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Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Neglect Suspected, What to Do?
Summary
Neglect is the failure to provide adequate food, shelter, farrier, medical or dental care to a horse that results in a poor quality of life, pain and suffering or premature death.
Signs of neglect include underweight skinny body condition (very bony or ribby), poor or severely unkempt hair coat, very overgrown or cracked hooves, severe lameness over a long period, inability to eat, being unable to rise, and general malaise. Without adequate nutrition and good care, a variety of health conditions may result.
Signs of neglect include underweight skinny body condition (very bony or ribby), poor or severely unkempt hair coat, very overgrown or cracked hooves, severe lameness over a long period, inability to eat, being unable to rise, and general malaise. Without adequate nutrition and good care, a variety of health conditions may result.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
If you suspect that a horse is being neglected, first recognize that there may be an explanation. A thin horse is not necessarily a neglected horse. Perhaps the horse has a medical condition and is being treated for the problem, or is just very old but is otherwise well cared for.Do not approach or otherwise confront the owner of the horse. An allegation of neglect is very serious and may result in civil or criminal penalties for an owner and even confiscation of the animal. Intervention will likely be taken as a personal affront to the owner, and may result in an emotionally charged response.
Talk to your vet and get their advice on how to proceed. They are rooted in the local animal-owning community and will have advice or provide you with other resources.
What Not To Do
Do not approach or otherwise confront the owner of the horse. Do not trespass on private land to confirm your hunch.Never feed or provide medical treatment to someone else's horse without first discussing the situation with them or an appropriate authority.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may refer you to a local horse shelter, state livestock board, state vet's office, or animal rescue organization. Each state has unique laws that govern an owner's responsibility and the power of the state to intervene.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Describe the situation to me.
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
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Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
