veterinary community as ‘equine asthma’. Research has shown¹ it is more closely aligned to asthma in humans than it is to COPD, which is typically caused by chronic smoking or exposure of the human lungs to other damaging substances.

Equine asthma can be mild to moderate, when it is termed inflammatory airway disease (IAD), or severe, when it is described as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). IAD is typically seen in young to middle aged horses, although it can be found in horses of any age. RAO is most often seen in horses over seven years of age.

Equine asthma: Signs | Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prognosis

Signs of equine asthma

In mild to moderate cases (IAD) a horse will cough occasionally both at rest and during exercise for four weeks or more and a loss of performance will be seen.

This loss in performance may be subtle, and may go unnoticed, especially in mild cases where the horse is not in hard work. Some cases will improve following changes to management while others will require treatment, but the risk of recurrence is low as long as the necessary management changes are maintained.

In severe cases of equine asthma (otherwise refered to as RAO) the coughing will be more frequent, the ability to perform will be more significantly impacted and a clear effort to breathe at rest will be seen. The severity may vary over time and may last for weeks to months before being diagnosed. Signs of RAO usually improve with strict environmental control and/or treatment, but the condition cannot be cured.

Not all cases of IAD will become ROA, although an untreated case of IAD could develop into ROA over time. These conditions have the potential to be debilitating and performance-limiting and are reported to affect 14% of horses in the northern hemisphere.

New research is being done to look at the different allergens that are involved in severe equine asthma² and also biomarkers³, which are measurable substances in the body, particularly the blood. The hope is that over time these can be used to correctly identify affected horses.

What causes equine asthma?

Stable dust, as well as fungi, mold spores, bacterial products and other irritant particles found in forage and bedding, is a primary cause of equine asthma. When horses at pasture are affected, the stimuli are most commonly pollen and dust particles. Some horses show more obvious signs when the weather is hot/humid or when pollen levels are high.

How is it diagnosed?

Your vet will diagnose equine asthma based on the horse’s history, management and clinical signs.

The obvious clinical clues are a cough at rest or at exercise (especially on gait changes), a white nasal discharge, a raised breathing rate and poor performance, particularly rapid fatigue and a prolonged high breathing rate after exercise.

Airway endoscopy– most commonly standing at rest or while exercising either on a treadmill or more likely via exercise endoscopy – can be used to ascertain the severity of the condition.

Fluid sampling of the discharges within the airways enables the severity of the airway inflammation to be assessed. This can be done by:

Either a tracheal wash, where fluid is sampled from the trachea
Or bronchoalveolar lavage, when a sample is collected from the lower airways.

Healthy horses have either no or very little mucus in their airway. Poor performance can occur with a tracheal mucus score of 2/5 in racehorses and 3/5 in sports horses. The fluid can then by analysed under the microscope and the different cells checked, particularly neutrophils, eosinophils and mast cells.

In mild to moderate equine asthma, bronchoalveolar lavage is recommended, If there is a neutrophil percentage of more than 6% in racehorses or 10% in sport horses , it can be sufficient to affect performance.

Management and treatment

Dealing with equine asthma effectively is likely to require both day-to-day management changes and medical treatment.

It is important to try to prevent exposure to causal factors, such as dusty hay and bedding. Choosing a dust-free bedding option and soaking hay for at least 30 minutes or feeding haylage will be beneficial. Steaming hay with a Haygain steamer or other effective steaming system is useful, but rinsing hay is not sufficient and homemade steamers are unlikely to work effectively. Horses that are stabled part or all of the time should be kept in well-ventilated areas with dust-free bedding, such as good quality shavings or paper. A well-ventilated stable should have at least one square metre of open space, achieved by using door chain or bars, opening or removing windows. This ventilation space should start below the horse’s muzzle level.

If a horse is badly affected when the weather is hot/humid or when pollen levels are high, exposure to these conditions should be avoided as far as possible. It is hard to make recommendations other than to keep the horse in the windiest field or bring them in. Environmental management is essential in all cases. The two key aspects are to reduce exposure to allergens in the air and improve ventilation.

Medication is also used. Oral bronchodilators (inhaled medication to open up the airways) in conjunction with steroids are the basis for initial treatment. Inhaled medication, very much like in human medicine, can be administered via an inhaler or nebuliser. If the horse is due to compete or race, check with your vet whether the medication is allowed under FEI or BHA rules.

There is a wide range of nutritional respiratory supplements on sale that have been formulated purporting to help support healthy airways in order to maximize equine health and performance. However, under Veterinary Medicines Directorate rules, nutritional supplements cannot claim to treat an established medical condition.

Prognosis

Once diagnosed, most horses with equine asthma will regain their ability to exercise at their former level once they have undergone treatment and their management has been adjusted to suit their needs. However, the condition will not disappear and will need to continue to be monitored and management changes made as required.

