What does it take to optimize the equine immune response and fight off disease? A horses immune health, environment, and lifestyle are intricately connected. | Adobe StockCould your horses diet, workload, and environment undermine his immune system, leaving him vulnerable to infectious diseases, allergies, and delayed healing? Very much so, experts say. Horses are susceptible to various stressors that can compromise immune function over time, says Samuel White, PhD, associate professor and head of projects at York St. John University, in England. With expertise in applied immunology, White has studied culprits of equine immunosuppression. So far, excessive exercise, poor nutrition, chronic stress, and prolonged environmental exposure have made the list.In this article White, along with an internal medicine specialist and an equine nutrition consultant, demonstrates the complex connection between a horses immune health, environment, and lifestyle.Blank Slate: Equine Immunity at BirthUnlike humans, who come into the world protected by antibodies acquired in utero, foals develop inside multilayered epitheliochorial placentas that only allow minimal maternal transfer of antibodies to the fetus. This lack of immunity transfer during pregnancy makes newborn foals immune systems naive (vulnerable) at birth.Equine neonates depend on their dams antibody-rich colostrum for early protection against infectious agents, says Allen Page, DVM, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Kentuckys Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, in Lexington. Fortunately, beyond the initial reliance on colostrum, this lack of immunity at birth doesnt appear to put equids at a disadvantage later in life, and Page hasnt come across any long-term effects from this early vulnerability.Immunity Through VaccinationAnother key characteristic of the equine immune system is a shorter and less robust immune response to vaccines compared to humans, says Jeremy Frederick, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, owner of Advanced Equine of the Hudson Valley, an ambulatory equine veterinary practice based in Wappingers, New York. These factors explain why horses need annual or biannual boosters, whereas people can maintain adequate immunity against a particular disease for a decade or more post-vaccination. Horses generally have lower levels of memory cells that produce long-lasting lymphocytes (white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infection), which means immunity from vaccines wanes faster, necessitating more frequent boosters, Frederick says. This is particularly true for respiratory viruses (influenza and equine herpesvirus, aka EHV) and mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses (mainly EEE and WEE).He also explains that horses encounter more infectious agents than humans, particularly those from other animals, insects, and the environment. This contributes to their need for more frequent vaccinations. This effect is compounded when horses regularly travel to events, shows, or new environments where they interact with unfamiliar animals and environments, Frederick adds.So, how can you maximize the protective effects of your horses vaccines? Firstly, cover your bases by working with your veterinarian to ensure your animals are on a proper vaccination schedule, Frederick says. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides a list of core vaccinations that every U.S.-based horse should receive at least annually and additional risk-based vaccines depending on exposure risk. Some horse owners have their veterinarians draw blood to check antibody titers before (or instead of, depending on results) administering annual boosters. However, since this is an added expense and there are no established protective levels for most diseases, few clients choose to check titers regularly, Frederick says. Therefore, annual or biannual vaccinations are recommended for most horses.A Dusty Living EnvironmentThe barn environment plays an important role in immune health, says White. Most stabled horses eat, sleep, and live on dusty, ammonia-laden shavings, with brooms (or worseleaf blowers) stirringup additional dust and other harmful respiratory triggers. Good ventilation and low-dust bedding reduce respiratory irritants and help maintain respiratory health, White says. Ensuring feed and bedding are clean and stored properly minimizes exposure to harmful spores and bacteria, limiting immune stress.Dont Overlook NutritionNutritional deficiencies can harm horses overall health, including the immune system. A diet lacking in vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants can absolutely weaken the immune system, making horses more vulnerable to infections, says White. Horses with poor or unbalanced nutrition may also experience a compromised gut microbiome.In recent years scientists established a direct link between gut microbiome healththat of the community of microbes living in the cecum and large intestineand systemic immunity1. A healthy microbiome aids nutrient absorption and reinforces the guts barrier, reducing inflammation and leakage and strengthening systemic defenses, White says. Essential nutrients, including vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and copper, are integral to immune function at the cellular level. They allow immune cells to function properly.How can you support your horses microbiome and immune health through nutrition? Ofelia Del Principe, certified independent equine nutrition consultant and the owner of Whitfield Equine Nutrition LLC, in High Falls, New York, says the answer begins with the basics. Supporting equine immune function starts with feeding a balanced diet built on a foundation of forage that meets all of the individuals nutrient requirements, she says.If we need to further support a horses immune system, we can look into supplementation, Del Principe adds. Supplementing with the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, yeast, and/or certain fibers may improve immune function, but I always give a caveat: Even the most judiciously selected supplements will do little to nothing if the horse is not already eating a balanced diet, she says.Stress and the Immune SystemIn people glucocorticoids (GCs), notably the stress hormone cortisol, are widely recognized for suppressing the immune system2. Chronic stress is a major contributor to immunosuppression in horses as well, says White. Horses are sensitive to environmental changes, transport3, and social disruptions within the herd, all of which can increase cortisol levels and reduce immune resilience. As such, chronic stress has been shown to impair immune responses, making horses more susceptible to infections or triggering latent viruses (to become active). Equine herpesvirus is a prime example of this phenomenon.Fortunately, just like nutrition, horse owners can influence stress. Minimizing stress through consistent routines, stable herd dynamics, and controlled exposure to new situations can limit immunosuppression, explains White. Furthermore, reducing exposure to environmental allergens, particularly for horses prone to conditions like asthma and insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), can lessen immune strain and prevent unnecessary immune activation.How Exercise-Induced Stress Impacts the HorseThe body keeps the score, and stress from physical exertion counts toward that tally. Regular exercise is beneficial for overall health, but overtraining of performance horses can elevate cortisol levels and reduce lymphocyte counts. Horses subjected to continuous high-intensity training often experience slower recovery times and higher incidences of respiratory infections, highlighting the importance of balanced exercise with adequate rest, explains White.Overtraining syndrome (OTS) caused by excess training and the lack of proper recovery can lead to temporary immunosuppression in equine athletes, say scientists who in a 2023 study found detrimental effects of OTS on the immune system in racing-bred Quarter Horses4. In another study, researchers found the immunophysiological responses of horses after exercise were breed-dependent to some extent. The authors found Thoroughbreds are less sensitive to exercise-induced stress than Koreas native stocky Jeju breed, for example5.ImmunosenescenceAging negatively affects the immune system in what is called immunosenescence, explains Page. In aging horses immunosenescence manifests as weakening immunity, leading to a reduced antibody response to vaccination. This can be seen as the immune system having trouble responding to a new infectious pathogen (disease-causing organism) and/or vaccines while the ability of some immune cells to proliferate decreases, he says, an explanation supported by recent literature6.Immunosuppression from DrugsImmunosuppressive treatments like corticosteroids, while effective in controlling inflammation and allergic symptoms, can increase a horses vulnerability to infections by broadly suppressing immune function, warns White. These medications reduce immune cell activity, leaving the body less capable of fighting pathogens. Long-term or high-dose use of steroids can lead to an increased risk of infections and, in certain metabolically prone horses, the debilitating hoof disease laminitis.As for the cost-benefit analysis of corticosteroids relative to immune function, the commonly used drugs dexamethasone and prednisolone can indeed make horses more vulnerable to infections and diseases, says Frederick. But this is a dose-dependent effect, so at lower doses typically used in conditions like allergies, the risk is low. However, at higher doses, we can see a reduced ability to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and internal parasites.Frederick recommends working with your veterinarian to reach the lowest effective dose of corticosteroids. White agrees. Long-term, a comprehensive approach focusing on preventive care, nutrition, and environmental management is essential for protecting these horses and reducing the need for prolonged high-dose immunosuppressive drugs, he says.Take-Home MessageHorses require more frequent vaccination than humans due to several factors related to their immune system, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, says Frederick. Beyond following veterinary vaccination recommendations, horse owners can mitigate threats to their animals immune health through appropriate exercise, balanced nutrition, stress reduction, and environmental control, White adds. Providing a stable foundation for immune health ultimately helps horses resist disease and recover more effectively when challenges arise.References1. Kauter A, Epping L, Semmler T, et al. The gut microbiome of horses: current research on equine enteral microbiota and future perspectives. Anim Microbiome. 2019;1(1):14.2. Yeager MP, Guyre CA, Sites BD, Collins JE, Pioli PA, Guyre PM. The Stress Hormone Cortisol Enhances Interferon-Mediated Proinflammatory Responses of Human Immune Cells. Anesth Analg. 2018;127(2):556563.3. Miller AB, Harris PA, Barker VD, Adams, AA. Short-term transport stress and supplementation alter immune function in aged horses. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(8):e0254139.4. Wilson J, De Donato M, Appelbaum B, Garcia CT, Peters S. Differential Expression of Innate and Adaptive Immune Genes during Acute Physical Exercise in American Quarter Horses. Animals. 2023;13(2):308.5. Khummuang S, Lee HG, Joo SS, Park JW, Choi JY, Oh JH, Kim KH, Youn HH, Kim M, Cho BW. Comparison for immunophysiological responses of Jeju and Thoroughbred horses after exercise. Asian-Australas J Anim Sci. 2020;33(3):424435.6. DeNotta S, McFarlane D. Immunosenescence and inflammaging in the aged horse. Immun Ageing. 2023;20(1):2.7. Birras J, White SJ, Jonsdottir S, Novotny EN, Ziegler A, Wilson AD, Frey R, Torsteinsdottir S, Alcocer M, Marti E. First clinical expression of equine insect bite hypersensitivity is associated with co-sensitization to multiple Culicoides allergens. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(11):e0257819.This article is from the Spring 2025 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. 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Squashs owner iced her feet regularly as part of the treatment for laminitis. | Courtesy Sydney Waltenberg-OBrienPituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), formerly known as equine Cushings disease, affects the endocrine system and commonly occurs in older horses and thrifty breeds such as ponies, Warmbloods, and gaited horses. In horses with PPID, the pars intermedia region of the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) becomes enlarged and overactive, often leading to clinical signs such as a long or curly hair coat, delayed shedding, loss of muscle, increased thirst, excessive urination, and laminitis.Managing Horses With PPIDWhile no cure exists for PPID, veterinarians aim to reduce clinical signs of the disease using various treatment and management tactics to improve the quality of the horses life. The FDA has only approved one drugpergolide mesylateto treat PPID. Clinical signs in horses receiving this medication typically improve within one to three months of starting treatment; however, some horses do not respond to this protocol. In addition, if pergolide becomes ineffective or less effective at certain doses, which can happen over time, veterinarians might consider alternative or adjunct therapies such as cyproheptadine and cabergoline. Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with anti-serotonin properties that can be beneficial when treating conditions involving the pituitary gland, such as PPID. Veterinarians need to continually monitor horses being treated for PPID to evaluate the medications efficacy.Meticulous management helps horses with PPID maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the severity of clinical signs. These animals typically need a low-nonstructural-carbohydrate (NSC) diet as well as an exercise program (if they can exercise) to maintain a healthy body condition score. The prognosis for PPID horses varies based on the severity of the disease and response to management and treatment; however, early diagnosis plays a vital role in the horses long-term health.Laminitis in PPID HorsesLaminitis ranks as the second most common PPID clinical sign veterinarians observe in horses, after excessive hair growth, and horses with PPID are at least four times more likely to develop laminitis than those without. Laminitis occurs when the lamellae (which suspend the coffin bone within the hoof capsule) become inflamed. In more severe laminitis cases these separate, which can cause the coffin bone to rotate downward and/or sink in the hoof capsule.Many horse owners do not notice laminitis in the earliest stages, as the lamellae begin to weaken, because most horses do not show clinical signs at this point. As the condition progresses owners might notice their horse appears sensitive when walking on hard ground, has a stronger digital pulse, heat in the hooves, increased heart and/or respiration rate, or is hesitant to walk.Meet Squash, a Pony with PPID and LaminitisIn 2018 Squash, a now-17-year-old Welsh Pony/Warmblood cross, experienced her first laminitic episode. At that time her owner and veterinarian worked together to manage her conservatively with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), regular hoof icing, and stall rest, which proved successful. The veterinarian tested her resting adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels, which indicated she had PPID. Due to this diagnosis and concerns about her risk for future laminitic episodes, Squashs veterinarian prescribed pergolide, which is still part of her PPID management plan.Squashs owner also adjusted the mares daily routine to help manage her PPID clinical signs and reduce her laminitis risk. She turned her out regularly, but only in a dry lot, exercised her consistently to help her maintain a healthy body condition score (she continued to train for and show in the hunter ring), and kept her on a forage-focused diet with a ration balancer to ensure nutrient requirements were being met without adding excess calories to her diet.Since the first laminitic episode, Squash has had three moreone in 2021, another in 2023, and the worst one in 2024.A Case of Acute Onset LaminitisIn February 2024 Jessica Martin, DVM, of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, responded to a call about Squash, who was exhibiting an acute bilateral forelimb lameness. Squashs owner suspected the pony was showing early signs of a laminitic episode due to her clinical history. The (pony) reportedly had previous episodes of laminitis that were managed conservatively and responded to NSAID use quickly, says Martin. During this episode Squash was extremely uncomfortable, lying in her stall with an elevated heart rate. This was uncharacteristic of her previous laminitis episodes.Over the course of five days, Squashs owner administered a combination of phenylbutazone and acetaminophen twice each day at Martins recommendation, but the mares comfort level continued to fluctuate without considerable improvement. Her owner diligently iced her feet, and the mare wore Soft Ride boots to provide frog and sole support, says Martin. We worked closely with her farrier to provide regular trims, decrease her toe length, and improve breakover. Squash was also placed on supplements to manage her metabolic status and encourage weight loss, in addition to pergolide, which she received before the start of this episode.Despite Martin and the owners efforts, Squashs lamellar health continued to decline, and radiographs showed separation of the coffin bone from the lamellae, along with rotation. At this point, her owner was considering euthanasia for concerns of quality of life and long-term soundness, says Martin.Despite Martin and the owners efforts, Squashs lamellar health