The seasonal six
What keeps equine vets busy over winter? Here’s how to avoid some of the most common problems...
1 COLIC
A potential killer, typically caused by worm damage, dehydration or sudden dietary change. Tackle parasites, ensure a constant supply of fresh, ice-free water and avoid any abrupt alterations to feed, forage or management.
2 FOOT PROBLEMS
Wet, muddy conditions or soggy stable bedding will increase the risk of thrush, so pick out the feet twice daily to allow air to circulate and to remove any stones jammed in the clefts of the heel and frog.
Foot abscesses are common, usually caused by bacteria from soil that penetrates the white line where the horn of the hoof wall meets the sole. Excessively long toes can cause this junction to “spread” and increase risk of infection, so regular professional farriery or hoof trimming is a must.
3 SKIN CONDITIONS
Repeated wetting of the skin on the lower limbs can cause mud fever, a painful and sometimes stubborn infection. Minimising exposure to mud is important but often impractical. Hosing muddy limbs before drying them with a towel or leg wraps can help, while antibiotic treatment may be necessary to bring infection under control.
A thicker coat can allow lice to flourish, leaving a horse so itchy that oozing patches and secondary infection can arise from excessive scratching. Coat clipping followed by a topical wash or powder should resolve the problem. Feather mites also can target hairy lower limbs — ask your vet for advice on antiparasitic treatments.
4 FIELD INJURIES
Herd dynamics and high jinks can lead to traumatic injuries in the field, so supervise seasonal turnout to reduce risk.
5 LAMINITIS
Commonly associated with spring but also a winter worry — especially on cold but sunny days when grass sugar levels can be high. Cushing’s sufferers are vulnerable year-round because of their inability to metabolise sugar.
6 ELECTIVE EUTHANASIA
Sadly, some horses will struggle to survive the worst of the winter conditions. Your vet can help you decide whether a veteran has sufficient quality of life to see him through to the spring.