Horse Diseases

This section is under construction. Some diseases have been completed.

Diseases of Horses & Ponies

a bad case of urticaria (see horse cases)

Here we describe various horse diseases and pony diseases (equine diseases), with reference to acupuncture, herbal treatment, homeopathic treatment, chiropractic manipulation etc., where appropriate. We invite and accept referrals for complementary and alternative medicine treatments.

ALLERGY - ALLERGIES

What is it?

The term ‘allergy’ implies a malfunction of the immune system. The word is derived from Ancient Greek, to mean ‘other function’, so it is one of the few modern disease names that accurately and meaningfully describes the fundamental dysfunction, rather than simply describing signs and symptoms.

In allergy, the immune system responds inappropriately to ‘allergens’, which are materials that ‘trigger’ the reaction. These may be pollens, fly saliva, moulds or grass proteins. Removing or reducing these allergens in the environment of the horse may reduce the symptoms but will not cure the problem.

Diseases in horses that have probable allergic components are Headshaking, Urticaria, COPD, Laminitis and Sweet Itch

What causes it?

This is not known with certainty but any powerful immune challenges, such as severe viral infections or vaccination, are likely candidates.

Is it treatable?

By and large, the answer is yes.

In conventional medicine, it is usual to try to suppress the allergic reaction with anti-inflammatory drugs (such as steroid/cortisone) or with anti-histamines.

In natural medicine, at the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre, we try to rebalance the immune system, such that the allergic reaction ceases to occur. This may require homeopathic constitutional prescribing and/or a remedy based more on specific troublesome symptoms (homeopathy), in order to resolve the tendency to allergy. Potentised allergens may also help in treatment, relieving signs and symptoms in the short term. In addition, herbs and acupuncture can play a part in treatment.

In either case, it is wise to try to reduce the allergenic challenge from the environment but, whereas in conventional medicine this is a permanent requirement, in natural medicine, a normal tolerance for the allergen may be re-established.

Diet is an essential component of holistic treatment, in that the immune system will heal much faster and more effectively if given a natural healthy diet.

ARTHRITIS

This condition usually responds well to a combined homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs, diet and chiropractic input.

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ATYPICAL MYOGLOBINURIA - ATYPICAL MYOPATHY

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AUTOIMMUNE (AUTO-IMMUNE) DISORDERS

This is the subject of a .pdf document (click)

AZOTURIA
Setfast - Tying up - Myoglobinuria - Monday Morning Disease

What is it?

In this acute condition, by-products of working metabolism accumulate in muscles, during exercise, reaching levels that cause the muscles to go into sudden and very painful spasm. The unfortunate horse becomes ‘planted’, appearing totally unable to move. The condition is predisposed by dietary factors and by inappropriate exercise patterns.

Is it treatable?

In the acute phase, homeopathic Aconite and Nux vomica can be very useful first-aid measures (homeopathy). Acupuncture may also help at this stage. Gently coaxing the horse into a slow walk is important. Once this phase has passed, it is important to allow rest for at least twelve hours, with regular short walks. It usually leaves no scarring or permanent damage. Prevention of further attacks is obviously the way forward.

Repeated sufferers of this problem are often presented to the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre, and they usually respond well to acupuncture, homeopathy and diet treatments.

Prevention

It is important to ensure a natural diet (preferably cereal-free) that is appropriate to the amount of exercise being taken. Sometimes, the condition can be brought on by reducing the workload, without reducing the diet accordingly. If cereal is required, to cope with extreme exercise demands, then oats provide the best source of 'slower-release' energy. Exercise should be regular and not suddenly increased or decreased.

Electrolytes are important, but should not contain artificial colouring, flavouring or ‘fillers’ (e.g. cereal). This proviso greatly limits the products available, since so many meaninglessly have these useless and sometimes damaging extra ingredients.

BACK & NECK PROBLEMS

Back problems - Neck problems

This is the subject of a .pdf document (Back & Neck Problems in Horses).