continued to decline. These radiographs showed separation of the coffin bone from the lamellae, along with rotation. | Courtesy Dr. Jessica MartinChanging Course When Your Treatments Arent WorkingExperts have reported that laminitis treatment is multifactorial and revolves around treatingtheunderlying condition and stabilizing the structures mechanically, both of which are often not properly addressed.In some cases when these factors are managed properly, and veterinarians still arent seeing results, they might try other approaches to help a horse remain comfortable.In this case Martin, with the owners consent, administered Regenaflex-RT, an amnion-derived product via regional limb perfusion in both of Squashs front feet. Amnion is a regenerative substance that is harvested from the amniotic sac of mares after foaling and contains growth factors to stimulate healing, says Martin. A regional limb perfusion (in this case) involved placing a tourniquet above the fetlock, diluting the product with saline, and injecting it into a vessel, allowing the product to infuse throughout the foot.Regional limb perfusions give veterinarians the opportunity to target one focal area with high concentrations of the product. I had used amnion products in the past but not specifically for this type of case, but the owner and I were willing to give it a try, says Martin.Using Amnion InjectionsResearchers have established they can use amnion derived products to treat wounds, orthopedic, and soft tissue injuries and diseases in horses. Veterinarians gather the amnion at the time of a live foaling in a sterile procedure and typically preserve them for later use. This collection process poses no risk to the mare or her foal, said Danica Wolkowski, DVM, of Momentum Equine Veterinary Specialists, in Alberta, Canada, during her presentation at the 2023 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Nov. 29-Dec. 3, in San Diego, California.In this scenario, the amniotic membrane, one of the oldest biomaterials used in tissue recovery, is given attention, she said. Its use in human skin transplants was first documented by Davis, et al. (1910). Since then, it has gained importance because of its ability to reduce scarring and inflammation, improve wound healing, and aid cell proliferation and differentiation owing to its antimicrobial properties. It is a biomaterial that can be easily obtained, processed, and transported (Niknejad et al. 2008).The use of this material in veterinary medicine has already shown good results, as demonstrated in equine ophthalmology by Plummer, et al. (2009) and in cats by Barachetti, et al. (2010), she added. Equine membranes have also been used in dogs with good results, as reported by Fahie and Shettko (2007).Within 72 hours of this treatment, Squashs owner reported her condition had significantly improved and her comfort was less reliant on the pain medications. Over the course of several weeks, Martin and her owner weaned the mare off pain medications entirely, and eventually she became sound at the walk. After placing front shoes, Squash has returned to turnout and even light riding, notes Martin.Its important to note these treatment results were anecdotal, and there is not yet any peer-reviewed, published research into the use of amnion for treating laminitis in horses.Long-Term PrognosisWhile Squash will remain on a protocol of daily pergolide, a low-NSC diet, and exercise to control her weight, manage her PPID, and reduce her risk of future laminitis, Martin says her prognosis is currently open. While PPID cant be cured, with diligent management many PPID horseseven those with a history of laminitiscan live comfortably and remain in work.A year after her lamintic episode, Squash is back to full time work and jumping courses. Squashs owner, Sydney, commented, I dont think Squash would be where she is today without Dr. Martin performing the regional limb perfusion with Regenaflex-RT. I was pretty convinced we were going to have to euthanize her. Today, she feels great, and we are even thinking about going to a horse show soon!Click here to watch two videos about Squashs treatment: Before and After.

Section Key Points Is My Pony Overweight? Managing forage intake and weight in ponies is vital to equine care. Identifying Overweight in Horses Use Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and visual inspection to assess your pony's weight. Why Forage Intake Matters Forage supports digestive health. Manage intake to maintain optimal weight. Adjust types and quantity wisely. Strategies for Managing Forage Intake Use grazing muzzles, strip grazing, track systems, hay soaking, and replace hay with straw to manage intake. Balancing Nutrition with Weight Management Ensure proper nutrients through vitamin and mineral supplements and support gastrointestinal health. Practical Tips and Takeaways Monitor weight regularly, consult veterinarians, and ensure exercise and engagement. Conclusion Focus on balanced diets and management strategies for a healthier pony. Is My Pony Overweight? Managing Forage Intake and Weight in Horses Managing the weight and forage intake of horses, especially those prone to obesity, is a crucial aspect of equine care. With countless factors influencing a pony's weight, it can be somewhat of a tightrope walk balancing food, exercise, and health. However, with a few horse-whispering tricks up your sleeve, ensuring your pony remains fit and healthy needn't be a Herculean task. In this blog, you'll discover valuable advice on determining whether your pony is overweight and effective strategies for managing their forage intake for optimal health. Identifying Overweight in Horses Before diving headlong into a new dietary regime, its essential to gauge if your equine friend is a bit too fond of the carrot treats. Understanding how to assess your pony's weight ensures timely intervention. Body Condition Scoring The body condition scoring (BCS) system is as handy as a detective's magnifying glass for this job. It