Horse Diseases And Horse Health Problems


Common Horse Diseases and how to recognize horse sickness. How to deal with, recognize and avoid equine diseases.

How do you know if you have a sick horse?

This checklist will help you to decide if you are dealing with a horse sickness. Changes in behavior have to be analysed and may give you reasons to decide if your horse is sick.

A sick horse may be standing on its own away from the herd or in the corner of the stable. You might also find the horse lying down or breathing heavily.

Calling a vet early can be life-saving and should not be delayed.

Check the following list of symptoms. They might indicate that you have a sick horse.



Horse Sickness Checklist

Watch your horse from a distance. How is its behavior?

  • Is he listless, excited or fearful?
  • How is his posture? Does he round his back? Does he stand equally on all fours?
  • How are his movements? Is he able to walk? Is he stiff, lame or uncoordinated?
  • Does he show symptoms of pain like rolling, looking back to the belly, pawing, lying down or sweating?
  • Does he show other symptoms? No appetite? Is he able to pass manure/urinate? What do the droppings look like?
  • Are there any visible injuries? Swellings or bleeding?

If the situation is dramatic, call your vet immediatedly!!!


What To Do Next


horse diseases, horse head

  • Check his temperature with a digital therometer (anus).

    • The normal temperature in an adult horse is between 37.5 degrees C-38.2 degrees C at rest.

  • Check the pulse.

    • Normal pulse rate is 28-40 beats per minute in adult horses. This will vary with breed and condition.

    How to check the pulse on a horse


  • How is his breathing?

    • Watch the nostrils or the belly (ribs). 8-12 gasps are normal. It can be up to 16 when it is hot.


  • How is his circulation and blood pressure?

    • Press on his gums. How long does the blood take till it comes back ? It should be under 2 seconds. The gums should be rosy pink, smooth and moist.

    Photo: rusty_dragonfly


    Common Horse Diseases




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    Anja Koch, DAEP
    Applied Equine Podiatry
    Caherciveen, Co. Kerry, Ireland
    087-280 98 66


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The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian.