Horse Diseases Flashcards
Thrush
Thrush is the destruction of the portion of a horse’s hoof called the frog. Foul smelling black discharge coming from the affected area is a symptom. You can treat it with an iodine or bleach-water mixture diluted to 50-50.
Founder
Inflammation of the laminae in the hoof. Symptoms of founder or laminitis are not wanting to move or walk, or shifting weight from one hoof to another. There is no treatment for founder but there is a treatment for laminitis, a vet will give an anti inflammatory drug.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin infection and is contagious, the most common symptom is seeing round bald patches on their coat. Use vet administered antibiotic in the food as well as applied onto the are of skin.
Colic
It is a painful problem in your horse’s abdomen. Symptoms include curling of the top lip, lying quietly, or in severe cases thrashing on the ground. Antibiotics are used to control the abdominal pain.
Equine Influenza
Also known as the horse flu, it is a very contagious virus common symptoms are a fever, or behavioral changes, and lack of appetite. There is no antibiotic to kill this, just rest your horse for at least 6 weeks.
Herpesvirus
It is a neurological and respiratory disease that can cause abortion and or death. Some symptoms are high fever, nasal discharge, and swelling in the throat area. This can be treated with anti inflammatory drugs and in major cases IV fluid.
Sleeping Sickness
This virus travels from animal to animal through mosquitoes. It affects the brain and spinal cord. The treatment for this virus is IV fluids and other medication. Some symptoms are muscle weakness, behavioral changes, aggression, and blindness.
Anemia Virus
It means that your horse has a decrease of red blood cells. To increase their production you can supplement with vitamins and minerals. Symptoms include, pale mucous membranes, and increased heart rate.
Strangles
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the formation of abscesses on the head and neck. Some symptoms are depression, lack of appetite, cough, and swelling around the throat.There’s antibiotics but rest and care is the best cure.
Tetanus
Tetanus attacks the nerves controlling the body, this causes stiffness, difficulty moving and eating. The cure involves cleaning and disinfection along with antibiotics.
Rabies
It is a neurological disease that causes inflammation of the brain. Symptoms include biting, striking, or becoming unmanageable in a few hours. There is no treatment for rabies.
Potomac Horse Fever
It is a seasonal fever that develops gastrointestinal symptoms and in serious cases laminitis. Some symptoms are fever, poor appetite, laminitis, or diarrhea. Treatment includes antibiotics.