ranges from 1 to 9, with a score of 4 or 5 indicating an ideal weight. A score above this suggests shedding some pounds might be in order. Visual Inspection Think of your pony as a horse-shaped jigsaw look for signs of extra pieces. Bulging hips, a bloated appearance, and difficulty feeling the ribs are surefire clues that your pony might need to cut down on the hay. Why Forage Intake Matters Forage is the bread and butter (well, maybe not butter) of a pony's diet. It supports digestive health and mimics natural grazing behaviors. However, managing forage intake is key to maintaining optimal weight. Forage Types and Quality Not all forage is created equal. Some, like late-maturity hay, have fewer calories and are better suited for weight management. And remember, green spring grass might look innocent but can be surprisingly sugar-rich. Minimum Intake Your pony should enjoy their hay by the bale (just kidding!). The absolute minimum should be 1% of their body weight per day, although most ponies thrive on 1.5% to 2%. For overweight ponies, reduce this delicately to around 1.5%. Strategies for Managing Forage Intake With a bit of creativity, you can keep your pony satisfied without their midnight snacking cravings. Grazing Muzzles These handy contraptions can lower grass intake by up to 80%, letting your pony enjoy the pasture without turning into a hay balloon. Use them during daylight when grass sugar levels spike and remove them overnight. Just remember, they're muzzles, not magic hats! Strip Grazing Dole out fresh grass like a slow buffet by dividing paddocks into grazing strips. It's like giving your pony Netflix just a little at a time! Track Systems Encourage voluntary movement by setting up track systems. These playful setups help burn calories without your pony even realizing they're getting a workout. It's fitness, equine style. Hay Soaking Soaking hay reduces its sugar content, but beware of nutrient loss. It's a balancing act think of it as a hay spa treatment! Replacing Hay with Straw Mixing hay with straw dilutes the calorie content, all without your pony *really* noticing! Its like tricking someone into eating vegetables. Balancing Nutrition with Weight Management While cutting calories is crucial, it's paramount your pony receives essential nutrients. A healthy diet is more than a salad bowl! Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Proper supplementation ensures your pony is never lacking, especially if you're serving low-calorie forage. Every balanced diet needs an honest-to-goodness sprinkle of the good stuff. Gastrointestinal Support When cutting back, ensure your pony's digestive system is well-supported with buffers. Nobody likes an upset tummy not even ponies! Practical Tips and Takeaways Don't worry; feeding and managing your pony's weight needn't feel like you're deciphering the Rosetta Stone. With these practical tips, you're well on your way to a healthier, happier companion. Monitor Regularly Consistency is key. Regularly check on weight and condition, adjusting forage and diet as needed. Consulting Veterinarians When in doubt, consulting with an equine veterinarian will provide you guidance tailored to your pony's unique needs. They don't just wear gloves for show! Exercise and Engagement Just like the rest of us, ponies need exercise to shed those extra pounds. Engage them with beneficial activities, weaving in fun with fitness. Conclusion Managing weight and forage intake in ponies isn't just about limiting what they love but ensuring a balanced, healthy diet that keeps them galloping with joy. Armed with these insights, you're not only keeping your pony fit but also setting the foundation for a happy, thriving companion. For more gear to aid in your equine adventures, check out the Jodhpur Collection, explore our Horse Riding Boot Collection, or treat your pony with healthful goodies from the Horse Treats And Gifts section. Happy riding!

On March 21, a weanling Mustang colt in Rock County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles after developing clinical signs on March 15, including purulent nasal discharge and fever. Another horse on that property also developed clinical signs and is suspected positive, and 12 horses on the property are exposed.Additionally, in Walworth County, five horses have been exposed to strangles. In Dane County, two horses have been exposed to strangles.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding used for racing in San Bernardino County, California, recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). Two potentially exposed horses on the home premises have been tested for EIA with results pending; they are under quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

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Large, centrally located regions of tendon fiber disruption like this one are called core lesions. | Photo: Courtesy Dr. Johanna ReimerUltrasonography has become one of the most versatile field imaging modalities for evaluating equine musculoskeletal injuries because it allows veterinarians to visualize almost any body tissue, most importantly soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments.Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images in real time. The user holds a sound-wave-emitting probe against the skin toward the structure being evaluated. When the waves meet structures or interfaces between structures, they reflect back to the probe like a ships sonar. The more abrupt the interface or dense the structure, the more waves reflected. The more sound waves received, the brighter the structure looks on-screen. We describe brightness in terms of echogenicity. For example, bone appears bright (echogenic), normal fluid is dark (nonechogenic), and all other structures show up somewhere between.With regard to lameness issues, your veterinarian is most likely to use ultrasound to assesstendons and ligaments, bone surfaces, synovial fluid, and cartilage. Think of tendons and ligaments as ropes made up of many strands or fibers. Tendons connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect bones. When tendons or ligaments are strained, their fibers might tear. Veterinarians assess the extent of tendon or ligament damage by evaluating its size, echogenicity, and fiber pattern. Often, minor tendon or ligament injuries result in an increase in size, or cross-sectional area. In cases of significant disruption, veterinarians might notice changes in echogenicity and fiber pattern.Normally, the echotexture or patterning of a tendon or ligament is homogenous (the same throughout); a perpendicular view of a normal tendon shows a round or ovoid structure with uniform shading. A damaged tendon might appear round and bright (normal fibers) with a dark area within it. Dark regions represent fiber disruption, or voids, where no sounds waves reflect. Larger, centrally located regions of fiber disruption are commonly referred to as core lesions.Viewing this same regions longitudinal axis, with the probe along the length of the tendon or ligament, the normally long, linear fibers might appear short and choppy or be missing altogether. Abnormalities are not always as overt, and true injuries could be as subtle as small, dark linear striations or mildly abnormal edges.Ultrasound waves cannot penetrate bone, but veterinarians can use them to evaluate its surface. Due to bones density, it should look like a bright, white, smooth line on the screen. Bone surface changes at tendon or ligament insertion sites or around arthritic joints,fractures, orosteochondritis dissecans (OCD)lesions cause these lines to look disjointed and/or rough.Evaluating characteristics within synovial structures (joints, tendon sheaths, and bursas) can be similarly useful. Normal structures have linings that produce a small amount of lubricating, nutrient-rich fluid. With inflammation from tendonitis, arthritis, direct trauma, or any other type of irritation, the lining produces excessive, poor-quality, and sometimes cell- and protein-rich fluid. Evaluating synovial fluid and lining can provide insight into inflammation severity. Additionally, veterinarians can examine joint cartilage for defects caused by traumatic injury or OCD.Almost as important as making a diagnosis with ultrasound is treating and monitoring injuries with it. For tendon or ligament tears, for instance, veterinarians can administer regenerative products such asstem cellsor platelet-rich plasma directly into the region of fiber disruption underultrasound guidance. They insert a needle in the ultrasound beam so they can visualize penetration depth and see the therapeutic as it enters the space. Veterinarians can treat other areas, such as the sacroiliac, thoracolumbar and cervical facet joints of the spine, with anti-inflammatory agents via ultrasound guidance, without which theyd be doing it blindly and potentially too distant from the pain site to be effective. Ultrasound guidance also ensures the needle doesnt inadvertently penetrate other structures.After injury or treatment, veterinarians perform follow-up clinical and ultrasound exams to assess healing. They look for decreases in cross-sectional area, increases in echogenicity, and improvements in fiber alignment in tendon and ligament injuries. Ultrasonographic improvement and clinical improvement together guide recommendations to increase the horses workload.The portability, versatility, and accuracy of todays machines make ultrasound an incredibly useful tool. With it vets can image any tissue to determine diagnosis, while helping owners save money and time. It can also help guide placement of therapeutic agents and allow monitoring of recovery. If your practitioner suggests using ultrasound on your horse, knowing its uses, mechanics, and limitations can help provide clarity during the process.

How to prevent shoe loss caused by farrier error, rider issues, management style, or horseplaySimple management or riding changes might be all you need to reduce the chances of your horse losing a shoe. | Getty imagesThe environmental conditions might be wet, dry, slick, or muddy. The horse might be working, playing, stomping, or standing. Under any circumstance, a loose or lost horseshoe can be an inconvenient nuisance. Steve Kraus, CJF, a professional farrier of 55 years and head of farrier services at Cornell University Equine and Farm Animal Hospital, in Ithaca, New York, says horseshoe loss typically has one of three causes:Farrier error.Rider or management issues.The horse.A clear understanding of how or why a shoe came off is the key to keeping future shoes on your horses feet.Farrier ErrorWhen a horse loses a shoe, some owners might instinctively blame the farrier for subpar work, says Eric Wilt, a professional farrier of more than 30 years and the farrier science manager at Hocking College, in Southeast Ohio. In certain instances theyre right. Kraus and Wilt explain that a multitude of farrier errors can cause shoe loss, including:Performing a poor trim job prior to nailing on the shoe.Also in that vein, fitting the shoe to the wings (the flares on the horses feet that should be removed before placing the shoe), causing the hoof to work unevenly and, thus, loosening the nails.Placing a shoe that is too large for the foot such that the horse can easily step on it and rip it off.Driving nails too low into the hoof wall to hold the shoe on securely.Fitting the shoe too tightly, resulting in the hoof wall spreading over the shoe and the nails shearing.Any shod horses shoe will loosen over time. Horses move, and hooves grow, expand, and contract. These factors come into play in determining a shoes life span on the hoof. Wilt says when he is getting ready to shoe a horse, he considers hoof health and conformation as well as the horses way of going.Tips to Reduce Farrier ErrorAside from skill, experience, and a good eye for balance, being able to shoe horses properly with little to no error requires a few basic elements to help the farrier work more