References:

Inflammatory Airway Disease of Horses—Revised Consensus Statement – March/April 2016
Antigen array for serological diagnosis and novel allergen identification in severe equine asthma – October 2019
Investigation of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis of mild to moderate asthma in horses – July 2019

Navicular disease: what all horse owners need to know

Carol Phillips — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 11:24:03 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Navicular in horses relates to problems associated with the navicular bone in the horse’s hoof and is a common diagnosis for lameness in the front foot. The label navicular disease is used to describe a variety of conditions, including a progressive degenerative condition involving the navicular bone (which is located behind the pedal bone inside the hoof capsule), the bursa (the joint capsule that sits around the bone) and the deep digital flexor tendon (which runs over the navicular bone before attaching to the pedal bone), of one or, more commonly, both front feet.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Navicular is not a single ‘disease’ – it is a syndrome of abnormalities. Although the term – along with ‘navicular syndrome’ or ‘palmar foot pain’ as it is sometimes known – was once widely used as a generic diagnosis of heel pain, thanks to advances in technology, vets now use the term ‘navicular disease’ to specifically refer to changes within the navicular bone structure itself, identified by MRI scanning.

Navicular in horses: Signs | Diagnosis | Causes | Treatment

Signs of navicular disease

Navicular disease typically affects both front feet, although one foot is often worse than the other, so your horse may initially appear lame on one front leg. However, on the lunge the horse may show lameness on the inside leg in both directions.

You may also notice that he lands with the toe of the hoof first, ahead of the heel. In addition, navicular generally worsens with hard work and lessens with rest. None of these signs add up to a definitive diagnosis of navicular, but are possible clues. There are navicular bones in all four feet, but associated lameness almost always occurs in the forelimbs.

Diagnosing navicular syndrome in horses

If you suspect your horse may be suffering from navicular disease, you should contact your vet. They are likely to review the whole clinical picture, assessing the feet and shoeing, together with the way in which the horse moves, a well as performing flexion tests and nerve blocks to assess the affected area to see if this reduces the lameness.

Historically the term navicular syndrome came into use 15 or so years ago to describe lameness confirmed as being within the foot and heel region. Diagnosis was reached using nerve and joint blocks and where irregular margins (edges) to the navicular bone were evident on radiographs (X-rays).

The use of MRI has enabled accurate diagnosis of damage to soft tissue structures, such as injuries to the deep digital flexor tendon, the impar ligament and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal (coffin) joint. Vets can also see increased fluid in the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint via MRI, which may indicate inflammation of these structures.

Furthermore, MRI can also detect changes in bone. As it creates images as ‘slices’ through the foot, rather than two-dimensional images where anatomical structures are imposed upon one another, it offers greater potential than radiographs alone to highlight mild or early navicular bone changes.

Now that vets can pinpoint issues in the navicular region by using MRI, they no longer have to lump everything under one umbrella term.

This ability to diagnose specific injuries within the foot much more accurately is one of the main reasons for the apparent decline in the number of horses diagnosed with navicular disease.

That said, many vets have now come full circle and are once again willing to diagnose navicular disease, particularly in those horses where MRI indicates predominantly bony changes with minimal soft tissue involvement.

Causes of navicular problems

The causes of navicular disease are many and varied, and are not solely down to the influence of genetics.

We know that bone adapts to stresses placed upon it; it is thought that excessive stresses may lead to inappropriate adaptation and degeneration of the navicular bone.

Skilled farriery can lessen these harmful stresses, which is perhaps another reason why fewer horses today suffer from foot pain.

Poor conformation or the development of a long toe and a low heel will only add to the stresses placed on the navicular region during exercise, so it is important that these shortcomings are addressed with appropriate farriery. Even the well put-together horse can suffer, however, if hooves are not kept properly trimmed and balanced.

Possible contributing factors include:

Although it’s found in all breeds of horses, it’s most typically diagnosed in quarter horses, thoroughbreds and warmbloods
Underrun heels, sheared heels, contracted heels, mismatched hoof angles, and disproportionally small feet may all be contributing factors in a predisposition towards navicular
Affected horses are usually between the ages of 7 and 14.

Treatment for navicular in horses

The treatment for navicular is as varied as the possible causes so you will need to take veterinary advice regarding the various options appropriate for your horse.

If it is thought that foot conformation may be a factor, therapeutic shoeing may help a lot, especially in the early stages. There are many different approaches. One school of thought is that it is best to remove shoes to improve the blood flow to the feet, but others choose corrective shoeing, using a shoe that supports the heel and can reduce the load exerted on the navicular bone by the deep digital flexor tendon. Your vet and farrier can advise you on the best course of action for your horse.

