Diseases

Thumps in Horses

Updated:

February 5, 2026

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The more your horse sweats, the greater the risk of electrolyte imbalance and thumps. Also known as synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, thumps looks alarmingly like hiccups in humans — a rhythmic “thump” or twitch of the horse’s flank that often matches its heartbeat.

Rethinking Safety Culture in Equine Veterinary Practice

Updated:

January 21, 2026

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How injury, overwork, and a culture of endurance are pushing Canada’s equine vets to the limit. With an ongoing equine veterinarian shortage in Canada, there’s a concern that equine vets, already stretched thin, are also being injured at work at alarming rates.

Three Common Types of Skin Cancer in Horses

Updated:

December 11, 2025

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Keep an eye out for the three most common skin cancers in horses and reach out to your veterinarian if you notice any unusual lumps or bumps.

Getting Ahead of Strangles

Updated:

December 11, 2025

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What do you do when a horse at your boarding barn has been diagnosed with strangles? How is it treated and managed? How vulnerable is your own horse to getting strangles? And how do you know when the sick horse is truly disease-free?

The Not-So-Fab Four: Diseases Resulting in Hind Limb Gait Deficits

Updated:

December 5, 2025

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By Dr. Colin Scruton - Hind limb problems can be confusing to identify and even harder to diagnose in horses. Some conditions can lead to mechanical deficits or difficulty in certain movements without causing the classic pain-associated lameness. Stringhalt, fibrotic myopathy, shivers, and equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) are four distinct diseases in horses that result in gait deficits. Accurate differentiation of these conditions allows for the most effective management to be used.

10 Things You Might Not Know About Equine Biosecurity

Updated:

November 24, 2025

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Practicing good biosecurity at home and while traveling is essential for your horse’s health and safety, and is an important part of industry-wide disease control measures. We collaborated with Dr. K. Gary Magdesian, infectious disease control officer and faculty member in the Equine Internal Medicine Service at the UC Davis veterinary hospital, to present a list of important things to remember when it comes to equine biosecurity.

How to Build a Successful Rehab Program for Horses with Undiagnosed Pain

Updated:

November 12, 2025

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When a horse shows subtle signs of lameness or discomfort but no clear veterinary diagnosis, it can be discouraging and costly for owners. These vague issues are unfortunately common and often leave owners uncertain about the next step. This article outlines key principles to guide you through such cases, using the example of Remy — a mare who arrived with back pain and bucking behaviour but no definitive medical findings.

Recognizing Pain in Our Horse and When It's Time to Say Goodbye

Updated:

November 6, 2025

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In an ideal world, every senior horse would pass away naturally and peacefully, having enjoyed a good quality of life with minimal suffering. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, which is why we must be prepared.

Senior Horse Wellness: Keys to Helping Your Older Horse Thrive

Updated:

November 1, 2025

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Like humans, horses are living longer than ever. Typically, older horses will live into their twenties and often into their thirties. It’s natural to worry about your horse’s health into the golden years. Studies report that 70 percent of horses aged 20 years or older have some type of health issue requiring modifications in management practices and veterinary care. Let’s examine the six key issues your older horse might face, and tips to help you keep your horse feeling comfortable during those senior years.

How to Prepare an Advance Directive for Your Horse

Updated:

October 29, 2025

Planning ahead for your horse’s emergency and end-of-life care is one of the most responsible and compassionate steps you can take as an owner. Creating a written directive ensures your wishes are clear, your horse’s needs are met, and your barn manager and veterinarian have the guidance they need during critical moments. From recording basic details and veterinary contacts to outlining financial limits, euthanasia authority, and aftercare preferences, this document provides peace of mind and helps prevent confusion during stressful times.