There are many types of internal parasites that may live inside a horse. Can you identify which one this is?
Hint: This parasite lays eggs on a horse’s legs before eventually being ingested.
To help prevent and manage unhealthy parasitic loads in your horse, work with your veterinarian.
The summer sun is out in full force. You take steps to protect your skin when riding outside, but what about your horse?
Traumatic injuries can include anything from a wound or laceration to a fracture. Wounds or lacerations are typically visible and easy to identify, though something that appears minor may be more life-threatening, depending on the location. A horse that has sustained a fracture from a traumatic event will typically be exhibiting non-weight-bearing lameness. Contact us immediately if your horse has experienced a traumatic injury, or is otherwise exhibiting signs of severe lameness.
We will be closed this Memorial Day, to take a moment to honor and give thanks to the heroes who have given us the gift of freedom.
Suspensory ligament injuries occur most commonly in performance horses and racehorses. Generally, signs of a suspensory ligament injury can include swelling and pain at the injured site alongside lameness, though clinical signs may vary. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact your horse health care team.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive deterioration of the structures of the joint causing lameness that can be a gradual onset or happen acutely. Early recognition and intervention can prevent permanent changes. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact your horse health care team.
Subsolar bruising occurs when there is repetitive trauma to the horse's sole, most commonly due to working on hard ground. Horses with no shoes, thin soles, and low heels are more likely to develop mild lameness from this condition. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact your horse health care team.
Laminitis is a severe and painful condition affecting the horse's feet. Treatment for laminitis is critical – if left untreated, laminitis can cause life-threatening damage to the coffin bone and hoof. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact your horse health care team.
Flexor tendon injuries are a result of the tendons stretching beyond their elastic capabilities. This type of injury may also be referred to as a bowed tendon if the injury occurs near the mid-cannon bone. Depending on exactly where the injury occurs, clinical signs may include swelling, heat and pain, alongside lameness. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact your horse health care team.
Navicular syndrome is a broad term used to refer to changes to the navicular bone or any of its supporting structures. A horse with navicular syndrome will usually present with chronic and progressive lameness in the front feet. If you are worried about lameness in your horse, contact your horse health care team.
A hoof abscess can be caused by bacteria entering the hoof through a crack in the sole or hoof wall. Often seen during muddy conditions, a horse with an abscess will likely be hesitant to put any weight on the affected hoof. Work with your veterinarian and farrier if you suspect your horse may have a hoof abscess.
Winter riding keeps horses in shape, but if they work up a sweat, the moisture can be a problem. Use a wicking wool or a fleece cooler to help your horses avoid chills and skin conditions.