Rest and controlled exercise can be useful, especially in the early stages, when it can help to reduce the stresses on the navicular bone, particularly in conjunction with an appropriate change in shoeing.

Many horses respond well to a combination of medication and effective farriery.

There are several different medical treatments available including painkillers that also have anti-inflammatory effects, to the newer bisphosphonates, which regulate bone metabolism. Some studies have suggested these bisphosphonates are useful, however it is unclear at what stage they work best.

Case series of navicular disease have shown a favourable prognosis, at least in the short term, with medication of the navicular bursa (the area around the bone itself) using corticosteroids and/or hyaluronic acid.

As navicular worsens with hard exercise, you may also need to look at reducing your horse’s workload. While riding avoid hard, concussive surfaces, surfaces with a camber and tight circles. This will reduce the concussion and uneven forces on the foot.

Surgery is sometimes considered as a last resort; there are different options reported, with the traditional surgical treatment, known as ‘nerving’ or ‘denerving’ being more common, when other treatment options have failed. This involves cutting the palmar digital nerves, so the horse loses sensation in the heel. As with any surgery, this is not without risk and may only mask the issue, causing more serious problems in the long term. There is a chance of the nerves re-growing and on average the procedure offers a mean of 20 months of successful performance. It will only work in cases where a nerve block to those specific palmar digital nerves has been positive.

While we still do not know exactly what causes degeneration of the navicular bone and its associated tendons and ligaments, in terms of imaging and awareness, at least, we have moved on in leaps and bounds in the last 15-20 years with the advent of MRI and improvements in equine foot care.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25724857 – Is there an association between clinical features, response to diagnostic analgesia and radiological findings in horses with a magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis of navicular disease or other injuries of the podotrochlear apparatus? – Jan 2015

Equine ringworm: what all horse owners need to know

Carol Phillips — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 08:15:00 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ringworm in horses is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin that can spread rapidly from horse to horse, or from horse to human. Confusingly, despite the name, ringworm is not always ring-shaped and has nothing to do with worms. The Trichophyton spp. and Microsporum spp fungi that cause the disease flourish in wet British winter weather. They grow across the surface of the skin and around the hairs, producing a variety of changes affecting the horse’s coat and skin.

Signs of ringworm in horses

Often all that is noticed in the early stages is tufts of hair that may appear raised up from the rest of the coat with a slight swelling underneath. People expect ringworm patches to be circular, but they can be any shape. Usually, the tufts of affected hair fall out, leaving the skin underneath looking raw and sore. Classically, ringworm develops into grey, flaking areas with broken hairs, but the coat will gradually regrow over the next month.

Ringworm can appear in many different disguises. If your horse has a skin rash, sore or bald area for which there is no other obvious explanation, you should have him checked and treated for ringworm to reduce the risk of the infection spreading further.

Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common sites are where the skin is in contact with the tack or harness, such as the saddle or girth areas. Any rubs or tiny abrasions on the skin can give the fungus an opportunity to invade the skin. Young horses are typically more at risk, probably because they have less immunity. Older horses usually have more mild signs of ringworm and recover more quickly.

Is it serious?

Horses do not die from ringworm so a case is not a crisis, but it is highly contagious and can spread rapidly from one horse to another – as well as to humans and other animals – if you fail to take suitable precautions.

The infection spreads either by direct contact, or on tack, rugs, grooming kit or buckets. Also the ringworm fungus will produce spores that can remain dormant on woodwork for more than a year, contaminating stables and fencing.

Horses with active ringworm should not travel as they spread the condition, so training and competition schedules can be interrupted, so the quicker you act, the less impact it is likely to have. Racehorses with dermatitis (skin disease) that may be ringworm require a veterinary certificate that they are not contagious before racing.

During an outbreak

If you suspect that your horse has ringworm, you should carry out the following control measures.

Keep any suspected cases separate in their own stable. If an infected horse is isolated he should not spread the infection, provided he cannot touch other horses and care is taken in handling the potentially affected horse
Do not groom or clip an affected horse because of the risk of spreading spores
Wear protective clothing and disposable gloves when handling the affected horse
Avoid riding an affected horse. This reduces the chance of spreading the infection and prevents skin sores from being rubbed by the tack
Do not share rugs, tack or grooming kit – girths are a common item on which ringworm can spread
Treat your riding boots/half chaps/gaiters to avoid spreading to another horse
Ask your vet to check any suspected horse
Treat your horse, his stable, and if relevant the horse’s lorry or trailer

Diagnosis

Your vet may be able to diagnose ringworm from looking at the skin lesions, particularly if several horses are involved. Frequently, laboratory tests are needed to be certain: samples are examined under the microscope for fungal spores. Sometimes, a culture of the fungus is required, which means it can take 10 days or more before the vet has a definite answer, but a test to detect the fungus DNA in hair samples¹ has been developed that gives results much more rapidly, usually within 24hours.

