Horse Health:

A horse can be one of your most prized possessions.



A great and loyal companion, the horse can be put to various uses. However, though the horse is a strong and sturdy animal, it gets sick too, and it is important to take good care of your horse so that horse health problems can be avoided. The hooves, teeth, and joints of your horse are the most susceptible to health problems.



Though most horse health questions can be addressed by a good veterinarian, it is always useful to know how to take good care of your pet’s health so that any major health challenges can be solved. Horses are extremely prone to developing colic and other problems in their digestive tracts. Their feet and legs should also be properly cared for so that the horse keeps riding properly.



Apart from that, regular vaccinations and proper grooming are necessary to keep a horse in the good health.

Here are some of the common horse ailments that they may suffer from:

• Colic: Colic is a group of several digestive disorders, some of which can be pretty serious. This is a common ailment with horses and therefore pet owners should be wary of it. This condition is most commonly caused due to a blockage in the intestines by improper food or a foreign object. If there has been a sudden change in the diet of the horse, there may be an unexpected amount of gas because of which the intestines get blocked or twisted. In such a case, corrective surgery needs to be performed. Colic still remains the number one cause for fatalities in horses. Loss of appetite, constipation, pain clenching of the teeth, and excessive salivation are some symptoms of colic. If you suspect that your horse is suffering from colic, consult a veterinarian immediately.
• Heaves: Heaves is an allergic reaction to airborne particles because of which the horse suffers an inflammation of the respiratory tract. Due to this inflammation, there may be recurrent obstruction in the airways. Horses that remain in their stables a lot and are exposed to hay and straw particles along with dust and mold, usually suffer from heaves. There is a visible shortness of breath, wheezing, and moist cough. If you find your horse struggling to breathe, it is best to take the horse for some emergency treatment immediately.
• Apart from colic and heaves, other common horse health issues include laminitis, problems in the hoof like abscesses, attacks by both internal and external parasites, and tying up which causes problems in movement of the horse.