Sarcoids most commonly develop on the legs, head, and underside of the neck or belly, but can occur anywhere on a horse’s body. They also frequently appear in areas of scarring, or wound sites. They are categorized by their appearance. Different types of sarcoid tend to exhibit different growth rates, and some are more locally aggressive than others.

Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU), an immune-mediated disease, is one of the most common causes of blindness in horses. ERU is commonly referred to as “moon blindness” and is believed to have several possible causes including bacteria, parasites, viruses, trauma and immune system disorders. ERU is characterized by increasingly frequent bouts of irritation and inflammation in the eye (uveitis).  

Heaves, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, is an inflammatory condition of the lungs. It is a common respiratory disease that develops in older horses (greater than 7 years old). It is characterized by bronchospasm, excess mucus production, and changes in the bronchiolar walls (airways in the lungs).

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus equi. It is spread by direct contact with infected horses or carriers. The disease can also be transmitted via contaminated water troughs/buckets, feed bunks/buckets, stalls, tack, trailers, and people. It usually affects young horses but can afflict animals of any age. Horses in high-density management systems (i.e. breeding farms) and those in high traffic areas such as shows and events are at higher risk of being exposed and infected by S. equi. There are however, many steps horse owners can take to protect their horse from the disease.

The most common clinical signs of Cushing’s is an excessively long hair coat, which often fails to shed out in the warmer months. Other clinical signs include: weight loss, lethargy or poor performance, laminitis, increased water intake and urination, increased sweating, and mares may fail to cycle. The onset of these clinical signs is usually gradual over a year or more, but can also develop rapidly.

The clinical signs of anhidrosis include partial or complete absence of sweating, an increased/rapid respiratory rate, dry skin and coat, lethargy, poor performance, hair loss, decreased appetite, decreased water intake, and fever (up to 105° Fahrenheit). The clinical signs may be gradual or may be noticed suddenly by an owner or trainer.

Signs of blister beetle poisoning include abdominal pain (colic), loss of appetite, fever, sweating, rapid breathing, diarrhea, splashing and submerging the muzzle repeatedly in water, increased drinking, and urinating small amounts frequently.  If you suspect your horse has blister beetle poisoning, CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELTY!

There are many different causes for laminitis including fever, endotoxemia, grain overload, excessive weight bearing due to injury of another leg, excessive riding on hard ground and metabolic abnormalites (such as Cushing’s disease). Often times though, no specific cause can be cited.