Common Horse Diseases: Symptoms, Prevention, and Care for Equine Health

Introduction: When Strength Meets Vulnerability

There is something timeless about horses — the way they run, their manes rippling in the wind, eyes deep with memory and instinct. For centuries, they’ve been our partners in exploration, agriculture, war, and art. Yet beneath that grace and power lies a truth often overlooked: horses are as fragile as they are strong.

Behind every gallop and gentle nicker lies a body finely tuned, one that can be disrupted by a range of diseases — some ancient, others born from modern neglect or climate change. From viral infections that sweep through stables to subtle metabolic syndromes, the health of horses tells a story about resilience and vulnerability intertwined.

This article explores the most common diseases in horses, their causes, symptoms, and prevention — but not as a sterile medical list. Rather, as a journey through the delicate biology of an animal that has stood beside humankind for millennia.

1. Equine Influenza: The Horse’s Flu

A Fast-Moving Threat

Like humans, horses can catch the flu — and when they do, it spreads fast. Equine influenza is one of the most contagious viral diseases in horses, caused by the influenza A virus.

Within a few days, a single infected horse can transmit it through coughing, sneezing, or even shared water buckets. It doesn’t respect borders or breeds; from sleek racehorses to humble farm companions, all are vulnerable.

Symptoms

• High fever (up to 106°F)

• Harsh, dry cough

• Nasal discharge

• Fatigue and loss of appetite

The horse may appear listless, standing with drooping head and half-closed eyes, nostrils flaring as it struggles to breathe.

Prevention and Care

Regular vaccination is the frontline defense. Quarantine new horses for at least two weeks and maintain clean, well-ventilated stables. Recovery often takes two to three weeks — a time for quiet rest and careful monitoring.

2. Equine Colic: The Silent Killer

The Gut’s Dangerous Dance

No disease strikes fear into horse owners quite like colic. The word doesn’t describe one single illness but rather a symptom — severe abdominal pain caused by various digestive disturbances.

Horses, unlike humans, cannot vomit. Their long, complex intestinal system can easily twist, block, or accumulate gas, leading to immense pain — sometimes fatal.

Causes

• Sudden dietary changes

• Lack of water

• Sand ingestion

• Worm infestation

• Stress or overexertion

Symptoms

A horse in colic will often paw at the ground, look at its flank, roll violently, or refuse food. The heart rate rises; the belly bloats; the sweat shines on its flanks.

Treatment

Immediate veterinary care is essential. Some cases require pain relief and walking to stimulate gut movement; others need surgery. Prevention lies in good feeding practices, constant access to clean water, and regular deworming.

3. Laminitis: When the Hooves Betray

A Pain That Starts from the Ground

To watch a horse suffer from laminitis is to see strength collapse. The disease affects the laminae — sensitive tissues that connect the hoof wall to the underlying bone. When inflamed, they separate, causing intense pain and lameness.

Causes

• Overeating grain or lush pasture

• Obesity

• Metabolic disorders

• Retained placenta after foaling

• Secondary effect from other illnesses

Signs

• Reluctance to move

• Shifting weight from one hoof to another

• Hooves hot to the touch

• Characteristic “sawhorse stance,” where the horse leans back to relieve pressure

Prevention

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and careful monitoring of weight are crucial. Horses prone to laminitis need controlled pasture time and restricted access to high-sugar feeds.

Laminitis is not just a foot disease — it’s a systemic warning that something is wrong within the horse’s metabolism.

4. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA): The Hidden Virus

An Unseen Threat

Often called “Swamp Fever,” Equine Infectious Anemia is a viral disease spread by bloodsucking insects like horseflies and deerflies. It can smolder undetected for months — or strike with deadly suddenness.

Once a horse is infected, it remains a carrier for life.

Symptoms

• Fever and anemia

• Weight loss

• Weakness

• Swelling under the belly or legs

Because there is no cure, infected horses must be quarantined or, in severe cases, euthanized to prevent spread.

Control and Prevention

Strict testing (Coggins test) is required for travel and competitions. Stable hygiene, fly control, and regular screening protect not just one horse, but entire herds.

5. Equine Strangles: The Old Enemy

When the Throat Closes In

One of the oldest and most recognizable horse diseases, strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi, a bacterium that infects the upper respiratory tract.

The name comes from the way it restricts breathing, as abscesses form in the lymph nodes around the throat.

Symptoms

• Fever

• Nasal discharge

• Swollen glands under the jaw

• Difficulty swallowing and breathing

The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact and contaminated equipment.

Treatment and Management

Isolate infected horses. Warm compresses help mature abscesses, and antibiotics may assist in recovery. The key lies in biosecurity — disinfect stalls, feed buckets, and tack.

Even after recovery, some horses become “carriers,” silently harboring the bacteria for years.

6. Tetanus: The Deadly Stillness

The Soil’s Lethal Secret

Tetanus, often fatal, is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, found in soil and manure. It enters the body through wounds — even the smallest puncture.

Once inside, it releases toxins that attack the nervous system.

Symptoms

• Muscle stiffness

• Difficulty eating or swallowing

• “Lockjaw”

• Rigid posture

• Sensitivity to light and sound

Without vaccination, survival rates are low.