At the AVMC, we have a special interest in horse back problems. We use chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, LASER therapy, homeopathy and herbs, depending upon the case.

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS

Behavioural problems are manifest in many different ways. It is preferable to split them into two broad categories:

a) those problems associated with difficult behaviour that arise from the inborn nature of the horse or from acquired aversion responses to noxious stimuli, through accident, trauma, insensitive treatment or other cause.
b) those that arise from aversion to ongoing adverse stimuli, from diet, saddling, back problems or other source of pain.

It is clear that treatment of these two will take a different course.

In the first category, there may be some fundamental part of a horse’s make-up, which needs to be addressed by homeopathic treatment. Training, sensitive handling and management, diet and natural therapy (including homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, bach flowers etc.) will play a part. It must be said that we very rarely find a horse whose very nature makes him intractable or ‘ungenuine’.

In the second category, attention to the ongoing cause is essential, and should be the first step. The problem may then subside without treatment, or with natural therapy for any residual pain or inflammation. It is in this category, perhaps surprisingly to many, that most behavioural problems are met.

At the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre, we are involved daily in the process of unravelling ‘behavioural’ problems and attending to any aggravating causes. It is satisfying that many difficult cases respond to appropriate holistic methods.

BLEEDERS

What is it?

This term applies to horses who haemorrhage through the nose, usually from the lungs, after violent exercise. The volume of blood concerned may vary from slight to dramatic. The performance of the horse may be markedly affected or he may even ‘stop’ during a race, as a result of the bleed.

How does it occur?

The cause is not well understood but some severe immune challenge, such as virus or vaccine, may have a significant part to play. Dust allergy or pollen allergy (e.g. oilseed rape) may also be relevant in some cases.

Is it treatable?

Homeopathic treatment has a good record of success in this condition. It has the advantage that it can be used on the day of competition, without fear of doping or even of falling foul of doping rules.

There are, as in so many chronic conditions, many homeopathic medicines which may be relevant, depending upon the individual horse. The challenge presented in treatment is the inability to monitor results of any single treatment, without actually putting the horse to the test of extreme exercise (e.g. a race).

The patent ‘snake venom’ that is widely marketed is probably (possibly) of homeopathic origin and is able to help some horses. It fails, however, to take individuality into account. This is probably the reason for its failure in many cases.

BORRELIOSIS (LYME DISEASE)

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COLIC

The word literally describes abdominal pain. In the horse, this can be quite dramatic and distressful, for many species-specific reasons. It can arise most commonly from impaction of ingesta or from accumulation and entrapment of gas (impaction colic, spasmodic colic, gassy colic). These types will usually resolve, especially with the help of first-aid homeopathic remedies, like Nux vomica or Colocynth (homeopathy). Bach Rescue Remedy may also be helpful. While awaiting the vet, these medicines should be given and may resolve the case prior to his or her arrival.

More rarely, a case of 'surgical colic' can arise, which is, of course much more serious. This can occur as a result of abdominal growths or a twisted bowel. Homeopathic remedies will only be of limited, first-aid value, in such cases. A veterinary surgeon is usually necessary, to help diagnose the exact nature of the problem in any given case and to decide upon timely surgical intervention. It is a surgical emergency. If homeopathy is ineffective, it is very possible that it is a case of 'surgical colic'.

It is advisable to stick to a non-manufactured fresh, sugar-free diet (i.e. one that contains no added molasses) and to try to avoid sudden changes of diet, sudden flushes of spring grass, sudden exposure to frosted grass, feeding dry food that can absorb water in the stomach and swell, feeding spoilt food and large drinks of cold water, following immediately on extreme exertion.

COPD

This is the subject of a .pdf document (COPD).

It used to be called heaves, in former 'pre-scientific' days. However, this terminology is creeping back into veterinary papers, since it is descriptive and accurate.

