Your horse’s red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. Their job is to carry oxygen to cells throughout the body. When your horse is low on red blood cells, either because their body is not making enough of them or the red blood cells have been lost or destroyed due to injury or illness, the horse becomes anemic. Anemia can have a serious impact on your horse’s health and well-being.
If your horse shows signs of illness, veterinary care is essential. Many owners also support recovery and overall health with products such as equine supplements and supportive care items available in the Horse Supplies category.
Symptoms of Anemia In Horses
A horse experiencing sudden acute anemia, such as from excessive blood loss, may go into shock, meaning their blood pressure has dropped. They may have an increased heart rate, pale gums, and may also appear jaundiced.
Horses with chronic anemia will have developed the condition over time, so their bodies have had time to adjust. As it worsens, you may notice decreased energy and performance. They may also have pale gums. Over time, you might notice poor coat quality and unexpected weight loss.
Common signs of anemia in horses include:
- Pale gums
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy or decreased performance
- Weight loss
- Poor coat quality
- Possible jaundice
All of these symptoms can point to anemia or another serious condition, so it is important that you work with your veterinarian to find out the underlying cause. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend supportive care such as nutritional support found in the Horse Vitamins and Supplements category.
Why Do Horses Become Anemic?
Humans prone to anemia are often advised to take an iron supplement, but this is not always the best advice for an anemic horse. Iron deficiency is not common in horses, though other dietary deficiencies can sometimes contribute to the condition.
There are two main types of anemia in horses: regenerative and non-regenerative.
Regenerative Anemia
Regenerative anemia occurs when the body loses or destroys red blood cells but still has the ability to produce new ones. This may happen with:
- Excessive blood loss from injury
- Gastric ulcers
- Parasites
- Infection
- Immune system disorders
Internal parasites can contribute to blood loss and poor health in horses, which is why routine parasite control is important. Horse owners can find a variety of deworming products in the Horse Dewormers category.
Equine Infectious Anemia
Equine infectious anemia EIA is related to the virus that causes HIV in humans. It causes the immune system to attack red blood cells. It is transmitted from horse to horse through biting flies or contaminated medical equipment.
Some horses are lifelong asymptomatic carriers. Others die from acute symptoms, while some survive symptoms that typically subside in about twelve months. Afterward, they remain lifelong carriers of the virus. There is no vaccine or cure, though it can be prevented with routine Coggins testing and by limiting your horse’s exposure to biting flies.
Blood Parasites
Blood parasites such as babesiosis can also cause anemia. Babesiosis is transmitted between horses through ticks. The parasitic infection can be prevented by limiting your horse’s exposure to ticks.
Symptoms generally last about eight days. If the horse survives, they may make a full recovery, or they may suffer from chronic infection and remain carriers for years.
Toxic Plants and Substances
Ingestion of poisonous plants or other toxic substances can cause long-term anemia that may develop slowly with repeated exposure.
Non Regenerative Anemia
With non-regenerative anemia, your horse’s bone marrow is not making enough red blood cells.
Though not common in horses, deficiencies in copper, iron, B vitamins, or protein can make it harder for the body to make blood cells. A blood count from your veterinarian can determine if your horse has a dietary deficiency.
Bone marrow disorders, leukemia, liver disease, and Cushing’s disease can all cause non-regenerative anemia. Kidney failure due to the use of illegal performance drugs in racehorses can also put horses at risk.
When To Call Your Veterinarian
If your horse has symptoms of anemia or otherwise seems unwell, contact your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a major difference in your horse’s outcome and long-term health.
