Horse｜10 Common Diseases (cause → signs → examination → treatment direction → prevention) | Evidence chain

FAQ

What is colic (the umbrella term covering spasmodic, gas, impaction, torsion and other types), and what should make you call the vet at once?

Abrupt feed change, grain overload, insufficient water, sandy pasture, parasites, intestinal torsion／displacement. You will see the horse repeatedly lying down and rolling, frequently looking round at the flank, pawing, sweating, passing reduced or no droppings, and with a raised heart rate. The direction of management is that this is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care; depending on the type it may call for supportive treatment or emergency surgery, and medication must be prescribed by a veterinarian. In the source chapter this row belongs to the group needing prompt attention; the actual judgement still rests with the veterinarian case by case, and this text gives no drug names or doses.

What is laminitis／founder, and what should make you call the vet at once?

Grain／starch overload (linked to hindgut acidosis), obesity, endocrine disease (Cushing's disease PPID, metabolic syndrome EMS), post-partum retained placenta with sepsis, prolonged excessive weight-bearing. You will see reluctance to walk, the "sawhorse stance" with weight shifted forward off the hind limbs, warm hooves, and a markedly increased digital pulse (bounding digital pulse). The direction of management is that this is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care; treatment needs the veterinarian and the farrier working together, and medication must be prescribed. In the source chapter this row belongs to the group needing prompt attention; the actual judgement still rests with the veterinarian case by case, and this text gives no drug names or doses.

What is exertional rhabdomyolysis (commonly called "tying-up"), and what should make you call the vet at once?

Mismatch between workload and rest-day diet, electrolyte imbalance, genetic susceptibility. You will see muscle stiffness and pain after exercise, an abnormal gait, and dark urine. The direction of management is pain at emergency level requiring veterinary assessment, with medication that must be prescribed. In the source chapter this row belongs to the group needing prompt attention; the actual judgement still rests with the veterinarian case by case, and this text gives no drug names or doses.