The condition is often triggered by straw or hay dust (Aspergillus spp. moulds), tree pollens, elderflower pollen, rape pollen or other hedgerow irritants. It is of immune origin and vaccination or viruses may play a part in aetiology.

Homeopathy is usually successful in treating this condition. Acupuncture and Herbs can also help.

COUGH

Chronic cough can be a source of anxiety for riders, and carers, and can take the form of anything from a slight throat-clearing cough at start of exercise to something much more prevalent and worrying. The condition can be very intractable. One of the sources of chronic cough is, of course, COPD. There are, however, other causes, not all of which can be ‘diagnosed’ in the modern sense.

We see many cases that have been ‘scoped’ and tested, in every way known, only to be classed as ‘non-specific’ at the end of the day.

In all cases of chronic cough, a properly conducted holistic examination and homeopathic constitutional prescription is the correct approach, and stands a good chance of being able to reduce or remove the problem.

Herbs may also help. There are ‘patent’ herbal preparations on the market, few of which are likely to succeed, since they have not been formulated for a given individual patient. As with homeopathy, herbal medicine and, more especially, Chinese or Indian herbs, are correctly used only when prescribed on an individualised basis.

Homeopathic medicines, that have often been used successfully in past cases of chronic cough, when prescribed according to individual patient characteristics, are:

Aconitum, Antimonium tart., Bryonia, Calcarea carbonica, Carbo veg., Drosera, Ipecacuanha, Kali bich., Kali sulph., Lobelia, Lycopodium, Merc. sol., Natrum sulph., Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sambucus, Sepia, Silica, Spongia, Stannum, Sulphur, Thuja, Tub. bov.

CUSHING'S DISEASE

Hyperadrenocorticism

This syndrome is not likely to yield to home-prescribed homeopathic first-aid remedies, so it is advisable to call in a qualified homeopathic vet, if you suspect this condition in your horse. It is typically characterised by failure to shed the winter coat, extreme hair growth, curly coated appearance, sour-smelling sweat, puffy face, upper eyelids swollen and an increased thirst. In more extreme cases, there is a tendency to an enlarged liver and belly, abnormal fat distribution over the body, chronic laminitis, tooth problems and general debility.

If not controlled, the condition is progressive and usually eventually fatal.

It arises from a malfunction of the Pituitary Gland or the Adrenal Gland or both. Sometimes, a tumour may be present in one or other gland. The impression is that this condition is becoming more prevalent, in domestic horses and ponies, possibly as a result of some human intervention. The underlying cause is not precisely known but immune challenges, such as virus infection or repeated vaccines, may increase the risk. We have seen the onset of cases soon after a booster vaccination.

Diagnosis is from clinical signs, suggestive blood results (enzyme levels) and high blood sugar. We do not usually recommend the more accurate but potentially traumatic diagnostic tests. We usually treat cases with herbs and homeopathy, which can successfully control most cases, especially if they are caught early. We have one or two surprising successes on record, in the treatment of advanced cases with severe foot changes.

It is not known whether the usual conventional drug treatment can be used alongside homeopathy, as we have no cases on record, in which this has been tried. In this condition, it is likely that conventional drug therapy would reduce the benefit of a homeopathic treatment. Treatment options have to be assessed, in the light of the seriousness of the situation and responses to one or other line of therapy.

In either case, life expectancy is likely to be reduced by this disease.

The links go to some case histories.

Case report

DERMATITIS

see Skin problems

DERMATOPHILUS

see Rain Scald

DIARRHOEA / SCOUR

There are many possible causes of chronic diarrhoea in horses, including Salmonellosis. Some cases come to us with no definitive diagnosis. If the diarrhoea has persisted for any length of time, there is usually a variable degree of weight loss and poor coat. It is generally unresponsive to antibiotics, which are not really advisable in such conditions, anyway.

