Autumn and poisoning: acorns, our horses’ enemies

The arrival of autumn is a risky time for horses, particularly because of the increased presence of acorns and young oak shoots in pastures. These elements, although natural, can be toxic to horses if ingested in large quantities. The tannins contained in acorns and oak leaves cause digestive and kidney problems, and sometimes serious poisoning. … Read more

Melanomas: the tumours of grey horses

Melanomas, which are particularly common in grey horses, are tumours which, although they often develop slowly, can lead to serious complications. This condition requires special attention, particularly when it comes to diagnosis, identifying symptoms and choosing appropriate treatments. This article discusses the causes, clinical manifestations and management options, with the aim of providing owners and … Read more

Lipomas in dogs: the essentials about these fat balls

Lipomas are benign tumours that are very common in dogs, particularly older dogs. They appear as subcutaneous fatty masses, often painless and mobile. Although benign, they can sometimes become a nuisance depending on their size and location. This article details the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options available for this common condition in dogs. What … Read more

Recognising Lyme disease in horses

Lyme disease, also known as borreliosis, is an infectious disease that affects both humans and animals, particularly horses. Although non-contagious, this tick-borne vector-borne infection can cause a range of symptoms in equines, from fever to neurological damage. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in horses, as … Read more

My horse’s forks are rotten: what can I do?

Fork rot is a common hoof condition. It is mainly caused by prolonged wet conditions, poor hygiene practices or a lack of regular maintenance of the horse’s feet. The condition affects the frog, a V-shaped structure on the underside of the hoof. The frog plays a crucial role in cushioning and blood circulation in the … Read more

Lymphoma in cats: a devastating disease

Lymphoma in cats is a common cancerous disease that mainly affects the lymphatic system of our felines. The condition can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on where it develops in the body. For cat owners, it’s crucial to understand this disease so you can detect it early and explore the treatment options available. What … Read more

Dog dysplasia: improving your dog’s quality of life

Dysplasia in dogs is a common condition affecting many breeds, particularly large breeds. This joint disease can affect the hip, elbow and other joints, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Although it is largely a genetic condition, various environmental factors can also influence its development. What causes this condition? Dysplasia is an abnormality in … Read more

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia: an idiopathic disorder

Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) is a serious disease that mainly affects dogs, although it can also affect cats. This autoimmune condition causes the immune system to attack and destroy the animal’s red blood cells, leading to debilitating symptoms and can be fatal in severe cases without adequate treatment. What causes this disease? Immune mediated haemolytic … Read more

Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis: a forgotten disease

Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis is a rare but growing infectious disease that mainly affects horses in the northern hemisphere, particularly in Europe and the United States. The disease is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is transmitted mainly by ticks. Little known to the general public, it can nevertheless cause serious complications in infected animals. … Read more

How can you protect your pet from spikelets?

Spikelets, the tiny seeds of grasses, can be a real danger to our four-legged friends. Often invisible and unobtrusive, they embed themselves in the coat and can lead to serious complications if not detected in time. What are spikes? Spikelets are dry spikes of grass, characteristic of plants in the Poaceae and Cyperaceae families. They … Read more

Ear scab: what to do?

Ear scab, also known as otacariosis, is a common parasitic disease of dogs, cats and ferrets. Otodectes cynotis, a mite, causes the disease by feeding on earwax and skin debris in the animal’s ear canal. This highly contagious disease can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly. What causes this disease? Ear mange, or … Read more

Piroplasmosis: the anguish of horse riders

Equine piroplasmosis is a severe parasitic disease that affects horses and can have serious consequences for their health. Caused by parasites transmitted by ticks, this disease, although not contagious, represents a real challenge for breeders and horse owners. What causes this disease? Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two main parasites, Theileria equi (T. equi) and … Read more