Here’s some information about signs of a weakened immune system in horses. Keep in mind that a professional veterinarian should diagnose any potential health issues in your horse.
What are Signs of a Weakened Immune System in Horses?
A weakened immune system in horses can manifest in various ways. Clinical signs, which a veterinarian can detect, along with obvious symptoms, are vital for diagnosing the cause of a disease. A clinical examination can determine if the horse is eating well, is alert, and is in good physical condition.
What are Common Diseases and Parasites in Horses?
Horses are susceptible to several contagious diseases and parasites, which can be more severe in those with weakened immune systems. These include:
- Contagious diseases Influenza, strangles, glanders, equine encephalomyelitis, and equine infectious anemia can affect horses.
- Parasites Mites, ticks, and lice can cause skin issues. Sensitive-skinned horses are prone to abscesses and eczemas from contamination or neglect.
- Digestive issues Spoiled feed can lead to chronic or acute indigestion. Intestinal worms, such as pinworms, tapeworms, roundworms and botfly larvae, are also common.
- Respiratory problems Overwork and neglect can predispose horses to pneumonia. Roaring, a laryngeal infection causing noisy inhalation, and chronic asthma ("broken wind") are other concerns.
- Leg and foot issues Overwork, blows, and sprains can harm a horse’s legs and feet, especially on hard surfaces. Lameness can result from bony growths like ringbones and spavins, soft-tissue enlargements (shoe boils, thoroughpins, windgalls), and hoof injuries like split hoof, sand crack, tread thrush, and laminitis.
How are Animal Diseases Diagnosed?
Diagnosing animal diseases requires a comprehensive approach. A veterinarian will compile a case record, including the animal’s history, signalment (age, breed, sex, species), the owner’s observations, and the results of examinations and lab tests. Diagnostic methods include:
- Inspection Visual examination of the animal.
- Palpation Applying pressure to tissues to check for pain, tumors, and abnormal consistency.
- Percussion Tapping tissues to create audible responses from underlying body parts.
- Auscultation Listening to body sounds like breathing and intestinal movement.
- Smells Recognizing characteristic odors of certain diseases.
- Other tests Eye exams, urine collection, and esophageal, stomach, and heart studies.
After a general inspection, a clinical examination assesses mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), body surfaces (ears, horns, limbs), pulse rate, and temperature.
What Laboratory Tests are Used to Diagnose Diseases?
Laboratory tests are often essential for a definitive diagnosis. These tests may involve:
- Measuring chemical components in blood or body fluids.
- Identifying disease-causing agents.
- Examining urine and feces.
- Testing for toxins.
- Performing biopsies (tissue removal and examination).
Specific skin tests can confirm conditions such as glanders in horses. Blood tests can reveal various issues, such as abnormal protein levels (associated with bone cancers), high glucose and cholesterol levels (indicating diabetes), or changes in enzyme activity (suggesting liver damage). Examining blood cells can also help diagnose conditions like leukemia or viral diseases.
Would you like to explore how a horse’s diet impacts its immune system?