At the AVMC, we rarely have a case that cannot be sorted, using homeopathic constitutional prescribing, probiotics and a good, natural (non-manufactured) diet.

Case report

DJD

This acronym stands for Degenerative Joint Disease, usually applying to fetlocks, knees, hocks or stifles. In it, both bone and cartilage can become damaged or cease to regenerate normally. It may be caused by trauma (injury), repetitive strain (e.g. from an unsuitable work programme or incorrect foot balance), nutritional problems or overuse. Homeopathy is usually well able to provide a solution, in the longer term, accompanied by a healthy diet and by an appropriate exercise programme. A prescription would usually include a remedy to suit the lameness and its individual characteristics, plus one of the Calcarea derivative remedies, suited to the horse's constitution. Correct shoeing (foot balance) is also of importance. Much of the work of the AVMC involves some form of joint disease.

FIBROUS DYSPLASIA

This term applies to a rare lesion of unknown aetiology, affecting one or more bones. It is characterised by a non-neoplastic, radio-translucent 'growth' on the bone, that feels hard but resilient, rather than stony. It can weaken the bone. We have never knowingly treated such a case at the AVMC but would expect homeopathy to stand a reasonable chance of helping in treatment. The usual approach to such a lesion is surgical removal but that is not always practical and is not always an attractive option, depending upon the site of the lesion.

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EQUINE HERPES VIRUS

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FISTULOUS WITHERS

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GREASY HEEL

See Mud Fever

HAEMATOMA

A haematoma is, literally, a collection of blood in the tissues (usually just under the skin). It occurs through the rupture of a blood vessel, possibly from direct trauma or from overexertion. A common site, in the racing Thoroughbred, is on the thigh, near the hip joint.

Homeopathic remedies such as Arnica, Hamamelis, Lachesis or Secale, prescribed according to the individual horse and circumstance, will usually bring about cessation of bleeding and may avoid the need for drainage of the haematoma, in a milder case.

HEAD SHAKING

HEAD-SHAKING - HEADSHAKING - HEADSHAKER

This condition is the subject of a .pdf document (Headshaking).

The horse is seen shaking his head (or twitching his head) in the field or violently shaking and tossing his head when being worked.

A large proportion of head shaking cases appear to respond to the combined acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic approach, along with holistic attention to diet and feeding.

Pictures show a horse patient undergoing acupuncture for a head shaking problem - note placid acceptance of needles and drowsiness.

headshaker - headshakers - headshaking - head-shaking - horse headshaker - horse headshaking

HEAVES

This is the subject of a .pdf document (click)

HOOF QUALITY

Poor hoof quality (e.g. slow re-growth, crumbling, cracking or distortion) is usually of dietary origin. It can also arise from damage to the coronary band or from immune damage.

We cooperate with a farrier's efforts to help the foot. We treat the underlying condition with homeopathic medication, of a constitutional nature (suited to the individual horse) and we take pains to ensure a good natural diet, free from manufactured ingredients. We usually formulate a herbal supplement, to be compatible with both the diet and the homeopathic treatment, to provide essential nutrients in a way compatible with a horse's metabolism. We avoid the use of animal-derived protein supplements (e.g. Gelatin). Expensive specialist supplements for hoof health are rarely necessary.

This type of holistic regime has proved successful in most cases.

HORMONAL PROBLEMS

This is a complex field, usually involving a mare, who has recurrent or perpetual seasons, too much 'seasonal' behaviour or erratic and unmanageable behaviour, especially when being saddled or ridden.

Such problems may arise from a cystic ovary but this is often not found in such mares. Hormone injections are often used, to achieve better behaviour but there is a risk of causing further hormonal imbalance thereby.

Homeopathy, in the form of homeopathic constitutional prescribing, along with a more locally-targeted remedy, based on the result of rectal examination of the ovaries, may succeed in achieving a result or, at least, removing the worst excesses of the problem. This is not, however, a foregone conclusion.

Geldings may also suffer hormonal problems, even to the extent of them giving the impression of a 'rig'. We have never been asked to treat such problems, so cannot give a summary of experiences.

INFERTILITY

There is very little to be said about infertility, other than to emphasise the importance of a natural and wholesome diet, free from manufactured ingredients. Grazing land and hay ground should not be fertilised. Provided that the diet is sufficient and of correct quality and provided that the mare is managed in as stress-free a way as possible, her natural breeding force will tend to produce the required results. If not, homeopathy in the form of constitutional homeopathic prescribing, along with a tailor-made herbal supplement, will usually do the trick. Nature has a tendency to reproduce; all that is usually necessary is to remove the obstacles and give the system homeopathic stimulus.

The same comments apply to stallions. We have successfully treated stallions for abnormal sperm, sperm motility problems, fertility etc.

INFLUENZA

This is a viral disease, which appears to be specific to equines. It is much-feared, giving rise to compulsory vaccination regimes for various forms of sporting competition and for some yards. It is highly infectious but, usually, not too severe. British Dressage dropped the requirement for its competitions, without any apparent welfare cost.

Homeopathic constitutional prescribing will usually help a horse to throw off the infection and prevent the worst symptoms from developing.

In common with all forms of vaccination, there are dangers associated with the administration. Some horses react locally, with very painful and inflamed muscles or abscess. Some react more systemically, becoming ill. Others can become chronically ill or have an underlying health problem exacerbated.

There is a homeopathic nosode to offer protection to those horses for whom vaccination is considered unsuitable or is not wanted. It is without full proof of efficacy. Vaccinations should not be given to horses suffering an illness, especially if there is an immune component to that illness. The nosode does not satisfy legal or sporting regulations.

INJURY
see also: wounds

The innate healing capacity of the horse is a source of constant surprise. The result is that most wounds and injuries, despite often looking horrific and disastrous at the outset, will tend to heal. There is a range of homeopathic and herbal first-aid therapies, to suit most types of injury. LASER therapy can be of inestimable value in the treatment of tendon or ligament damage and as an aid to healing of surface wounds. We find that regular LASER sessions, at the correct frequency and wavelength for the injury and the patient, will hasten and increase the quality of healing.

We rarely advocate box rest, since it is an unnatural imposition on a creature that survives by movement, which, in moderation, can act as a stimulus to healing. Box rest is only of benefit in very special cases. A barn or covered yard may be very useful, if restricted movement is required.

A good natural diet is important, as in most situations where optimal healing is required.

JOINT ILL

This is the common name for purulent infection in the joints. It usually occurs in the newborn, as a result of infection of the umbilical cord soon after birth. Clearly, hygiene where a foaling takes place is of paramount importance in prevention.

Antibiotics can fail to treat this problem, owing to the build up of pus in the joint and owing to difficulties in achieving high enough antibiotic concentrations in the joint cavity.

Happily, especially if a case is caught early enough or is not too severe, homeopathic remedies can provide the necessary stimulus to the body's own immune capability, achieving a good result in most cases. Hepar sulphuris, with or without or a specific Nosode, may be the correct prescription, depending upon signs and symptoms.

KISSING SPINES

This is the subject of a .pdf document (Kissing Spines).

This is an degenerative or osteoarthritic-type disease process involving the vertebral spines in the region of the back immediately behind the wither. The condition was first described by Professor Jeffcott in Cambridge.

There is a distinct possibility that saddling problems could lead to this condition.

KLEBSIELLOSIS

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LAMENESS

Lameness is identified by the nodding of the head or by uneven movement of the hind quarters, at the trot. It can arise from any condition which causes pain in one (or more) limb(s).

At the AVMC, we use a logical approach to lameness. We ensure that the foot does not have an abscess, which is the most common cause in horses. We check for laminitis and eliminate it from the scene. We give foot, joints, leg and whole body a thorough examination, checking for muscle tension and any need for chiropractic work. In particular, misalignment of lumbar vertebrae (hind limb) or the lower neck (fore limb) may cause quite pronounced and difficult-to-diagnose lameness. We perform any necessary manipulation. Because it can be part of the symptom picture, we have to consider Lyme disease (Borreliosis) in any case of vague lameness with malaise and in an area where ticks are prevalent.

If lameness is found to be due to any pathology, we then set about trying to heal that pathology, using acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs and diet work.

If incorrect movement appears to be a causal factor, possibly among others, back work, foot balance and saddling investigations are vital components of our work. If these are not corrected, no amount of good medicine will heal the problem.

Navicular disease, DJD, OCD, sprains, strains, pedal ostitis, ringbone, sidebone, muscle injuries, shoulder damage, spavins, arthritis and many other causes are treated by the same attention to detail.

Reference to the particular pages on this site will give an idea of expectancy of success, using natural therapy.

The story of Garrison Savannah, of 1991 Cheltenham Gold Cup fame, is touched briefly at: Testimonials.

LAMINITIS (FOUNDER)

This is the subject of a .pdf document (Laminitis). There is an in-depth article at: http://www.alternativevet.org/WS130-07.pdf

Laminitis usually responds well to homeopathy, with acupuncture also proving necessary in some cases. Herbs can provide useful ancillary support and help with pain control.

Laminitis can be induced by injection with steroid (corticosteroid, cortisone), an example of iatrogenic disease.

The links go to selected case histories, some of which had been extremely distressing and chronic cases.

Case report

LIGAMENTS

Ligament injury

Horses can damage ligaments in their legs. The most common ones are the check ligament, the annular ligament and the collateral ligaments of the fetlock and hock. The condition is known as a sprain. The 'suspensory' is also a ligament. The same principles apply, wherever the ligament injury

It is important to check that predisposing factors are eliminated, at the outset of the healing process. Shoes can be removed, while the horse is not being worked. This ensures there is no adverse foot balance issue. Pelvic and spinal alignment must be checked at the outset and regularly during the healing phase. Pelvic and spinal misalignment may be a contributory factor in many cases of ligament injury. Most cases that the AVMC has attended show pelvic misalignment, which we correct immediately. Saddling must, of course, be optimal, once the horse is back in work, since uncomfortable saddling leads to wrong movement which puts undue strain on individual limbs.

Diet should be light, as befits a horse not in work and should be in accordance with the dietary advice given elsewhere on this site.

We do not advocate box rest. We have experienced extremely good healing in horses that are out at grass, among companions who are steady.

We apply regular LASER therapy, in the initial phase. This is a powerful stimulus to the healing of fibrous structures, such as tendons and ligaments.

We use homeopathic Ruta, as an important stimulus to the healing of tendon and ligamentar tissue. Other remedies may be necessary, according to both the particular injury and the particular horse's symptoms.

The prognosis is usually good, at least for ordinary work. Some horses can even race again. The earlier this programme is started, after the injury, the better.

ALLERGY - ALLERGIES

What is it?

What causes it?

AZOTURIA Setfast - Tying up - Myoglobinuria - Monday Morning Disease

What is it?

Is it treatable?

Prevention

BACK & NECK PROBLEMS

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS

BLEEDERS

What is it?

How does it occur?

Is it treatable?

COLIC

COPD

COUGH

CUSHING'S DISEASE

DIARRHOEA / SCOUR

DJD

HAEMATOMA

HEAD SHAKING

HEAD-SHAKING - HEADSHAKING - HEADSHAKER

HORMONAL PROBLEMS

INFERTILITY

INJURY see also: wounds

JOINT ILL

KISSING SPINES

KLEBSIELLOSIS

LAMENESS

LAMINITIS (FOUNDER)

LIGAMENTS

AZOTURIA
Setfast - Tying up - Myoglobinuria - Monday Morning Disease

INJURY
see also: wounds