Dealing with health issues is an inevitable part of owning a horse. Understanding the most common diseases in horses can help prepare you for issues your horse may face in the future. You can also take preventative measures to help your horse stay healthy for as long as possible.
As for the most common disease in horses, the answer is not always clear. Statistics can be contradictory and inconclusive. Not all illnesses in horses are reported, especially if they are mild and do not require treatment.
Is Colic the Most Common Disease in Horses?
The percentage of horses that experience colic at least once in their lifetime varies from source to source but averages about 10 percent. However, the majority of cases of colic clear up with little to no treatment, so incidences may be underreported. What is more, colic is not actually a disease. It is a term that describes abdominal pain that can be caused by excessive gas or an obstruction in the digestive tract.
Even so, horse owners must watch closely for signs of colic because it is widely considered the leading cause of death in horses. Unlike ruminants such as cattle that have a multi-chambered stomach, horses have a simple stomach similar to humans. They rely heavily on the hindgut to digest fibrous hay and grasses, so disruptions in digestion can quickly lead to complications.
Supporting digestive health is an important part of prevention. Products found in the horse digestive supplements category can help maintain gut balance and support overall digestive function.
Tips to Help Prevent Colic
To help reduce the risk of colic in horses, follow these basic management practices:
- Deworm regularly using products from the horse dewormers category
- Keep your horse hydrated with unlimited access to fresh water
- Change feeds gradually and only when necessary
- Monitor your horse’s gut sounds and overall behavior
Other Common Diseases in Horses
Equine Herpesvirus EHV is another strong contender for the most common disease in horses, with latent infections affecting up to 80 percent of horses. While many horses remain asymptomatic, the virus can cause respiratory issues in young horses and performance horses. It may also cause spontaneous abortion in pregnant mares and can sometimes be fatal. In certain cases, neurological symptoms may also develop.
Asymptomatic carriers may shed the virus and spread it to others, especially during periods of stress. For this reason,n it is important to practice proper biosecurity when traveling with your horse or introducing a new horse to the barn. Vaccination against some strains of EHV is also available and is often recommended by veterinarians.
Horse owners can explore preventative care products in the horse category to help support their horse’s health plan.
Horses are also prone to upper respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria and viruses such as rhinovirus and equine influenza virus. These infections are usually mild and often resolve with little treatment, but symptoms may resemble other respiratory conditions, such as Recurrent Airway Obstruction or Inflammatory Airway Disease.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Any time your horse shows signs of illness or has been exposed to a sick horse, monitor them closely. Watch their temperature and look for discharge from the eyes or nose. If symptoms appear, isolate the horse from others and contact your veterinarian to determine whether treatment is needed.
Early observation and preventative care play a major role in protecting your horse from common diseases and maintaining its long-term health.
