Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Aging Changes, Generally
Summary
When I evaluate older horses, I often begin by asking: "Is there underlying disease or is this just aging?"
The problems seen in aging horses are similar to those seen in aging humans. Age-related degeneration ultimately affects all body systems. Oxidation ultimately damages proteins and the very molecules that make up the body structure.
With respect to the gastro-intestinal system, very old horses have often worn through their entire reserve crown. If the teeth are still present, their grinding function has diminished. Even if a horse can adequately grind feed, their intestines are less able to digest and assimilate nutrients.
Older horses also have a high incidence of hormonal conditions, notably PPID. Chronic arthritis is extremely common in aging horses. Different types of horses show degenerative changes in the areas that were overloaded during a life of work. Spinal compression from arthritic vertebral joints are also common. Eyesight also declines with age.
The problems seen in aging horses are similar to those seen in aging humans. Age-related degeneration ultimately affects all body systems. Oxidation ultimately damages proteins and the very molecules that make up the body structure.
With respect to the gastro-intestinal system, very old horses have often worn through their entire reserve crown. If the teeth are still present, their grinding function has diminished. Even if a horse can adequately grind feed, their intestines are less able to digest and assimilate nutrients.
Older horses also have a high incidence of hormonal conditions, notably PPID. Chronic arthritis is extremely common in aging horses. Different types of horses show degenerative changes in the areas that were overloaded during a life of work. Spinal compression from arthritic vertebral joints are also common. Eyesight also declines with age.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Swelling of Multiple Joints
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Weight Loss, Thin, Losing Weight
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Loss of Muscle Mass, Generalized, on Top-line or Back
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Eating Slowly, Taking Long Time to Finish a Meal
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Clicking or Snapping of Hind Limbs at Walk
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Will Not Stand for Farrier, Will Not Hold Leg Up for Long
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Dropping Chewed Feed or Hay Balls, Quidding
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Limb or Joint Seems to have Reduced Range of Motion
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Not Eating, Loss of Appetite, Not Hungry
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Cannot Seem to Get Up, Lying Down, Seems Aware
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Dropping Grain or Feed Abnormally when Eating
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Lameness, Generally
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Haircoat, Long & Curly or Wavy
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Poor Appearing, Ill Thrift, Generally
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Obvious Stumbling or Tripping, Even when Not Under Saddle
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Lying Down More Than Normal, or Getting Up & Down
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Dull or Poor Haircoat
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White Hair appears on Body, Head, Face or Elsewhere
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Swelling of Joint or Tendon Sheath in Lower Leg
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Heart Murmur Heard with Stethoscope (in Adult)
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Fetlock Sagging Low, Hyper-Extending (in Adult)
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Reluctant to Move, Walk. Not Under Saddle
Less Common
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Tooth, Lost & Found
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Stumbling, Seems Uncoordinated Under Saddle
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Dog-Sitting, Sitting on Hindquarters, Forequarters Raised
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Crab Walking or Uneven Tracking
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Hind-End Leans or Falls to One Side, One Hind Limb Seems Weak
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Manure has Grain, Corn or Oats in It
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Abdominal Pain, Colic Signs
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Eye looks Sunken
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Suddenly Stops or Resists Moving Forward Under Saddle
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Eye, Sunken Area behind & above Eyes
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Worsening Attitude or Performance Under Saddle
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Down with Limbs Tipped Up, Cast
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Catastrophic Injury, Suffering Horse, No Access to Vet
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Cannot Hear, Seems Deaf
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What can I do to support my horse's health as they grow older?
- What feed/management changes can I make to increase my horse's quality of life?
- Is my horse suffering from natural age-related changes or is there also an underlying disease process or illness?
Prevention
A good life: reasonable workload throughout life, consistent exercise throughout life, excellent nutrition throughout life, good dental and hoof care throughout life, quality companionship (owner/trainer/other horses) throughout life. Nutritional supplements may be of use in some cases.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
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