Recognizing health problems in your horse is the first step toward treating them. For some problems, early recognition can mean the difference between recovery and disaster. Here’s a glossary of common ailments and horse health terms.
Alfalfa: Abundant in protein and calcium, alfalfa is a good source of forage for young, growing horses and lactating mares. Read more >>
Colic: Abdominal pain due to intestinal gas, impaction, torsion (twisting) or other causes. Read more >>
Concentrates: Concentrates are grain mixtures formulated specifically for horses as a concentrated source of energy (calories). Read more >>
Cushing’s syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism): A disease caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, which controls the entire endocrine system. Read more >>
Eye injuries: Various types of trauma involving the eye and surrounding structures. Read more >>
Founder: In severe cases of laminitis, the coffin bone inside the hoof tears away from the hoof wall and rotates downward, causing a permanent need for corrective trimming and shoeing. This is called founder. Read more >>
Heaves, aka chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO): A chronic allergic respiratory disease triggered by exposure to straw and/or hay, resulting in airway inflammation, mucus production and bronchoconstriction. Read more >>
Hives (urticaria): A skin manifestation of an allergic reaction to various triggers, including insect stings/bites, chemicals, medications or, less commonly, ingested or inhaled substances. Read more >>
Laminitis:What it is: Inflammation of the laminae, the structures in the foot that connect the hoof wall to the coffin bone. Read more >>
Stocking Up: A common equine term referring to generalized swelling in a horse’s distal limbs. Medically this condition is known as a type of localized edema, or accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous tissues. Read more >>
Vital Signs: Knowing how a healthy horse looks and acts can help you catch illnesses and injuries early. Read more >>
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
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