Horse Health Problems – Frequently Asked Questions

adminFebruary 9, 2022

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In general, the health of horses is pretty good overall, but there are certain horse health problems that are more common than others. Each type of horse health problem will have its own set of symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatments. On this page, you can find an overview of some of the most commonly asked questions about horse health problems so you can better understand what’s going on with your horse and make sure he or she gets the care needed to recover from whatever illness they may be experiencing.

My horse has ringworm. What do I do?

Ringworm is actually a skin disease that affects horses, dogs, and cats. In some cases, it can spread to humans. If you’re dealing with ringworm on your horse, don’t panic: It’s common (especially in smaller horses) and easily treatable. Your first step should be to quarantine your horse until you are sure that he is well. To learn more about ringworm in general, keep reading!

My horse is showing signs of colic. What do I do?

Colic is one of a horse’s worst nightmares. A huge health problem among equines, colic affects anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of all horses at some point in their lives and can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Treating colic is something any horse owner should know how to do, as it could save your pet’s life.

My horse seems depressed. What should I do? (Horse Health Problems)

If your horse’s behavior has changed and it looks sad or lethargic, ask your veterinarian to examine him/her as soon as possible. Depression can be caused by anything from a physical problem like an abscess or injury to something more severe like EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis). Depression is also a common symptom of colic which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Consult with your vet about what treatments may be appropriate for your horse.

My horse isn’t eating much these days. What should I do?

My horse has recently been diagnosed with colic, but I can’t afford to take him to a vet right now. Is there anything I can do at home that will help? There are plenty of things you can do at home to aid your horse’s recovery from colic.

My horse has diarrhea. Why does this happen and what can I do about it?

Diarrhea is one of those things that horse owners just don’t like to deal with. It’s gross, smelly, and often expensive when you have to call your vet out. Your vet may prescribe anti-diarrheal medication but what they won’t do is tell you how to stop it from happening in the first place (except for saying don’t feed your horse beans for dinner!).

My horse has lice. How did my horse get lice and what should I do about it?

Lice are little bugs that live on a horse’s body. The lice suck blood and can cause your horse to itch. They don’t harm you or your family, but they can make your horse sick. Lice are also known as mange, although other types of parasites also cause mange. Lice are more common in certain kinds of horses than others, so it is possible that your friends have never seen them before or have never had to deal with them themselves.

My horse has flystrike (blowfly strike). What can I do to treat it? (Horse Health Problems)

Flystrike (also called blowfly strike) is a serious health problem that can be deadly to your horse if left untreated. But don’t worry, there are ways to keep flystrike from killing your horse. Here’s how you can tell whether or not your horse has a flystrike and what to do next.

My mare foaled early, now she looks ill. Why is this happening and what can be done about it?

Horse Health Problems: Foaling is a process that requires time and energy from both mare and foal. As she expends extra energy on nursing, she may lose some weight, which can put her at risk for health problems. She also may not be eating as much because of all her extra activity. If your mare looks ill or is showing other signs of weight loss, consult with your veterinarian right away.