Horses can catch ringworm from other animals, particularly cattle or dogs, but they can also pass it on to humans. It is one of the few conditions you can catch from your horse, so for that reason alone, the infection needs to be treated seriously.

If your horse has even a mild skin irritation and you develop a rash, you should seek medical advice at once. Autumn, winter and early spring are the most common times for outbreaks of the infection.

Treatment for ringworm in horses

The incubation period for ringworm is between one and four weeks. Following infection, lesions usually appear within 7 to 21 days depending largely on the immune status of the horse. If left, most cases will eventually clear up, but prompt treatment is recommended to avoid it spreading further. The aim of treatment is two fold: first, to kill the fungus and second, to destroy the infective spores. It is important to cure the infected horse, but also vital to reduce the environmental contamination.

To treat the horse, there are a number of effective washes, shampoos and sprays that can be applied to the skin. The whole horse should be treated initially, then any areas that show clear signs of infection as suggested by your vet. Disposable gloves should be worn while treating the lesions and you should clean your hands with a suitable wash afterwards. Your vet may prescribe an antifungal powder to feed to your horse, but as there is minimal evidence that this in-feed medication is effective, it is no longer regularly prescribed. If used, care must be taken as it is dangerous for both pregnant women and mares.

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It is wise to isolate affected horses and ponies as much as possible to limit environmental contamination. Any stables involved should be cleaned thoroughly and bedding destroyed. You should disinfect the rugs, fences and anything else a horse with ringworm has contacted.

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For a disease that is non-critical, this may seem a lot of trouble, but one intensive treatment blitz can reduce the spread among horses in the immediate area. Wooden stable walls are an ideal place to harbour ringworm spores. A variety of effective compounds are available for use on tack, rugs and grooming kit without causing damage. Environmental treatment can be complex as the products can be irritant and/or toxic. It is best to seek advice from your vet as to what is most appropriate and safe for your situation. Options may include 5–10% bleach for concrete. Historically creosote was used for wood but is no longer available, so take expert advice rather than use the wrong product, since the fungal spores are resistant to many treatment options.

If a large stable yard needs to be treated, horticultural foggers, containing anti-fungal agents, can be used. This may be useful for special items such as your best rug and saddle, which cannot be treated with a harsh disinfectant.

A vaccination against ringworm² is available in some countries, but it is not licensed in the UK.

Prognosis

If untreated, a case of ringworm in a single horse will typically resolve itself over a few months, leaving the horse with a level of immunity against future cases of the same type of ringworm, but not all fungal skin diseases. Any damaged skin will return to health and any missing hair will regrow with time, although sometimes a difference in hair colour may be apparent for some time.

Due to the highly contagious nature of the fungus, in both the host species and others, and it’s ability to contaminate the local environment, it is strongly recommended that owners act quickly and robustly to deal with any ringworm cases.

References and further reading:

Equine test enables same-day ringworm results 23 February 2017
Immunoprophylaxis of dermatophytosis in animals November/December 2008

Also: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) 5 January 2010

Grass sickness: how new research is shedding light on the disease

Andrea Oakes — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 11:00:17 +0000

A new approach to equine grass sickness research aims to shed light on the causes and risk factors of this disease. Andrea Oakes reports

CASES of equine grass sickness (EGS) typically peak during early summer months. While the causes of this often fatal disease are still unclear, more than 100 years after its discovery, a new biobank project aims to provide researchers with the information they need to make a breakthrough.

Dr Kathy Geyer, EGS research fellow at Moredun Research Institute, explains that the disease mainly affects horses that have access to grass – although there have been isolated cases in stabled horses.

“EGS has an extremely high mortality rate, with 80% of cases resulting in euthanasia on welfare grounds,” she says. “The clinical symptoms are non-specific [not due to any single known cause] and, without a reliable diagnostic test, diagnosis is challenging. As a result, many cases are mis- or undiagnosed, most likely leading to an underestimation of actual disease prevalence.

“What is evident is that EGS is a highly complex and enigmatic disease and therefore very challenging to work with,” adds Kathy. “Decades of research have led to various different hypotheses on the cause, but with a single causative agent yet to be confirmed, EGS is now thought to be of multifactorial origin.”

Locations of the 27 incidences of EGS that so far have been reported to the biobank project team in 2021 (Image credit: creditUnknown)

SAVING SAMPLES

SO what is the biobank – and how might it help?

“Progress in EGS research has been hampered by the lack of coherent sample collections,” says Kathy, saying that the Moredun Foundation and the Equine Grass Sickness Fund, with support from the British Horse Society, have launched the initiative.

