The number one killer of horses is colic. Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. Many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time.
For equids 1 year to less than 20 years of age, commonly reported causes of death were colic, injury/wounds/trauma, and respiratory problems (figure 2). For resident equids 20 years of age or older, common causes of death were colic, neurologic problems, cancer, and chronic weight loss.
Streptococcus equi (Strangles)
Strangles is an infectious horse disease characterized by abscessation of the lymphoid tissue in the upper respiratory tract.
"Studies—and our own investigations—have shown that most breakdowns and deaths occur because horses have pre-existing injuries that are masked by the excessive use of legal medications.
Severe injury such as a fracture or severe wound. Heart failure. A broken heart - in some cases with the death or euthanasia of a companion, the option of euthanasia of the remaining horse may be a kind consideration especially if that horse also has health issues.
You can arrange the disposal of your dead horse through your veterinarian after they've determined the cause. The most common way to dispose of a horses' body is to bury it, bring it to a landfill, or have it cremated.
Equine influenza, or the "horse flu," is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that can cause serious secondary infections, especially in foals. Today, our Argyle vets discuss what symptoms to watch for and how to treat a horse with influenza.
Can you get a disease from your horse? Yes, but the good news is that direct horse to human disease transmission is rare. Here's a quick refresher on some bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral diseases that can potentially be transmitted to us directly from the equines in our lives.
What animals get African horse sickness? African horse sickness can affect horses, donkeys, mules, zebras, camels and dogs. Zebras and donkeys rarely develop serious disease, but horses and mules can become very sick and often die.
Infectious necrotic hepatitis (black disease) is a condition caused by the toxin Clostridium novyi and impacts your horse's liver. This disease is relatively rare in horses, however there have been cases. The symptoms vary but are specific to black disease.
Blackwater fever is a complication of malaria infection in which red blood cells burst in the bloodstream (hemolysis), releasing hemoglobin directly into the blood vessels and into the urine, frequently leading to kidney failure.
Almost any fruits, and many vegetables, are safe treats for healthy horses. Apples and carrots are traditional favorites. You can safely offer your horse raisins, grapes, bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe or other melons, celery, pumpkin, and snow peas.
Colic is the number one cause of death in horses, excluding old age. The good news is that the vast majority of cases are mild and resolve with medical treatment.
Colic is the number one medical killer of horses = absolutely true. But it's a myth to think there's nothing you can do about it until it happens. Take steps today to encourage your horse's digestive health and reduce the risk for colic.
Colic indicates a painful problem in your horse's abdomen. Because colic is often unpredictable and frequently unpreventable, it's a common concern for horse owners. Horses are naturally prone to colic. Fortunately, over 80 percent of colic types respond well to treatment on the farm.
"The greatest risk with exposure and ingestion of horse manure," Dr. Czincila told Complex, "is that of possible protozoan and/or bacterial infection that can lead to chronic disease including abdominal pain, diarrhea and dehydration to potential death." That's right: potential death.
Contagious equine metritis and equine viral arteritis are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that affect horses, causing problems such as low conception rates, abortion, and sick or weak newborn foals.
Because rain rot is contagious to humans and other animals, brushes, buckets and blankets that come in contact with an infected horse should be thoroughly cleaned after use and not shared with other horses. It's also a good rule of thumb to keep an infected horse separated from other animals on the farm.
The prognosis for infected horses is good, with recovery occurring in approximately 2-3 weeks. Although equine influenza infection very rarely results in fatality, severely affected horses can be out of work for up to 6 months.
Although there is historical evidence dating back several centuries for influenza outbreaks in humans, poultry, horses, and even canines (25), similar disease was not documented in pigs until an obscure report in 1892 of an influenza-like outbreak in pigs in England (26).
Glue has been produced from animals for thousands of years, not just from horses but from pigs and cattle as well. Over the second half of the 20th century, synthetic glues have become advanced being produced cheaply, uniform in quality, and with longer shelf lives. Elmer's glue uses no animal parts.
Good Reasons for Restrictions
Improper burial sites can attract vermin, create unpleasant smells, or even contaminate water supplies. Burying your horse may create a nuisance or even a public health issue, and neither of these things is what most people would want for a last memory of their deceased horse.
Prohibited foods that may not be consumed in any form include all animals—and the products of animals—that do not chew the cud and do not have cloven hoofs (e.g., pigs and horses); fish without fins and scales; the blood of any animal; shellfish (e.g., clams, oysters, shrimp, crabs) and all other living creatures that ...
A horse doesn't just grieve the death of his companion, he also mourns the loss of physical touch and comfort that his companion provided. Support your horse and reduce his feelings of loneliness through grooming. Regularly grooming your horse is one of the best ways you can offer your horse comfort.