The most common diseases in horses

1.- Equine colic is not a disease limited to horses, but it is both one of the most common in equines and
potentially fatal. However, it is also not technically correct to call colic a specific disease. Rather, it refers to a
group of diseases that all result in spasmodic pain in the horse's abdomen. Since there is a range of diseases
that lead to this symptom, its treatment will depend on the underlying cause. The pain from colic is chronic,
the horse will often have great difficulty sleeping. A horse suffering from colic will also generally display the
following symptoms: sweating, nervousness, uncontrolled movements (including self-injury), rolling over on
itself, dehydration, constipation/diarrhoea, sitting (helps relieve pain due to accumulation of gases). Causes of
equine colic are numerous, they range from impaction of the large intestine, constipation, presence of foreign
bodies, parasites and more.

2.-Horse Tetanus is one of the most common diseases in horses, it is the result of the bacterium Clostridium
tetani. This is an anaerobic bacterium as it can live without oxygen. It is found in soil, especially in soil rich in
organic matter (such as manure). Horses suffer small wounds or abrasions through various types of trauma.
For example, wounds caused by head-butting, stepping on sharp material, etc. Bacteria enter the body via such
wounds and an infection occurs. Although the incubation time is variable, after an average of about 8 days, we
can see the typical symptoms of this disease. The most characteristic symptom of equine tetanus is a series of
involuntary and chronic muscle contractions known as tetanic contractions. Other symptoms include
mandibular lockjaw: tightly clenched jaws, which are unable to open. Hyperextension of muscles: this usually
occurs in the legs, causing them to become rigid and inflexible. Serious muscular damage can occur if these
muscles are moved.

3.- Equine influenza is similar to that suffered by humans in that it is caused by a virus that affects the upper
respiratory tract. If complications arise, it can affect the lower respiratory tract also, potentially resulting in
death. It is transmitted through the air via sneezing and nasal secretions. In specimens that contract horse flu,
we can see a mild case with the symptoms of a runny nose, coughing and/or conjunctivitis. They should recover
within a few days. This usually happens when the horse has suffered the disease before since it will retain
some immunity. However, the virus can return, especially when the weather is cold. If the horse is otherwise
sick, has been poorly fed, is very young or has an in-any-way compromised immune system, the consequences
can be fatal. The common symptoms of equine flu are thick nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, loss of appetite,
recurrent high fever. If it is not treated in time, influenza can lead to pneumonia, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, bronchitis and death.

4.- Equine babesiosis or piroplasmosis is another of the most frequent diseases in horses is also relatively
common in dogs, cows and other domestic animals. It is caused by a protozoan known as Babesia equi. It is
believed to be the second most common blood parasite in mammals. Babesia is transmitted by ticks, a very
common type of horse parasite. It is their multiplication inside the horse's red blood cells that produce all the
symptoms of the disease. Said symptoms of equine babesiosis include anaemia (pale mucous membranes as
babesia break down red blood cells), fever, cognac-coloured urine, anorexia, prostration and sudden death in
very acute cases. Babesiosis (or piroplasmosis) transferred via ticks is a common reason why your horse isn't
gaining any weight.

5.- Abscess: a common cause of sudden and severe lameness, a hoof abscess develops when bacterial or fungal
organisms enter the structure through a wound or opening and cause a subsequent infection in the inner
tissues. The invading microorganisms generate purulent exudate which causes pressure to increase inside the
hoof, resulting in pain and lameness in the horse. Hoof abscesses are most likely to occur during the wettest
seasons of the year including the spring and winter, although they can occur at any time. All horses can be
affected by hoof abscesses. Typical symptoms associated with a hoof abscess include variable degrees of
lameness depending on the severity of the infection, a racing digital pulse, and the presence of heat and
swelling in the foot. If left untreated, the symptoms of an abscess can worsen and potentially lead to
permanent damage to the foot.
6.- Laminitis is a painful condition, that occurs when the laminar layers of the hoof which connect the outer
hoof wall to the coffin bone become inflamed. This condition can range from mild to severe and potentially
lead to founder which involves laminar damage and coffin bone rotation and or sinking. The main cause of
laminitis in horses is due to grain overload or sudden access to lush pasture. Horses most at risk for the
condition include those with endocrine disorders including Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing’s disease.
Laminitis can occur due to other illnesses, such as colic. This condition is referred to as septic-associated
laminitis. During a non-weight-bearing lameness that induces stressful forces in one or more hooves of the
weight-bearing limbs. This condition is referred to as support limb laminitis. Exposure to black walnut hull
shavings has been associated with the development of laminitis. Symptoms of laminitis include: softening of
the coronet band, heat in the hooves, Increased digital pulse, reluctance to move, “Sawhorse” stance.

Instructions

Read the text, write the name of the disease and fill the columns with the respective symptoms.

Disease Symptoms