“By collaborating with vets and owners, the biobank project aims to collect samples from EGS cases and co-grazer control horses that would otherwise be lost, so that horses have not died in vain. These samples will be available to any researcher working on EGS and will encourage an interdisciplinary approach in the search for the potential causes.”

These samples may be biological, such as blood, saliva or urine, or environment related, adds Kathy, and will be collected at no extra cost to the owner. Tissue samples are especially valuable. Since the course of EGS can be swift and frequently devastating, owners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the project ahead of time – should the worst happen.

“There is just a small window of opportunity to collect the samples when grass sickness is suspected, so it would be helpful to think about and prepare for this in advance so these valuable samples are not lost,” she says.

“In addition to collecting samples, we are working with owners to encourage the completion of our case report questionnaire, which will give us valuable information about potential risk factors and general understanding of the disease.”

Many chronic EGS caseshave a tucked-up appearance and this recognisablestance. Sadly, few survive (Image credit: creditUnknown)

RISK FACTORS

HORSES can be affected by EGS at any time, but the spike in cases in spring and early summer is often followed by a second peak in autumn. Kathy explains that horses in eastern parts of the UK are at higher risk, with the north-east of Scotland having the highest incidence.

“There may be a weather-related aspect,” she says. “Vets and owners experienced with EGS are on high alert after a dry, but cool [around 10°C] spell lasting around 10 days, or periods with sunny days and intermittent ground frosts. Furthermore, younger horses appear to be at a higher risk, with a peak between two and seven years of age.

“The disease involves damage to the nerves in the digestive tract and other sites throughout the body, severely affecting the horse’s ability to swallow and impairing movement of gut contents,” she adds. “This can lead to complete paralysis of the digestive tract from the oesophagus downwards.

“Based on the underlying nerve damage and disease progression, there are three main forms of the disease: acute, subacute and chronic. Although euthanasia is generally the only option for acute or subacute EGS, under certain circumstances, treatment may be considered for chronic cases.

“With intensive and skilled care, around 50% of them survive,” Kathy says. “However, nursing a chronic case is physically, emotionally and financially demanding.”

For details about the biobank project and relevant downloads, visit: grasssickness.org.uk/biobank/biobank-for-horse-owners

This report can also be read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale date 24 June 2021

What’s new in the veterinary world? How harmful is bute and findings on asthma H&H Plus

Andrea Oakes — Sat, 26 Jun 2021 08:00:03 +0000

Medicine side effects are under the spotlight, in the latest research from Peter Green MRCVS

RISKY BUSINESS

FOR years, equine vets and owners have been familiar with painkiller phenylbutazone (bute), but we now know it is not the harmless medicine it was once perceived to be – and should not be given long term or as a routine medication.

Bute is classed as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and other medicines in the same family have recently been developed to treat inflammation and pain – such as meloxicam and flunixin, which have fewer side effects.

Vets in Denmark studied horses given these NSAIDs when they were treated at the veterinary hospital in Copenhagen; those with no history of colic, low worm burdens and under treatment for issues such as lameness and respiratory problems received these as part of their therapy.

Within two days of starting their course, some horses developed thickening of the colon wall and, during the course of treatment, most showed signs of mild colic or diarrhoea. However, none of the control horses – which received no NSAIDs – showed any of these signs.

These findings show that even the newer, “kinder” NSAIDs are likely to cause some irritation or inflammation of the bowel. The Danish vets point out that the side effects were mild and that all the horses needed the pain relief the medicines provided. Withholding NSAIDs from horses in pain would be cruel, but we must be aware that using them to excess, or unnecessarily, can present real risks.

BREATHING SPACE

VETS in Canada have reviewed all published evidence on the use of glucocorticoids (also known as corticosteroids, or GCs) in horses with equine asthma.

Medicines like prednisolone and dexamethasone are the mainstay of therapy for many equine asthma patients. There are long-standing suspicions, however, that these drugs are occasionally associated with serious side effects, such as severe laminitis and immunosuppression. Some powerful GCs, like triamcinolone, are usually only used for injection into joints because of the risk of such side effects.

The vets confirmed that there are risks of side effects with GCs given by mouth, or by injection into the muscle or bloodstream. The risk of laminitis seems to be greatest in patients that have suffered laminitis before, or if the patient is particularly stressed. However, they concluded that there is no risk of laminitis if the GCs are given by inhalation, using nebulised preparations.

One rather quirky finding was that powerful GCs like triamcinolone have a positive effect on lung function, even when they are injected into joints. The vets suggest that some sport horses that appear to perform more effectively after their joints are injected are actually improving because their lungs – not their joints – are working better.