Prevention

Regular tetanus vaccination is essential. Every wound, no matter how small, deserves cleaning and veterinary attention. In horses, prevention truly is the best medicine.

7. Equine Rabies: The Rare But Real Danger

Rabies is rare in horses, but when it strikes, it is devastating — and always fatal. Transmitted through the bite of infected animals like bats, raccoons, or foxes, rabies attacks the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms

• Sudden behavioral changes

• Paralysis

• Excessive salivation

• Difficulty swallowing

• Aggression or depression

Because rabies can be transmitted to humans, any suspected case is a medical emergency. Vaccination remains the only effective defense.

8. Parasites: The Hidden Invaders

Worms, Bots, and Beyond

Inside every pasture lies an invisible world of parasites waiting for a host. Internal parasites like strongyles, roundworms, and tapeworms can sap a horse’s strength silently.

External parasites — lice, mites, and ticks — cause itching, anemia, and skin infections.

Signs of Infestation

• Dull coat

• Weight loss

• Colic episodes

• Lethargy

Prevention

Rotational deworming, clean feeding areas, and pasture management are the foundation of control. Regular fecal tests help determine which horses need treatment — reducing resistance in parasite populations.

9. Equine Cushings Disease (PPID): Aging’s Gentle Thief

Hormonal Imbalance and the Elderly Horse

As horses age, some develop Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), known commonly as Cushing’s disease. It affects hormone regulation, leading to abnormal hair growth, muscle loss, and lethargy.

Symptoms

• Long, curly coat that doesn’t shed

• Fat deposits along the crest and rump

• Increased thirst and urination

• Laminitis

Though incurable, medication (pergolide) and dietary management can improve quality of life. Early diagnosis is key to slowing progression.

10. Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): The Modern Challenge

The Link Between Diet and Disease

Today’s horses often live in comfort — abundant food, less work. But that luxury has a cost: Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). This condition mirrors human metabolic disorders, combining obesity, insulin resistance, and a high risk of laminitis.

Prevention and Management

• Maintain healthy body weight

• Provide regular exercise

• Feed low-sugar forage

• Monitor glucose and insulin levels

In the wild, horses roamed and grazed; in stables, they must depend on human discipline to stay healthy.

11. Respiratory Infections: When Breathing Becomes a Battle

Dust, poor ventilation, and fungal spores can lead to chronic respiratory problems such as heaves (Recurrent Airway Obstruction).

Symptoms

• Persistent coughing

• Labored breathing

• Nasal discharge

• Exercise intolerance

Improving air quality, soaking hay to reduce dust, and ensuring outdoor time can make all the difference.

12. Skin Disorders: Beneath the Coat

From rain rot to sweet itch, the skin of a horse tells its own story.
Moisture, insects, and fungi can all wreak havoc.

Common Skin Issues

• Rain rot (Dermatophilus congolensis): scabby lesions caused by bacteria and moisture.

• Ringworm: fungal infection spread through tack and grooming tools.

• Sweet itch: allergic reaction to midge bites.

Good grooming, dry shelter, and hygiene form the holy trinity of prevention.

13. Dental Diseases: The Mouth That Works in Silence

A horse’s teeth grow continuously throughout its life. Uneven wear leads to sharp points, ulcers, and difficulty chewing.

Symptoms

• Dropping feed

• Head tossing

• Weight loss

• Bad breath

Routine dental exams (every 6 to 12 months) ensure comfort and prevent secondary digestive problems.

A healthy mouth means a healthy horse.

14. Eye Problems: The Windows of the Wild Spirit

Horses rely heavily on vision. Conditions like uveitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers can impair sight if ignored.

Signs to Watch

• Tearing or squinting

• Cloudy or inflamed eyes

• Sensitivity to light

Clean environments and prompt care protect one of the most expressive parts of a horse — its eyes.

15. Hoof Abscesses: Pain from Within

Even a small stone bruise can become a hoof abscess — a pocket of infection trapped inside the hoof.

Symptoms

• Sudden lameness

• Heat in the hoof

• Pulsating digital artery

Once drained, relief is almost immediate. Regular trimming, clean stalls, and dry footing prevent recurrence.

Caring for the Whole Horse: Beyond Disease

A healthy horse isn’t just free from illness — it thrives in body and spirit. Nutrition, exercise, companionship, and mental stimulation all play vital roles.

Veterinary checkups, balanced diets, and thoughtful management transform care from reaction to prevention. The best medicine, always, is attention.

Conclusion: The Heart That Endures

From wild plains to quiet paddocks, horses have carried humanity’s hopes, labors, and legends. But caring for them means more than admiration; it means understanding their vulnerabilities.

Every cough, limp, or loss of appetite tells a story — one that asks for empathy, not neglect.

When we learn to read those signs, we not only protect the horse but also honor the bond that has lasted for thousands of years.

In every strong heart that beats under a glossy coat, in every patient eye that meets ours, there lies a truth as old as civilization itself: we owe our strength to theirs.

🐎 Have you ever cared for a horse recovering from illness? Share your story or tips in the comments — and spread awareness by sharing this article with other horse lovers. Together, we can keep our equine companions strong, healthy, and honored for the noble beings they are.

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