Colic
What it is:
Abdominal pain due to intestinal gas, impaction, torsion (twisting) or other causes.
Symptoms:
Variable, depending on the type of colic, the amount of pain (and the horse’s pain tolerance) and duration. Can include restlessness, sweating, looking at the belly,...
ChokeWhat it is: An obstruction of the esophagus, usually caused by eating too fast, but may be caused by narrowing of the esophagus due to a previous choke episode or in rare cases, pressure from a tumor.Symptoms: Discomfort, repeated...
Abscess (hoof abscess, sole abscess)What it is: A pocket of infection in the foot.Symptoms: Lameness, which can be severe; heat in the foot (hoof feels warm); swelling and redness in the bulbs of the heel; a dark area on...
Q: My horses have Bermuda grass hay in front of them at all times, and I give them a flake of alfalfa in the morning and at night. Are they getting enough vitamins in their diet?
A: Access to...
Q: My horse has always had sensitive skin, but this year the gnats seem to have really taken a toll on him. He has rubbed some of the hair off of his chest, neck and face, and he’s started...
Q: My six-year-old off-track Thoroughbred was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans in either his hip or his stifle. I’ve heard differing opinions from various vets and trainers about what he can or cannot do. What are the limitations on a...
According to a recent study at Michigan State University (MSU), air quality may be worse for stabled horses than previously thought. Approximately 17 percent of the general horse population in Michigan has inflammatory airway disease, which affects athletic performance....
Q: I own three geldings and one mare. My geldings are all sound and can be ridden, but my mare, who is 18 years old, has some nerve damage in one leg and can’t really be ridden anymore. Are...
Q: My horse has had several recent episodes of gas colic. I know horses aren't supposed to burp, but when he colics, it sounds and looks like the gas is coming back up his esophagus. He gets really sensitive...
HEART RATE:
Use a stethoscope to count the number of heartbeats per minute (bpm) by placing the end of the stethoscope on your horse’s left side just behind and at the level of his elbow. Count each lub-dub as one...
