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Recognizing and Treating the Horse's Most Common Ailments

Clarence Brooks

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Published in Lameness: Recognizing And Treating The Horse S Most Common Ailment

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Horses are susceptible to a wide variety of ailments, some of which can be fatal. Recognizing and treating these ailments early on is essential to preventing serious health problems. This article covers the most common horse ailments and how to recognize and treat them.

Lameness: Recognizing And Treating The Horse's Most Common Ailment

4.8 out of 5

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Colic

Colic is a term used to describe abdominal pain in horses. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including gas, impaction, and inflammation. Colic is a serious condition that can lead to death if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of colic

Abdominal pain
Rolling
Pawing
Kicking at the abdomen
Lying down and getting up frequently
Sweating
Increased heart rate
Anorexia
Lethargy

Treatment for colic

Treatment for colic depends on the underlying cause. Gas colic can be treated with medication to relieve gas. Impaction colic may require surgery to remove the impacted material. Inflammation colic can be treated with medication to reduce inflammation.

Laminitis

Laminitis is a condition that affects the hooves of horses. It occurs when the laminae, which are the tissues that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone, become inflamed. Laminitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, metabolic disFree Downloads, and excessive exercise on hard surfaces.

Symptoms of laminitis

Lameness
Heat in the hooves
Pulsations in the hooves
Pain when pressure is applied to the hooves
Reluctance to move
Stance with weight shifted back on the heels

Treatment for laminitis

Treatment for laminitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of laminitis can be treated with rest and pain medication. More severe cases may require surgery to repair the damaged laminae.

Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections are common in horses. They can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria. Respiratory infections can range in severity from mild to severe.

Symptoms of respiratory infections

Coughing
Nasal discharge
Difficulty breathing
Lethargy
Anorexia
Fever

Treatment for respiratory infections

Treatment for respiratory infections depends on the underlying cause. Viral respiratory infections can be treated with supportive care, such as rest and fluids. Bacterial respiratory infections can be treated with antibiotics.

Skin infections

Skin infections are common in horses. They can be caused by a variety of bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Symptoms of skin infections

Hair loss
Itching
Redness
Swelling
Crusting
Drainage

Treatment for skin infections

Treatment for skin infections depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial skin infections can be treated with antibiotics. Fungal skin infections can be treated with antifungal medications. Parasitic skin infections can be treated with antiparasitic medications.

Recognizing and treating the horse's most common ailments is essential to preventing serious health problems. By being aware of the symptoms of these ailments and knowing how to treat them, you can help keep your horse healthy and happy.

Lameness: Recognizing And Treating The Horse's Most Common Ailment

4.8 out of 5