efficiently, says Wilt:A competent handler or a horse that ties well.Good lighting so the farrier can see the entire hoof.Level ground to work on so the farrier can properly evaluate horse stance and hoof placement.Clean hooves to ensure proper hoof balance and shoe placement.Rider or Management IssuesA horses job, where he spends most of his time, and what he does daily play huge roles in potential shoe loss. When evaluating rider issues causing shoe loss, Kraus points out three issues he sees:Riders that work horses excessively on the forehand, causing them to become unbalanced. The horses front feet cannot get out of the way of the hind, and he steps on a front shoe with the hind foot.Riders that move the horse forward, then check the horse abruptly, resulting in the same.Riders that turn the horse at a canter on the wrong lead, so he steps on the outside heel of the front shoe with a hind foot.Kraus estimates 80-90% of shoe loss due to rider error consists of front shoes being stepped on by hind feet.RELATED CONTENT | Emergency Shoe Removal for HorsesEven drivers can cause shoe loss in harness racing, says Wilt. On the racetrack, the driver might have to keep the horse doubled up (maintaining a strong pull on the lines to keep the horse from pacing or trotting too fast). Because racing Standardbreds must move at an extended gait, this restraint will not allow the horse to extend his forelimb stride. So, a hind foot might grab a shoe off the diagonal front foot. This can also occur when going slow or jogging on the track, because the horse might switch from a trot to a pace and the hind foot might grab a shoe off the opposite front foot.Kraus and Wilt say working a horse in any discipline when he is sore or not properly conditioned for the job can result in fatigue, sloppy movement, and interference resulting in a pulled shoe.Management issues that can cause horseshoe loss are vast. Frederick Wright, a graduate of Cornell Universitys Farrier School, has been a practicing professional farrier in the Hartford, Connecticut, area for about five years. He says there is definitely a season for lost shoes, with wet, muddy ground being the worst. Exposure to excessive wet and muddy conditions allows the hoof to become soft and, therefore, the nails no longer hold tightly. Wright says when horses walk in deep mud, the front feet are not moving out of the way fast enough before a hind foot catches a front shoe. And when hooves are saturated with water, shoeing them is like driving a hot nail through butter and expecting it to stay put, says Wilt.Kraus notes other issues, including:Hooves becoming dry and cracking in dry and arid conditions.Stomping at flies, leading to the foot around the nail breaking down and the shoe loosening.Inadvertently raking the clinches down in the opposite foot while stomping flies.Catching a shoe on wire fencing.Poor nutrition leading to improper hoof growth and quality.Tips to Reduce Rider or Management IssuesOverreach boots can help with front shoe loss, says Kraus. When fitted correctly, overreach boots contour to the heel bulbs and can be adjusted for a tight fit with the Velcro closure. Kraus says most bell boots do not fit securely enough and, in deep mud, snow, and sand, tend to rise upward, leaving the heels of the shoes exposed.Quarter boots for pacing racehorses will prevent the hind foot from interfering and grabbing the diagonal front foot. Quarter boots are firm rubber boots designed to stretch around the hoof to protect the coronary band to the bulb of the heel, Wilt explains. They come in lefts and rights, with the tall side of the boot also protecting the medial (inner) side of the hoof. He cautions that these boots are designed to be worn only during training and racing.Grab boots are another type of hoof protection for racing harness horses. They fit similarly to the quarter boots, except they are thicker and lower to the ground. They function like a bumper around your horseshoes, says Wilt. These are also only to be worn during workouts and racing.Duct tape can be the trick for short-term turnout. Wilt says duct tape works well when you are just letting your horse relax and blow off a little energy between racing or training sessions. His formula for tape placement is as follows: Pull some tape out of the roll and position it so both heels are in the middle of the tape. Then wrap the tape around the front of the hoof (staying out of the hairline) and back down to line up with the tape you started the process with. Repeat this about three times around the hoof and cut the tape.Pulling shoes during the off-season. If the horse has some down time, it can be better for him to go without shoes for that period, says Wright. Wilt agrees, noting that pulling the shoes and giving the horse a pasture trim can save you the time and costs of replacing lost shoes and repairing damaged hooves until the horse gets shod again.Mud pads or high-traffic pads can be constructed as a pasture management measure to help keep mud to a minimum where horses congregate. A properly constructed pad can provide a sturdy surface for the horses to stand on and will reduce the formation of mud in that area. You can use a variety of techniques and materials when constructing a mud pad. Several university cooperative extension services provide literature and step-by-step instructions on constructing a mud pad area within your paddock or pasture (i.e., bit.ly/40B720W).Fly leggings or bands might help reduce stomping due to flies. Leggings typically fit loosely and provide a screen or mesh barrier between your horse and the flies. Leg bands contain citronella to repel flies and attach loosely (a two- to three-finger fit) around the horses leg just above the fetlock. As with any product, youll need to follow the manufacturers recommendations for fit, use, and maintenance to see positive results. Hoof supplements might be beneficial if you determine the horses diet is not optimal for hoof health, says Kraus. Equine nutritionist Amy