Horse & Hound’s essential guide to worms and deworming

Carol Phillips — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:30:20 +0000

This article has been edited and approved by Karen Coumbe MRCVS, H&H’s veterinary advisor since 1991.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The recommendations around worming horses have changed significantly, so make sure you’re up to date with the latest best practice to keep your horses healthy

It is inevitable that every grazing horse will pick up different types of parasitic worms from their environment. Under normal conditions, the horse’s immune system keeps the worm burden in the gut low – and it is important to understand that it is healthy and normal for a horse to carry a small worm burden as that helps the horse to develop immunity.

However, it is also important to monitor this burden and treat horses that have above recommended levels of intestinal parasites if horses are to maintain good health. If the horse’s immune system fails, or if the horse is exposed to high numbers of worms, the intestinal worm burden can become excessive, which can be life-threatening. Worm-related gut damage can lead to colic, diarrhoea and other significant on-going and long-term problems for the horse, even after the worms have been treated.

While young horses tend to be more susceptible to worm-related problems, horses of all ages can be affected.

Types of horse worms

Internal equine parasites that are cause for concern include:

Small strongyles (small redworms)
Large strongyles (large redworm)
Tapeworms
Roundworms (ascarids)
Pinworm

Small strongyles

There are many different species of small redworm. They can be either red or white in colour and measure 0.5cm to 2.5cm in length, which means they can actually be a similar size to large redworms.

The adult worms live in the horse’s hindgut (caecum and colon) where they can cause inflammation and ulceration. The adults lay numerous eggs in the gut, which pass out of the horse in faeces. Once on the ground they hatch into larvae in the droppings and transfer on to pasture, where horses eat them while grazing. In warm, moist conditions, it can take as little as one to three weeks for eggs to develop into larvae outside the horse. Once back inside the horse the larvae burrow into the wall of the large intestine where they develop further before emerging as mature egg-laying small redworms six to 12 weeks later and the cycle continues. Larvae that remain on grazing land can survive a mild UK winter, although they will be killed by heavy frosts.

In autumn some small redworm larvae will enter an encysted phase, which means they remain dormant in the gut wall for a longer period, before emerging en mass in late winter or early spring. This condition is called larval cyathostominosis. This causes severe diarrhoea and colic, and has a mortality rate of up to 50%. A horse with larval cyathostominosis will require urgent treatment in the form of fluids, medication to control the diarrhoea and steroids to reduce gut inflammation, as well as a suitable deworming product to remove the encysted larvae. One challenge is that most dewormers are not effective in treating these encysted larvae, with treatments containing moxidectin thought to be the most efficacious. Horses that survive may take two to three months to fully recover. If the horse is sharing its pasture with other (particularly young) horses, then you should contact your vet to discuss their treatment as aggressive deworming could trigger the disease in more animals.

Large strongyles

Adult large redworm (Strongylus vulgaris) are red in colour and measure 1.4cm to 2.5cm in length. These are now believe to be rare.

They live in the horse’s large intestine, attached to the gut wall. The adult worms lay eggs that pass out of the horse and develop into larvae, which grazing horses then eat. Once back inside the horse, the larvae burrow through the gut wall into the arteries of the intestines. Some species migrate to the liver and the abdominal cavity. They then return to the large intestine where they develop into egg-laying adults. The life cycle takes around six months. Large redworm larvae can survive winter outside the horse.

The damage caused by adult large redworms living in the hind gut can lead to loss of blood and protein, while the chemicals the worms release also affect the natural movement of the gut. The migrating larvae can cause inflammation within the blood vessels and lead to the formation of blood clots, which can affect the blood supply to sections of the intestine, leading to serious colic and death in some cases. Migrating larvae can also cause hepatitis and peritonitis.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata) can be yellow, grey, green, cream or white in colour and the adults can be up to 8cm by 1.2cm in size.

The adult tapeworms live where the small and large intestine meet in the horse. They cause inflammation and can decrease the natural gut movement. The adult tapeworms release segments full of eggs that pass out of the horse on to pasture. These are eaten by the forage mite before the eggs hatch and larvae start to develop inside the mite. Horses then ingest the mites while grazing and the larvae develop into adults over the next six to 10 weeks while inside the horse. The complete life cycle of the tapeworm is around five to six months.

While some horses will carry tapeworms while showing no signs, large burdens can cause problems, including spasmodic colic, particularly in young horses. A very heavy burden can block the area at the end of the small intestine, leading to a potentially fatal rupture of the gut wall.

Roundworms

Roundworms or ascarids (Parascaris equorum) are large white worms that can grow up to 50cm in length. They live in the small intestine of young horses (typically foals, yearlings and two-year-olds).

