Archive for the Equine Diseases Category

Choke is a relatively common condition in horses. It occurs when a mass of food or a foreign body blocks the horse’s oesophagus (gullet), the tube that takes food from the back of the mouth (pharynx) to the stomach. Choke may be partial or complete. The most common causes are a greedy horse attempting to swallow hay without chewing

The condition described below — colic in horses — can be a critical, life threatening emergency. If your horse is suffering from any of the symptoms described call the hospital immediately (5756 2444) for advice. The term ‘colic’ means simply pain in the abdomen — a tummy ache basically. However, while a tummy ache in people usually means

Periodontal disease in the horse is similar to dental issues in other domesticated animals and in humans. The disease begins when bacteria in the mouth proliferate around the teeth and gums, most commonly due to the trapping of food between or around the teeth and the formation of plaque. The body’s defences are overwhelmed by bacteria which attack

Founder, or laminitis, is a common condition affecting the feet of horses. An extremely painful condition, founder/laminitis can affect every breed and is a major concern of caring horse owners. Though easy to diagnose and generally treatable, left untreated the condition can result in permanent severe lameness, with euthanasia sometimes the most humane option. Founder occurs when there

Greasy heel, more commonly known as ‘mud fever’, is a painful infection caused by the same bacteria that causes rain scald. It usually affects horses with white feet but it can also occur in animals with dark feet and in endurance animals. In severe cases it can extend as far up the leg as the cannon. Contrary to

Rain scald, or Dermatophilosis, is a skin condition in horses that most owners will be familiar with. It’s caused by a bacteria — Dermatophilus congolensis — which lives on the skin of ‘carrier’ horses. A carrier horse will be prone to developing rain scald, but may not always show clinical signs. They are however the source of infection

Seedy Toe, sometimes called White Line Disease, is the necrosis of the sensitive laminae, usually on the anterior wall of the hoof. It can however affect all distal areas of the laminae, extending proximally towards the coronary band. The condition is caused by cracks in the white line, leading to infection and chronic laminitis with separation of the

Strangles is one of the most important equine diseases. It is a notifiable disease in Victoria under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994. If your horse has Strangles you have a legal obligation to report it to the DPI within 7 days. If you suspect the disease is present please contact the hospital immediately for advice. Strangles is

A bacterial disease, tetanus can affect most animals but horses are particularly susceptible because of the environment they live in and their tendency to incur injuries. Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetanii which is found in soil and droppings. It’s found everywhere and survives in the environment for long periods. The bacterium enters the body through wounds,