Introduction
There are over one thousand different types of equine diseases that can effect a horse. All of the equine diseases will occur for different reasons, have different symptoms and also have different treatments. Managing your horses health should never be avoided, it is imperative that they are well taken care of to ensure a healthy and long life.
Common Equine Diseases
Anemia- Anemia as an equine disease is usually caused because of a low iron deficiency. It can be treated by B12 and B15 vitamins
Bone Spavin- A bone spavin is a common equine disease. It consists of a small bone fragment located in the lower part of the horse's hock. The easiest way to treat a bone spavin is to have the horse rest and receive antibiotics from your vet.
Leg Mange- Leg mange is another common issue with horses. It is caused by chorioptic mites that can be transmitted from one horse to another. It can be treated by isolation and antibiotics given by a vet.
Poll Evil- Poll evil is another one of the common equine diseases. It is caused by infection or trauma to the 'poll' which is the area right between the horses ears. It can be treated by shaving the horses head and treating the hurt area with assistance from your vet.
Founder- Out of all the equine diseases, this one is the most common. Founder is when the membranes of the hoof get infected. It usually occurs more often with over weight horses. In order to cure the disease, you will need to contact your vet as there are varying treatment plans.
Keep Your Horse Away From
There are a ton of different flowers and plans you should keep your horse away from, to prevent different types of equine diseases. Try to keep your horse away from:
- Azalea
- Rhododendron
- Black Locust
- Bracken Fern
- Buttercups
- Cockle
- Cocklebur
- Hemlock
- Groundsel
- Jimsonweed
- Lamb's Quarters
- Pigweed
- Mountain Laurel
- Horse nettle
- Oak
Tips and comments
In order to prevent equine diseases and keep your horse healthy, strong and in good spirits, there are a couple tips you can follow:
- Make sure you worn your horse every 6-8 weeks and give the correct dosage for his or her weight
- Have a horse first aid kit available at all times
- Your horse needs at least 45 liters of water per DAY, that means in warmer weather, he or she will need much more
- Make sure your horse is getting enough exercise to prevent equine diseases
- Pay the proper attention to your horses hoof, it is extremely important that the hoofs get cared for
- Make sure your horse is eating high quality hay roughage and a balanced feed concentrates.
- Never make sudden changes in your horses diet
- If your horse is out grazing a lot, make sure there is sufficient shade
- Use zinc cream on your horse to take care of sunburn and prevent it
- Pick up manure on a regular basis to help control flies, which in turn helps prevent equine diseases
- Get your horses feet trimmed regularly
- Use horse fly repellent on both you and your horse when riding
- Get your horse checked up by an equine specialty vet annually, to ensure that your horse is healthy and has no equine diseases
