Horses aren’t just pets; they’re important members of our families and communities. As such, it’s essential to be familiar with the most common health problems that can affect our equine friends. Horse owners should know how to recognize symptoms that cause concern and when to seek veterinary help. Horses can be messy and get injured, just like humans.
Therefore, when you are caring for your horse in a stable, it’s vital to keep a close eye on its well-being. This means staying attentive to its behavior, appetite, and any physical changes on a regular basis. By being proactive in recognizing potential health issues, you can ensure timely intervention and treatment as necessary. And, if you decide to board your horse at a center specializing in horse boarding central florida (if that’s where you are), the professionals there can provide invaluable support in monitoring your horse’s health. This can provide reassurance and peace of mind to you as a horse owner. No matter where your horse is housed, ensuring their health is paramount for giving them a fulfilling and happy life.
Let’s look at some common health problems horses face and ways to keep them healthy.
Back Problems
Horses can have back problems just like humans. One in three horses will experience back pain at some point in their life. They suffer from several back conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal cord compression, and spondylosis. Back problems can be painful, but early diagnosis and treatment can make them easier to manage.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Every horse owner is familiar with the painful symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A disorder like colic is an emergency that needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible. In fact, by the time a horse is showing signs, it could be too late. Colic often occurs in the early stages of IBD, but its symptoms are often mistaken for something else. Treatment for IBD and colic can be tricky, but every horse owner can learn to recognize signs to help their horse live a long, healthy life.
Arthritis
Arthritis in horses is a common problem that makes a horse far less active. If you’ve ever seen a horse with arthritis, you know that they walk with a weird, almost lopsided gait. That’s because arthritis in horses affects the joints in the hips, knees, and shoulders. Horses love to run and play, but they often suffer from joint problems, especially in their rear legs. The condition known as equine arthritis is actually inflammation of the cartilage that covers the joints, creating stiffness and pain. The condition generally develops in horses that do a lot of jumping and is also caused by injuries, improper hoof trimming, and other diseases.
Common Cold
Horses are susceptible to a variety of common health problems. The most common health issue is the common cold. They can catch colds just like us. It is very common in the winter when most horses spend a fair amount of time indoors. They may become more susceptible to colds due to cold weather, changes in routine, or a decline in their usual health condition. A horse with respiratory problems with an underlying health condition may be more prone to colds.
Colic
Colic is a collection of symptoms that afflict a horse, but the exact cause of colic is unknown. The horse is in pain and may be reluctant to move, and colic symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. The horse may lie on his side, with his legs stretched out and bowed. Colic is often a problem in heavily worked horses due to the stress of competition.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection. It is extremely contagious, and the results can be painful and ugly. Horses with ringworm will often scratch and bite themselves, spreading the disease to other animals. The fungus thrives in moist, warm areas, which makes it particularly dangerous in warm climates like Arizona. Ringworm can also develop on horses’ hooves, which can cause deep infection.
Can CBD Help Horse Recover?
CBD oil is becoming increasingly popular, and many people are turning to CBD to treat various health issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, arthritis, and more. According to Hemp Health, CBD oil is a “cannabinoid-based medicine” used to treat “an array of neuropathic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and immunological diseases.” It’s interesting that CBD oil has been used for horses and is being used to treat a variety of ailments. As your horse ages, it’s wise to introduce CBD into its life.
Common Health Issues Need Proper Medication
All animals have health issues, but horses face unique ones that can threaten their lives. Since horses rely so heavily on their feed, many illnesses are caused by improper or insufficient nutrition. It could further result in a loss of muscle mass, loss of hair or feathers, or slowed growth. Horse owners can prevent these problems by ensuring their horses receive the proper amount of vitamins and minerals. Also, without suitable medication, your horse’s health may decline and leads to further complications.