When you’re a horse-owner, there are many things you must carefully monitor to ensure your horse’s well-being. Even if only the smallest indicator of an illness is present, you must react appropriately before the condition worsens. Learning about the most common ailments that can affect your horse will highlight the most urgent problems.
Arthritis
Degenerative conditions such as arthritis can significantly debilitate your horse. Damaged joints prevent your horse from going about their business as normal because of the swelling. In fact, arthritis is the main culprit that puts horses into retirement.
What makes arthritis so heartbreaking is that it’s there for the remainder of a horse’s life. However, you can do things to prevent it from inflicting pain. Giving your horse extra time to warm up before engaging in rigorous activity and allowing them to cool down afterward can stave off this disorder. Try to keep your horse on even surfaces, too, as rocky and hilly trails may cause discomfort throughout their body.
Colic
Colic is one of the most frequent illnesses a horse may suffer from in its life. A horse can develop colic for several reasons, such as dehydration, poor diet, or underlying dental issues. Preventative care is the best strategy for minimizing your horse’s chances of getting colic. This care includes regular floatings for their teeth to handle any complications before they worsen. Keeping their water fresh and their diet clean should also thwart colic.
The Common Cold
The common cold can incapacitate a human being for several days. With all the aches, sniffling, and coughing, the only thing you want to do is rest. It may come as a surprise, but horses can also get the common cold. Ideally, a fever won’t be present, or your horse may stop eating and drinking. However, fevers often come and go quickly, so you might not notice them affecting your horse.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a real possibility for horses. The infection will cause their hair to fall out, revealing sores. Keeping their domain clean and consistently washing them should keep ringworm from developing. Washing them also keeps them from suffering from mud fever, an illness that can damage their stomachs.
Recognizing the warning signs of these common ailments that may affect your horse will stop illnesses dead in their tracks. Plus, learning how to prevent these afflictions will keep your horse happy and healthy.
