Ask The Horse

Hind-limb lameness in horses can be challenging for owners to spot and veterinarians to diagnose. It can affect horses of all ages and disciplines. Subtle signs, such as a shortened stride, reluctance to go forward, or toe-dragging might go unnoticed until the horse’s performance declines or a more obvious issue appears. Catching hind-limb lameness early can improve your horse’s well-being and long-term soundness. Two experts answe...

Planning ahead for equine emergencies can help you avoid delays in care and unexpected expenses, and reviewing your emergency protocol regularly helps protect both your horse’s health and your wallet. In this Ask TheHorse Live episode, two veterinarians share advice on planning for equine health emergencies.

This episode is sponsored by CareCredit.

About the Experts:

Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, is the owner and founder of Mount...

Maintaining healthy joints in young horses lays the groundwork for long-term soundness and performance. Proper nutrition supports optimal skeletal health and development, while age-appropriate conditioning helps build a resilient musculoskeletal system. Regular checkups give your veterinarian a chance to diagnose and treat joint disease early, helping slow the progression of osteoarthritis and minimize associated pain. During this ...

Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis (OA), in horses is a common but complicated condition. While there is no cure for OA, working with your veterinarian to correctly diagnose OA, slow its progression, and manage existing joint disease can help maintain your horse’s soundness in the long-term.

This episode is brought to you by American Regent Animal Health.

Meet the Experts:

• Katie Ellis, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVSMR, i...

Researchers suggest 54% of horses in the U.S. are overweight or obese, putting them at a higher risk of developing other health problems, such as metabolic issues and joint pain. However, horses might become underweight due to gastrointestinal problems, such as gastric ulcers, or chronic health challenges. Regardless of whether a horse is under- or overweight, the underlying cause is usually an imbalance be...

Equine osteoarthritis (OA), or the degeneration of cartilage and bone in a horse’s joint, is a painful condition and the most common reason for lameness in horses. While there is no cure for OA, horse owners and veterinarians can work together to delay onset and slow its progression. Without treatment, OA can result in poor quality of life, early retirement, and even euthanasia if the associated pain is no longer manageable.

Two vet...

Like humans, horses can develop allergies to environmental elements such as dust components, mites, molds, medications, shampoos, and food. Some horses might show respiratory signs, while others can develop itchiness or hives. Understanding what causes your horse’s allergies and working with your veterinarian to treat his clinical signs can improve his health and well-being. 

Two experts answer your questions about managin...

Do you feel like you can’t afford your horse? You’re not alone. Understand how to manage horse expenses to lessen the stress of horse keeping. 

The cost of horse ownership varies from region to region, but even basic expenses such as feed, bedding, and routine veterinary and farrier care can be very costly. Emergency veterinary expenses can soar depending on the illness or injury. Preparing for routine expenses and potential em...

Osteoarthritis (OA, also known as degenerative joint disease) is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage that lines the ends of bones inside a horse’s joints. OA is the No. 1 cause of poor performance in horses and accounts for nearly 60% of all equine lameness cases. Horses of all ages can develop OA, but what can you do to slow its progression or treat this disease? Two experts weigh in to answer your common ques...

Two experts weigh in on common equine hindgut problems and how you can manage them. Learn more and get your questions answered during the live recording of our podcast.

This episode of Ask TheHorse Live is brought to you by Purina.

About the Experts:

Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

Frank M. Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM, is a graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman...

Managing skin problems in horses can be challenging, especially in warmer months. Two experts explain how to identify and manage skin problems in your horse and when you involve your veterinarian. 

This podcast is sponsored by KineticVet.

About the Experts:

Dr. Susan L. White is the Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor, Emeritus of Large Animal Medicine at University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. White has a long...

Maintaining joint health is important at all stages of your horse’s life, but he might need special considerations during his senior years. Two experts explain how to keep equine joints healthy and your senior horse sound in the long term. 

This podcast is sponsored by American Regent Animal Health.

About the Experts:

Luke Bass, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP is an associate professor in Equine Field Service at Colorado State University (...

Whether your horse has chronic seasonal allergies or occasionally comes in from the field with mysterious hives or rubs from scratching himself on the fence, managing his discomfort can be difficult. He needs a treatment plan, whether short- or long-term, but to create one you need to first understand what is causing the itch. Learn what might be making your horse itc...

Developing a well-rounded and balanced nutrition plan for your competition horse can be challenging. He needs a feed program that meets all his basic nutritional needs while giving him enough energy to keep up with training and showing. Listen in to learn how to determine your horse’s nutritional needs and how to meet them in a safe way.

This podcast is brought to you by Purina Animal Nutrition.

About the experts:

Shannon Pra...

Horses can show discomfort for a plethora of reasons. Injuries, aging, veterinary procedures, and more can cause pain, and knowing how to manage it is paramount to equine welfare. Join our host, Alexandra Beckstett, as she interviews Dr. Lori Bidwell, of East West Equine Sports Medicine. You'll learn how to tell if your horse might be in pain,  discover successful pain management strategies, and how to keep your horse comforta...

Prioritizing joint health is imperative to your horse’s comfort, both under saddle and in the field. Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Erica Secor, of Cornell University, and Dr. Julie Settlage, of Boehringer Ingelheim. You'll learn about early signs of joint discomfort, equine osteoarthritis, joint injections, nutritional management of joint disease, and much more!

This podcast is sponsored by Bo...

Horses with insulin issues need to be managed carefully to live good-quality lives. Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Dianne McFarlane, of the University of Florida, and Dr. Vern Dryden, of Bur Oak Veterinary and Podiatry Services. You'll learn about the signs, causes, and treatment of insulin resistance in horses, and science-based steps you can take to combat it.   

This podcast is sponsored by W...

Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important for all horses, but do senior horses have special requirements to consider? Join our host, Shoshana Rudski, as she interviews Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, of North Carolina State University, and Dr. Kelly Vineyard, of Purina Animal Nutrition . You’ll learn about the nutritional requirements of senior horses, feeding the older horse with dental issues, how to help your senior gain weig...