If you have horses, you are likely aware of the many health and wellness issues that can arise. From heat stress and dehydration to sunburn and skin irritations to parasite infestations and hoof problems from hard ground, horses can be susceptible to a variety of health issues. And, when it comes to pasture grazing, digestive issues can also be a concern. In this article, we will discuss these potential health issues and how to prevent them. By reading this article, you will gain a better understanding of how to protect your horse’s health and well-being.
Heat Stress and Dehydration
Heat stress and dehydration in horses can be serious and even life-threatening conditions. Horses are particularly vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration during the summer months when temperatures are high and humidity is low.
Causes of Heat Stress and Dehydration
Heat stress and dehydration can occur when a horse is exposed to high temperatures, low humidity, and inadequate water and electrolyte intake. Horses that are older, have preexisting medical conditions, or are overweight are more prone to heat stress and dehydration.
Symptoms of Heat Stress and Dehydration
The most common signs of heat stress and dehydration in horses are:
- Elevated body temperature
- Increased respiration and heart rate
- Sweating
- Increased drinking
- Lethargy, depression, and loss of appetite
- Muscle weakness
- Diarrhea
Prevention of Heat Stress and Dehydration
Horse owners should take steps to prevent heat stress and dehydration in their horses. These include:
- Ensuring adequate access to shade and water
- Providing electrolytes
- Reducing exercise in hot weather
- Scheduling turnout at cooler times of day
- Monitoring the horse’s temperature and respiration rate
- Providing electrolytes
- Scheduling regular veterinary check-ups
Sunburn and Skin Irritations
The hot summer months can wreak havoc on a horse’s health, and sunburn and skin irritations are two of the most common problems. Horses with white or light-colored coats, such as grey and palomino, are particularly susceptible to sunburn, and their owners must take special care to ensure their protection against the sun’s rays.
Signs of Sunburn
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s likely your horse is suffering from sunburn:
- Redness or pinkness on the horse’s skin
- Hair loss or thinning
- Itching or discomfort
- Flaking or peeling of the skin
Prevention and Treatment
The most effective way to prevent sunburn is to ensure your horse has access to shade during the hottest hours of the day, such as midday. You should also consider applying a sunscreen specially made for horses, which is available from most pet stores.
If your horse has already developed sunburn, there are a few steps you can take to help soothe their skin. Applying a cool compress to the affected area can provide instant relief. You can also apply a moisturizing cream or ointment to the area, which will help to soothe the skin and protect it from further damage. If the sunburn is severe, your veterinarian may recommend a medicated cream, such as an anti-inflammatory, to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
In addition to sunburn, horses can also suffer from skin irritations due to insects, such as gnats and flies. Insect repellent sprays or ointments can help to keep the bugs away and reduce the risk of skin irritation. If your horse is already suffering from an irritation, there are a few things you can do to help. Applying a topical ointment designed to soothe skin irritations can help to reduce itching and discomfort. Your veterinarian may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
In order to ensure your horse’s skin stays healthy during the summer months, it’s important to take preventive steps, such as providing shade and using insect repellent. If your horse does develop sunburn or skin irritation, it’s important to take the necessary steps to provide relief and promote healing.
Parasite Infestations
Parasite infestations are a common health problem for horses during the summer months. Flies, ticks, and other insects can carry a wide variety of parasites that can cause serious health issues in horses. These parasites can be difficult to detect and can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
Symptoms of Parasite Infestations
The symptoms of a parasite infestation in horses can vary depending on the type of parasite. Generally, symptoms can include:
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Weight loss: An infestation may cause a horse to lose weight due to the parasites consuming the horse’s nutrients.
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Hair loss: In some cases, the parasites will cause the horse to lose its hair.
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Skin irritation: The presence of parasites can cause irritation to the horse’s skin. This may include itching, redness, and lesions.
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Lethargy: A horse may become lethargic if it is suffering from a parasite infestation as the parasite consumes the horse’s energy.
Types of Parasites
The most common parasites that can affect horses during the summer months include:
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Roundworms: Roundworms are worms that can cause a variety of health problems in horses, including colic, diarrhea, and weight loss.
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Tapeworms: Tapeworms are parasites that can cause a horse to lose weight, as they consume the horse’s nutrients.
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Bot flies: Bot flies lay eggs on the horse’s skin, which can cause irritation and inflammation.
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Ticks: Ticks can carry a variety of parasites and can cause a variety of health issues, including anemia and skin irritation.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent parasite infestations in horses, it is important to practice good hygiene and to use insecticides and insect repellents. It is also important to regularly check horses for parasites and to remove them if found.
