A Guide to Horse Health
Nutrition
The most basic horse food is dust-free, mold-free hay. Grass and alfalfa are the most common types of hay, though alfalfa has higher protein content than grass.
A horse's diet requires more than hay, especially if the horse is pregnant or does a lot of hard work during the day. Concentrates including grains, sweet feed, and manufactured feed are used to supplement the hay. Soaked beet pulps can also be a large part of their diet, as they are rich in protein. They can also eat carrots and apples, and vitamin-rich cod liver oil can be mixed with food. Molasses can be mixed with dry food. Oats are not very sufficient as a horse's meal because they contain unbalanced levels of calcium and phosphorus.
Horses can easily overeat, and should be small amounts of food several times throughout the day. In addition to food, horses need a large amount of drinking water (five to ten gallons a day) and a mineralized salt-lick specifically made for horses.
Wild blue flax, elder berry, milkweed, yew, avocado, foxglove, oleander, water hemlock, and lily of the valley are all deadly to horses. Horse chestnut, pokeweed, laurel, azaleas, and mesquite can all cause colic or diarrhea.
Understanding Horse Nutrition http://www.understanding-horse-nutrition.com/
Questions and answers, articles, and additional resources on horse nutrition.
Equine Nutrition http://www.shady-acres.com/susan/index.shtml
Information from Susan Evans Garlinghouse, DVM, MSc the Equine Nutrition and Research Geek.
My Horse University http://www.myhorseuniversity.com/
A wealth of resources for learning about the nutrition, feeding management, and proper diet of horses.
Equisearch http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/feeding/feed/eqdigestio3120/
Diet recommendations from equine nutrition expert Judy Reynolds, Ph.D., P.A.S., Divisional Equine Technical Specialist, ADM Alliance Nutrition.
Rutgers http://www.esc.rutgers.edu/publications/factsheets_nutrition/FS038.htm
The Basics of Equine Nutrition by Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Equine Management
Diseases and Parasites
Colic
A very common horse disease is colic, a wide range of gastrointestinal problems. Colic could be as simple as a stomach ache from eating too fast or the accumulation of dirt and sand in the intestines. Tacky (dry) gums, biting at the stomach, refusing to eat, and rolling in the stall can all be signs of colic. This illness can be very dangerous to horses and requires medical attention.
Laminitis
Laminitis is inflammation of the digital laminae, a part of the inside hoof. This makes walking very difficult for horses and is impossible to diagnose without the aid of a radiograph. Profuse sweating and reluctance to walk are both signs of laminitis.
Equine Influenza
Influenza is highly contagious among horses and causes fever, increased mucus production, and coughing. Horses should not be ridden when they have equine influenza. Influenza usually last for only a week or two and leaves by itself.
Flies
Horse flies are very large flies that come in a variety of shapes and colors. They prey on large mammals, such as horses and cattle, biting and breaking the skin to ingest blood. These bites are painful and help the flies transmit dangerous diseases. Many types of flies pose the same threat, and can all be controlled with repellant and an electric light insect trap.
The botfly lays eggs along the shoulders and legs horses. Untreated botflies can result in the larva entering the horse's mouth, causing sores around the tongue and teeth.
Worms
Ten to fifteen different types of bloodworms can be found in horses. Younger horses are more prone to worms, since they lack natural immunity. Symptoms of worms include weight loss, swollen bellies, diarrhea, and colic. Horses should be scheduled for regular deworming along with a larva-killing treatment. Stables should be cleaned daily to avoid spread of worm-infested manure. Foals are especially prone to roundworm, which lays eggs in the liver, lungs, and intestines, leaving the foal highly susceptible to pneumonia, and causing intestinal blockages and ruptures.
EPM
Opossums host a single-celled parasite known as EPM. Equine protozoa myeloencephalitis causes neurological problems in horses and can be dangerous is left untreated, as it may cause nerve damage. EPM can be cured by certain drugs.
Dental
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by food and bacteria getting trapped between the teeth, and it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated.
Another dental issue is improper jaw alignment. Horses born with longer upper jaws won't be able to properly wear down their teeth and will consequently suffer from severe dental problems and difficulty chewing.
Behavior and Stress
Like people, horses are prone to stress. "Cribbing" is a common sign of horse stress--the horse chews and bites at the wood in their stall, causing intestinal problems and the stall to be in need of repair. Changes in diet or environment, injury, loud noises, or other animals may cause stress to horses. Dealing with equine stress is important because it can result in ulcers, colic, and other health problems. A horse can also be stressed by lack of physical activity or boredom. Pacing the stall can be a common symptom of boredom, which can be solved by adding a window to the stall or letting the horse graze outdoors more often. Isolation can also cause stress for horses (they are herd animals, after all).
Mood swings can often be a sign of tumors or an imbalance in hormones.
Understanding your horse and their natural instincts is important to help them live a happy, healthy life.
Horse Channel http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-health/default.aspx
This is the website for the popular Horse Illustrated magazine. Information on promoting the best in horse management, riding and training for all breeds and styles of riding. All the latest horse news about equine health, nutrition, grooming and all aspects of horse care. Includes English and western training solutions, breed profiles and more.
Horses and Horse information http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/horsehealth.shtml
Information and details from the daily care of hooves to maintaining your horse's teeth, joints and internal health.
The Horse http://www.thehorse.com/
Guide to equine health care with information, articles, and podcasts.
Thoroughbred Timeshttp://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horse-health/advances-in-reproductive-health-12-12-06.aspx
Thoroughbred Times Company publishes:
Center for Equine Health at the University of California http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/
Part of the School of Veterinary Medicine which is devoted to the progress of the health, well-being, performance and care of horses.
Horse Kinetics http://horsekinetics.com/
Information on horse care from Daniel Beatty, DVM, a veterinarian, helping horse owners become more knowledgeable and able to handle any health issue with confidence.
Bayer Equine Connection http://www.bayerequineconnection.com/index.cfm
Protecting animals and benefiting people worldwide since 1919. Information on the health of animals.
Blood Horse http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/horse-health
Thoroughbred horse health and care news and information.
USDA http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/horses/
Information on horse health from the United State Department of Agriculture.
Holistic Horse http://www.holistichorse.com/
Educational information to the equine caretakers, owners, professionals and practitioners of integrative therapies on holistic health care options.
Horse Advice http://www.horseadvice.com/
Articles and forum moderated by experienced equine veterinarians.
For the Love of the Horse http://www.forloveofthehorse.com/
Natural health care information and remedies for horses.
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