Paws and Hooves

12/04/2026

Horse age to human years

11/04/2026

If this type of eggs found in microscopic examination of horse faces.
Write in comments which endoparasite’s egg is this?

20/03/2026

05/03/2026

IT'S MUD SEASON! 🌧️ DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES A HOOF ABSCESS?

The scenario is all too familiar for many horse owners: yesterday your horse was sound, but today you find him three-legged lame, with no apparent injury. What could have happened? Well, you say, my horse is likely working on a foot abscess. But what does that actually mean?

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.

The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

05/03/2026

When your horse has a runny nose, don't just wipe it clean. Take a few minutes to make sure your horse’s sniffles are a harmless nuisance rather than a sign of serious illness. Click the link in the comments to learn more.

05/03/2026

The term “dyspnea” means:
A. Vomiting
B. Difficult breathing
C. Painful urination
D. Diarrhea

20/02/2026

Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body?
A. Right atrium
B. Right ventricle
C. Left atrium
D. Left ventricle

20/02/2026

The drug of choice for Babesiosis is:
A. Albendazole
B. Ivermectin
C. Diminazene aceturate
D. Penicillin

20/02/2026

IT'S QUIZ TIME! ✍️ Do you know which condition is the leading cause of equine lameness cases? Drop your answers in the comments. ⬇️

The answer is "C" - Osteoarthritis!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of lameness in horses, accounting for about 60% of lameness cases. It’s a progressive joint disease where the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually breaks down due to wear and tear, injury, or inflammation. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones in the joint start to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

In horses, OA often starts with inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) or the joint capsule (capsulitis), which can speed up cartilage damage. Early and effective management of this inflammation is important because it can help slow the progression of the disease and protect the joint.

Treatments for OA in horses focus on relieving pain and inflammation (symptom-modifying drugs) and, when possible, slowing or changing the course of the disease itself (disease-modifying drugs).

While OA can’t be reversed, prompt attention and ongoing care can help horses stay comfortable and active, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life even with this chronic condition.