If a horse has a parasite infestation, it is important to seek veterinary help to properly diagnose and treat the problem. Treatment may involve deworming medications, insecticides, and other treatments, depending on the type of parasite.
Hoof Problems from Hard Ground
Summer is a time when horses may encounter harder ground than usual. This can cause a range of hoof problems for equines, which can have serious consequences for their health and welfare. Below are the most common hoof problems related to hard ground, and how to prevent or treat them.
Brittle Hooves
The dry, hard ground can cause the hooves to become brittle and prone to cracking. This is a particularly serious issue as it can make the horse vulnerable to infection and put them at risk of further injury.
To prevent brittle hooves, it is important to maintain regular hoof care and to ensure the horse is adequately hydrated. If the hooves are already brittle, the horse should be provided with extra hoof care and have their diet supplemented with biotin and other nutrients that can help strengthen their hooves.
Heel Bruises
Another common problem resulting from hard ground is heel bruises. These occur when the horse’s heels come into contact with the ground, causing bruising and soreness. Heel bruises can be very painful and can limit a horse’s mobility.
The best way to prevent heel bruises is to ensure the horse is wearing protective hoof boots when necessary. Hoof boots provide an extra layer of cushioning between the hoof and the ground and can help reduce the risk of heel bruising.
Thrush
Thrush is a bacterial infection that can be caused by hard ground. The infection is characterized by a foul-smelling discharge from the hoof and can cause pain and discomfort in the horse.
To prevent thrush, it is important to maintain good hygiene in the horse’s environment. The hooves should be cleaned regularly and the horse should be kept in a well-ventilated area. If the horse is already suffering from thrush, they should be treated with an appropriate antifungal or antibiotic medication.
Laminitis
Laminitis is a serious condition that can be caused by hard ground. It occurs when the sensitive tissues that line the inside of the hoof become inflamed, causing pain and lameness. Laminitis can be life-threatening and should be treated immediately if suspected.
The best way to prevent laminitis is to ensure the horse is getting adequate exercise and nutrition. The horse’s hooves should also be examined regularly to check for any signs of lameness or discomfort. If laminitis is suspected, the horse should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Digestive Issues from Pasture Grazing
During summer, horses are more likely to suffer from digestive issues due to the lush vegetation and abundance of grass available in pastures. Horses are grazers by nature, and when given access to an abundant supply of grass, they can overgraze and consume too much. This can lead to various digestive issues such as colic, laminitis, and even choke.
Colic
Colic is the most common digestive problem horses can experience, and it is especially common in the summer. Colic is a general term for abdominal pain and can be caused by a variety of different factors. Some of the most common causes of colic in horses during summer include eating too much grass or lush vegetation, dehydration, changes in diet, and parasites.
If a horse experiences colic, they may show signs such as pawing at the ground, rolling, sweating, lying down and getting up frequently, kicking at their stomach, lack of appetite, and signs of discomfort. It is important to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible if you notice signs of colic in your horse.
Laminitis
Laminitis is a condition in which the sensitive laminae of the hoof become inflamed and irritated, often as a result of consuming too much rich grass. Laminitis can cause severe pain and lameness, and in severe cases, can even lead to permanent damage or death.
The most common signs of laminitis include swelling of the feet, heat in the feet, reluctance to move, increased digital pulse, and shifting of weight from one foot to the other. It is important to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible if you notice signs of laminitis in your horse.
Choke
Choke is a condition in which food becomes lodged in the esophagus, preventing it from passing into the stomach. Choke is most commonly caused by horses eating too quickly or consuming large chunks of food without properly chewing.
Signs of choke include excessive salivation, coughing, difficulty swallowing, and food or saliva coming out of the nose. If left untreated, choke can be fatal, so it is important to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible if you suspect your horse is choking.
It is important to be mindful of the amount of grass your horse is consuming during summer and to provide them with plenty of fresh water to avoid digestive issues.
Summary
It is important to pay extra attention to horse health during the summer months when temperatures are high and humidity is low. Heat stress and dehydration can be caused by exposure to high temperatures, low humidity, inadequate water intake or electrolyte deficiency. Signs of heat stress include increased body temperature, elevated respiration/heart rate, sweating, increased drinking habits, lethargy/loss of appetite and muscle weakness. Horse owners should take preventative measures such as providing their horses with enough shade & water in order help protect against heat related illnesses