Parker, MS, from McCauleys Feeds, in Versailles, Kentucky, says hooves rely on an adequate supply of essential nutrients. The most common mistake is feeding less than the minimum required amount of a feed as directed by the manufacturer, which can lead to deficiencies, particularly in trace minerals and vitamins, she says. If all nutrient requirements are being met, then a hoof supplement containing biotin (minimum of 15-20 milligrams per day), the essential amino acid methionine (minimum of 2,500 milligrams per day), and zinc (minimum of 175 milligrams per day, but make sure you dont feed more than 500 grams in the horses total diet) might help. Because you are affecting new hoof growth and not the hoof that is already on the ground, notes Parker, hoof supplements must be fed for many months before expecting results.Horse-Caused Shoe LossesHorses will be horses and can have too much fun running, bucking, and kicking, accidentally stepping on their own feet and pulling shoes, says Wright. Kraus says other potential horse-related shoe losses include:Nervous horses that arent paying attention to hoof placement might step on themselves and their shoes.Horses with behavior issues such as stall wall kicking, weaving, or pawing might loosen shoes.If a horse gets cast in a stall, he might pull a shoe while scrambling to get up.A horse that sticks his foot through a fence could pull the shoe off as he brings it back in.Horse conformation can play a role in shoe loss. For example, long legs and a short back might allow the horse to overstep onto the heels of the front feet, while base-narrow hooves stand closer together, so the horse might step on the inside branch of the shoe. A base-wide, toed-out horse in front might also step on the inside heel of the shoe. Upright hoof conformation can also increase a horses likelihood of shoe loss.Tips to Reduce Horse-Related Shoe LossA different turnout or pasture group can sometimes mitigate rambunctious running. Finding a group for your horse that elicits lower energy might limit shoe loss due to excessive play.Wilt says the real headache with shoe loss is not being able to replace the shoe if a foot has been shredded due to heavy clinches. Cutting the clinches off allows the shoe to come off easily and without hoof damage if the horse does grab it. Even without heavy clinches the shoe stays tight.Wilt explains that the art of trimming horses involves knowing the difference between how much foot can come off and what must stay.Take-Home MessageSimple management or riding changes might be all you need to reduce the chances of your horse losing a shoe. Farriers must take all conditions into consideration, says Wright, including the horses disposition, routine, and environment and the barns management style when determining the best plan for limiting shoe loss.

Veterinarians should consider the horses competition schedule when choosing an orthobiologic for treatment. | FEI/Andrew Ryback Photography Orthobiologics is a term encompassing a range of biological therapies that help a horses body repair itself from acute injury or chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). These therapies offer better long-term solutions than products that can cause complications when used over an extended period, said Beau Whitaker, DVM, CERP, of Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Salado, Texas, at the 2025 IGNITE Sports Science for the Olympic Disciplines Seminar, held Jan. 12-13, in Ocala, Florida.Deciding on an Orthobiologic for Use in HorsesHow do veterinarians decide which orthobiologics product to use? Typically, they look to their own and others anecdotal experiences, peer-reviewed research (mostly in humans), research or data provided by a company, and client preferences.Other factors veterinarians consider when deciding on a specific product include:Time frameWhat is the horses competition schedule?What is the withdrawal time of the product (i.e., how long before competition must the treatment be administered to comply with regulations)?Is the horse hurt or injured (versus giving an injection for maintenance purposes)?The effect relative to diagnosisIs the issue with soft tissue, the joint, or both?How severe is the injury/condition?How old is the horse?The ideal dosage for many orthobiologics remains unknown. Whitaker said veterinarians make the decision relative to joint size and pathological severity as well as anecdotal experience. To date there isnt clinical data evaluating dose response relative to product and condition treated, he added.Orthobiologics for Equine AsthmaIn the second part of the discussion on orthobiologics, Dan Dreyfuss, DVM, MA, of D. J. Dreyfuss DVM LLC Consulting, in Hampstead, Maryland, spoke about using orthobiologics for respiratory diseases.Researchers conducted a small pilot study to look at the initial safety of nebulizing orthobiologics. Eight horses with mild asthma were evaluated and assigned a baseline weighted clinical score (WCS) based on nine respiratory-related clinical signs. They then received a series of six nebulizations at 48-hour intervals. The practitioners saw no significant safety issues, and seven out of the eight horses improved their WCS.Next came a larger pilot study where researchers repeated the same administration and evaluation protocol as in the initial safety study. Thirty out of 34 horses (88.2%) demonstrated a positive response to orthobiologics through nebulization. Results from these small studies are enough to encourage researchers to perform a larger study, said Dreyfuss.Take-Home MessageOrthobiologics are moving us in the right direction, said Whitaker. Questions remain about the clinical data, required dosages, and product safety.Dreyfuss said its early in the process of using orthobiologics for horses with asthma, but he is encouraged by the significant clinical improvement in a large percentage of horses in the pilot study.With more time and research the different roles of orthobiologics in horses will become clearer, he added.