These worms produce vast numbers of eggs that travel through the gut on to pasture. The microscopic eggs can also stick to a mare’s udder and be ingested by foals while nursing. Larvae develop inside the eggs, then once inside the horse’s stomach they hatch and burrow through the wall of the small intestine. They enter the hepatic vein and travel to the liver, where they remain for seven to 10 days before progressing to the lungs, where they develop for a further two to three weeks. While damage done to the liver is rarely serious because it can regenerate, damage caused to the lungs by these parasites can be more serious as the lungs produce scar tissue in the healing process. Once the larvae have matured, they move into the air sacks of the lungs, where they are coughed up and swallowed back into the gut. When they reach the small intestine they develop into adult roundworms. This cycle takes around three months, while eggs can remain viable outside the horse for a number of years.

A heavy roundworm burden can cause a blockage of the gut, which may require emergency surgery to resolve. Such a blockage may occur, when a horse with a large infestation is treated and the worms die internally.

Pinworm

Pinworms (Oxyuris equi) are white in colour and the females can be up to 150mm long with a long thin pin-like tail (hence the name). Males are much smaller at just 9-12mm in length.

Pinworms have a much less complicated life cycle than most other equine parasites. They live in the horse’s colon and the females crawl out of the horse’s anus then deposit eggs in a sticky fluid on to the skin. The eggs then drop off into the horse’s stable or field or stick to nearby surfaces such as stable walls, managers and field fences. If eaten by a horse they develop into larvae and then adult worms as they pass through the horse’s gut before settling in the colon.

Other internal equine parasites include:

Threadworm (Strongyloides westeri) – this is a very small worm that can cause diarrheoa in young foals
Bots (Gasterophilus intestinalis and Gasterophilus nasalis) – the adult flies lay eggs on the horse’s skin during the summer months
Lungworm (Dictyocaulus arnfieldi) – mainly found in donkeys
Neck threadworm (Oncocerca spp) – a very thin worm that lives in the nuchal ligament in the horse’s neck

Signs of worms in horses

A horse with a significant worm burden may sometimes, but not always, appear “poor” with a pot-bellied appearance and may have a rough coat that is not easily shed in the spring. Weight loss, loose droppings, diarrhoea and colic can all be signs that a horse is suffering from worms.

Young horses are more susceptible to worms and may not grow as well as expected if parasite levels are not controlled. In cases of roundworm, young horses may cough and have nasal discharge in addition to the other common signs.

Horses with pinworm may suffer irritation around the tail area and cause themselves injury while trying to relieve the itch.

Testing for horse worms

Equine parasites are becoming increasingly resistant to the active ingredients used in equine deworming products (anthelmintics), so it is now strongly recommended that owners test for the presence of worms before deworming their horses, rather than simply treating for particular worms at set times of the year. By testing and then only treating horses when necessary, owners can help prevent more worms from developing resistance to the limited range of deworming products we have available to us.

A faecal worm egg count (FEC) test will show the presence of many adult worms, but not tapeworm, encysted small redworm, pinworm or migrating roundworm larvae. Despite this the test does give a clear indication of the level of infection. The test involves a sample of a horse’s droppings being mixed with saline and examined under a microscope where the number and type of eggs are counted and identified. The result is given as number of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG).

Because worm eggs are not equally distributed among droppings, samples should be taken from multiple areas or balls of a fresh (ideally no more than four hours old) dropping and placed in a leak-proof container with the air squeezed out for transit. If you are sending your sample by post, it is recommended to avoid doing so on a Friday or over the weekend as any delay in the test could affect the accuracy of the result. Most equine vets will provide this service and then can advise with the local knowledge as to how best to manage parasites effectively.

Westgate Labs Worm Count Test at viovet.co.uk
This *H&H Approved* kit contains everything you need to test one horse – it’s quick, simple and ready to post. Read our Westgate Labs Worm Count review.View Deal

Repeated FEC tests can be used to assess worm resistance to an anthelmintic (deworming product). The FEC reduction test involves doing a worm egg count before administering an anthelmintic (to confirm it is required), and then another 10 to 14 days later. If the dewormer is working, the second count should have reduced by at least 95%; if there are resistant worms, the count will not have reduced as much. If you think you may have resistant worms on your premises then do discuss the benefits of running this test with your vet.

Tapeworm can be tested for with either a blood test via your vet or a tapeworm saliva test that owners can do themselves and send off to get the results. A period of four months should be left between any treatment for tapeworm and testing.

EquiSal Tapeworm Test at viovet.co.uk
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A new small redworm blood test is now available to identify burdens of small redworm, included those at the encysted stage in their life cycle. Speak to your vet if you like more information. If you are unable to run this test, it is recommended horses are treated to remove encysted small redworm in early winter each year, ideally after a period of consecutive days when the outside temperatures have dropped below zero.

If you suspect your horse is suffering from pinworm, eggs can be collected from skin around the tail area on a piece of cellophane tape, which can then be examined under a microscope.

Westgate Labs Pinworm Test at viovet.co.uk
This kit contains everything you need to test one horse for pinworm – it’s quick, simple and ready to post.View Deal

Treating horse worms

We should not attempt to eliminate every worm from every horse. It is healthier for the horse and all his herd mates to maintain a low level of worms in the gut, and important to maintain a population of worms that are still susceptible to the different anthelmintic drugs. Aiming for zero worm counts can result in increased resistance among the worm population.

Foals: All foals pick up worms, and it is appropriate to give anthelmintics to youngsters up to the age of 18 months at three- to four-monthly periods (be aware that moxidectin should not be used in a foal less than four months old).

FECs are useful in foals to determine whether roundworms or small strongyles are the predominant worms present; this helps determine which anthelmintic to use due to differing resistance patterns (for example, fenbendazole to treat ascarids; pyrantel, ivermectin or moxidectin to treat small redworms).

Adult horses: With older horses, worming should be undertaken only when tests show a horse is carrying a specific worm burden of a level that requires action. Horses with a low worm burden do not necessarily require treatment – it is no longer recommended to treat all horses with worms as a low worm burden may help the horse to gain immunity. Your vet or a suitably qualified professional (SQP) will be able to advise you on what levels are acceptable and which require action to be taken.

New arrivals: When a new horse joins your establishment, a faecal worm egg count test should be done immediately to find out what burden they are carrying. If their burden exceeds 200 to 300 eggs per gram, then they should be dewormed using appropriate anthelmintics, in accordance with your vet’s advice.

Pinworm and roundworm can be problematic to treat and have a tendency to recur, so it is best to ask your vet, who will have local knowledge regarding the levels of resistance in your area, for advice.

Other important considerations

Before deworming your horse, use a weight tape or weigh bridge to find out your horse’s actual weight. Do not guess. It is important that you give the correct amount of a relevant dewormer to treat the worms you are looking to target. If you guess your horse’s weight you risk under-dosing, which could lead to the worms currently affecting your horse developing a resistance to the active ingredients, making it more difficult to remove them in future.

Shires Weigh Tape at amazon.co.uk
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The regular (at least weekly) removal of droppings from turnout paddocks and grazing land is a highly effective way of preventing the infective stages of worms passing from a fresh pile of droppings on to the surrounding grass and thereby on to other horses. As the medications become less effective, this time-consuming task is recognised as an increasingly beneficial part of worm control.

Avoid overstocking paddocks with large numbers of horses; rotate and rest paddocks to allow grass to recover; and alternate horses with grazing cattle and sheep – these actions will all help reduce worm infestations on grassland.

Horse wormers: active ingredients

Not all dewormers (anthelmintics) are effective against all types of worms so if your horse does need worming make sure the brand of wormer you choose contains the correct active ingredients for the worms you are looking to treat, as well as taking into account the likelihood of resistance in the worms being carried by the animals you are treating.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Fenbendazole/Mebendazole: these are less commonly used for worming as there is confirmed resistance to them. A five-day course of a fenbendazole-based wormer can be given between October and March to remove small redworm encysted larvae.

Pyrantel: this ingredient is effective against most adult roundworms and needs to be administered at twice the standard dose when being used for the treatment of tapeworm.

Ivermectin: lvermectin-based wormers are effective against both larval and adult stages of small redworms as well as pinworms, intestinal threadworms, stomach worms, lungworms, neck threadworms, ascarids and bots. Unfortunately there are increasing reports of worms being resistant to Ivermectin.

Moxidectin: this ingredient is recommended as more effective against encysted developing small redworm larvae as well as large redworm, pinworms, intestinal threadworms, ascarids (adult and larval stages) and will also treat bots.

Praziquantel: this ingredient is effective against all three known species of equine tapeworm in a single dose. It is not effective against other worm types.

Equine deworming products can be purchased from vets, via online pharmacies and over the counter at equestrian retailers that have an AMTRA SQP [Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority suitably qualified person] on the staff. You may be asked to show your horse’s passport when purchasing deworming products.

How did worms become resistant to dewormers?

The first modern anthelmintics were developed in the 1970s, with the introduction of fenbendazole. This was followed by pyrantel, ivermectin and moxidectin, among others, leading to the development of paste dewormers which owners could administer themselves.

Thanks to this, worm control was much easier, and, for a time, more effective. Worms have fought back, however, by developing resistance to anthelmintics. Like all living things, worms are subject to natural selection – so-called survival of the fittest. In any population there will be many that will be killed by the anthelmintic, but also a small group that are naturally resistant to its effects.

Over time, only resistant worms survive the repeated deworming treatments and these contaminate the pasture with worm eggs that give rise to yet more resistant worms. By regularly administering anthelmintics, we have created a situation where there is a rapidly growing population of worms that are resistant to many of the drugs.

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