Common Health Concerns of Older Horses

When 610 Australian horse owners were asked for information about common health concerns of older horses, 90% of respondents* identified at least one issue, and more than 400 owners mentioned two or more issues.

Weight loss or poor physical condition ranked highest among health concerns with about half of the respondents mentioning it. Arthritis and other joint problems were recorded by 41%; and dental problems were listed by 32%.

When asked about managing their own aged horses, respondents listed concerns about the psychological health of older horses, maintenance of a regular exercise program, and hoof care issues most often. Deworming, stiffening gaits, laminitis, colic and other gastrointestinal problems, and tumors such as sarcoids and melanomas were noted.

Owners reported that they noticed health status signs in their aged horses, including lameness, respiratory issues, discharge from the eyes, skin problems, weight loss, delayed shedding of a long or heavy hair coat, and dental disease.

The full text of “Owner perceptions of health and welfare issues in horses aged 15 years or older” can be found here.