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Explore expert articles on equines with Vet Verified.
Mud fever can leave a horse’s lower legs sore, scabby and swollen, particularly after time in wet conditions. Find out what to look for, the different causes including mites, how to handle muddy legs and when to call the vet.
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Learn about wobbler syndrome in horses, also called cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM). This guide covers causes, symptoms such as an unsteady gait and hind limb weakness, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and ways to reduce risk in young horses.
Sedation in horses helps keep them calm and safe during veterinary and farrier work. It uses drugs that quiet the central nervous system so the horse stays awake but relaxed. Sedated horses usually stand and breathe normally, unlike general anaesthesia. Common uses of equine sedation include dental work, minor surgery, wound care, lameness checks, radiographs, hoof and farrier work and endoscopy. Vets give sedatives by intravenous injection, intramuscular injection or oral paste. Common sedative medications are xylazine, detomidine, romifidine and acepromazine. Signs of sedation include a lower head, droopy lip, slower movements and reduced awareness. Effects often last 30 minutes to two hours, with some sleepiness for longer, so horses are watched until alert. Owners should keep the horse quiet, avoid feeding until swallowing is normal, offer water when the horse is more alert and avoid riding until fully recovered. Possible side effects include unsteadiness, sweating, reduced gut motility and a slow heart rate. Vets assess the horse first and take extra care with heart, liver or kidney problems, severe dehydration and late pregnancy. When given and monitored by a veterinary team, sedation is a safe and useful part of equine care.
Muscle wastage in horses, or muscle atrophy, is when a horse loses muscle mass over time, often along the topline, hindquarters, shoulders or neck. Common causes include poor nutrition, lack of exercise, ageing, pain or injury, neurological problems, specific muscle diseases and long term illness. Signs are visible loss of muscle, changed body shape, weakness, poor performance, uneven muscle development and behavioural changes like reluctance to work. Diagnosis usually needs a veterinary check with a physical exam, blood tests, diet review, neurological tests, imaging or a muscle biopsy. Treatment targets the underlying cause and supports rebuilding with better nutrition, controlled exercise and rehabilitation, physiotherapy and medical treatment where needed. To reduce risk, make sure horses get balanced feed, regular exercise and turnout, correct saddle fit, dental care and parasite control, and monitor body condition often. Contact a vet for sudden or unexplained muscle loss, asymmetry, lameness, weakness or if muscle loss continues despite good care.
Unexplained weight loss in horses is a common problem and often points to an underlying health or management issue. Common causes include poor nutrition or low-quality forage, dental disease, heavy parasite burdens, gastric ulcers, digestive disorders, chronic organ disease, metabolic or hormonal problems, social competition at feeding and age-related decline. Signs to watch for are visible ribs or hip bones, a hollow topline, loss of muscle, low energy, poor coat and changes in manure. A vet will use a physical exam, body condition scoring, dental check, faecal parasite testing, blood tests and imaging to find the cause. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include dental work, targeted worming, ulcer medication, tailored diets and medical care for chronic disease, plus slow nutritional support to put weight back on. To help prevent weight loss, carry out regular dental checks, follow a parasite control programme, feed balanced, high-quality forage, monitor body condition often and make management changes if a horse is being pushed away from food. Contact a veterinarian promptly if weight falls despite feeding, loss is rapid, the horse refuses feed, or other signs like diarrhoea or severe lethargy appear.
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Oedema in horses is swelling caused by extra fluid in the tissues. It most often affects the lower legs, the underside of the belly, the sheath in males and the udder in mares. Common causes of horse oedema include stocking up from standing still, injury, infection, allergic reactions, poor circulation, low blood protein and lymphatic problems. Signs are soft swollen areas that may pit when pressed, stretched skin, heat, pain, lameness or fever. A vet diagnoses the cause with a physical check and tests such as blood work and ultrasound. Treatment focuses on the cause and may include exercise, cold hosing, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, correct bandaging and treating underlying disease. To prevent oedema, keep horses moving, feed a balanced diet, control parasites, treat cuts quickly and have regular veterinary checks. Contact your vet quickly if swelling is sudden or severe, is hot or painful, causes lameness, comes with fever or does not improve after a few days.
Upward fixation of the patella (UFP) is when a horse's patella or kneecap gets temporarily stuck on the femur so the stifle cannot bend and the hind leg locks. Common signs of UFP in horses are a locked hind leg, toe dragging, difficulty starting or turning and a sudden jerky release. Causes include weak hindquarter muscles, rapid growth in young horses, straight hind limb conformation, long rest periods or stifle inflammation. Vets diagnose UFP by watching movement and may use ultrasound or radiographs to rule out other stifle problems. Mild cases often improve with conditioning such as hill work, trotting poles, turnout and corrective shoeing; persistent cases may need medial patellar ligament desmotomy surgery followed by a graded rehabilitation programme. Regular exercise, gradual increases in work and balanced nutrition help reduce the risk and most horses recover and return to normal work.
Stifle injuries in horses often lead to hind limb lameness, affecting both performance and comfort. The stifle joint, similar to the human knee, plays a vital role in horse movement and is prone to injuries due to its complexity and stress from activities like jumping and racing. Common issues include ligament strains, meniscal injuries, inflammation, and arthritis. Symptoms can be subtle initially, such as lameness or behavioural changes, making diagnosis challenging. Vets use examinations and imaging to diagnose these injuries accurately. Treatment varies from rest and medication to advanced therapies and surgery. Proper rehabilitation and management can help horses recover and prevent further injuries. Early recognition and treatment improve recovery chances, allowing many affected horses to return to work.
Shivers is a neurological disorder in horses that affects their hind limbs, making it difficult for them to back up or lift a hind leg. It is most common in breeds like warmbloods and draught horses. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves problems in the brain that affect coordination. Symptoms include trembling and spasms when the hind limb is lifted. Diagnosis is usually based on observing these movements. Although there is no cure, management with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and careful farrier work can help affected horses lead comfortable lives. Early veterinary assessment is important for managing the condition.
Fibrotic myopathy in horses is a condition affecting the semitendinosus muscle in the hind limb, causing a distinctive "slapping" gait. It typically arises from muscle injury or improper injections leading to scar tissue. Symptoms include a jerking hind leg motion and reduced flexibility. Diagnosis involves gait assessment and possible imaging. Treatment ranges from physiotherapy to surgery, depending on severity. Preventive measures focus on safe injection practices and avoiding muscle injury. Whilst many horses remain comfortable, early diagnosis is vital for effective management and treatment options.
Stringhalt in horses is a neuromuscular issue causing exaggerated movement of one or both hind legs. It can be mild or severe, affecting normal movement. There are two main types: classic stringhalt, often affecting one leg, and Australian stringhalt linked to toxic pasture weeds, affecting both. Treatment varies from removing horses from toxic pasture to surgery for classic cases. Management includes proper pasture maintenance, ensuring balanced nutrition, and veterinary guidance. Early detection and intervention improve outcomes, allowing many horses to maintain a good quality of life.
Shoes for horses can be necessary depending on workload, environment, and hoof quality. Horses evolved to manage their hooves naturally, but today, shoes can offer protection and support. On hard surfaces, shoes reduce hoof wear, discomfort, and risk of slipping. Horses in competitive disciplines or carrying heavy loads may need shoes for extra support and traction. Some horses benefit from therapeutic shoeing for conditions like laminitis or injuries. While the barefoot approach is popular, not all horses can manage without shoes. Individual assessment by professionals ensures each horse's comfort and health in hoof care.
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