Borna disease in horses: a rare encephalitis

Borna disease, or Borna encephalitis, is a rare but potentially fatal viral neurotropic disease affecting mainly horses and sheep. Borna virus (BoDV-1) causes severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Infected horses manifest a variety of neurological symptoms that are often confused with other equine diseases, complicating diagnosis. What causes this disease? Borna disease … Read more

Rhodococcosis: a major threat to foals

Rhodococcosis, caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi, poses a significant threat to foals, particularly those aged between 1 and 6 months. This bacterial infection, which manifests itself mainly as pneumonia, can lead to serious and even fatal complications if not diagnosed and treated in time. Foals reared in dusty, dry environments are particularly vulnerable. What … Read more

Juvenile osteochondral disorders in horses

Juvenile osteochondral disease (J OCD) is a complex group of disorders affecting the development of cartilage and subchondral bone in young horses. These conditions, often grouped under the umbrella termosteochondrosis, are of major concern to breeders and veterinarians because of their significant impact on the health and future performance of equines. AOJ can manifest as … Read more

Motor neurone disease in horses: therapeutic management

Although relatively rare, motor neurone disease (MMN) in horses is a serious neurodegenerative disorder that affects the lower motor neurons responsible for controlling skeletal muscles. The condition, which is comparable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, leads to progressive muscle weakness, atrophy and eventual paralysis. Early diagnosis of SMA is crucial to improving the quality … Read more

Preventing grass sickness in horses

Grass sickness, also known as atypical myopathy, is a serious and often fatal condition affecting horses grazing on certain grasslands. This rare but devastating disease is caused by the consumption of plants containing specific toxins, such ashypoglycin A found in the seeds of certain maples. Affected horses show a range of symptoms, from muscle weakness … Read more

Natural recipes to prevent summer ailments in horses

The summer period is characterised by dry, hot and sunny weather, which can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of horses. High temperatures, dusty environments, hard ground and increased exposure to UV rays can have a negative effect on equines, especially those living outdoors. In addition, summer marks the proliferation of winged … Read more

Hay and mycotoxins: impact on horse health

Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain species of fungi, represent a serious threat to equine health. Found in cereals, forage and other contaminated feed, they can cause a range of health problems in horses, from digestive and respiratory disorders to immunosuppressive and hepatotoxic effects. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins can lead to serious illness, reducing horses’ … Read more

Equine influenza: a compulsory vaccine

Equine influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease, can have a major economic impact on the equine industry. Protecting the health of your horses through a thorough understanding of this disease is essential. What causes this disease? Equine influenza, caused by a type A influenza virus, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Two subtypes, H7N7 and … Read more

Equine rhinopneumonitis: three forms for one disease

Equine rhinopneumonitis is a highly contagious viral disease that affects around 65% of horses in France. Caused by two types of herpes virus (HVE-1 and HVE-4), this infection can lead to respiratory and nervous problems, as well as abortions. What causes this disease? Equine rhinopneumonitis is caused by two equine-specific herpes viruses: equine herpesvirus type … Read more

Strangles: a highly contagious equine respiratory disease

Strangles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that mainly affects young horses. Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, it leads to severe complications and can have significant economic consequences. What causes this disease? Strangles is an infection of the upper respiratory tract of horses, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, a … Read more

Tetanus: why vaccinate your horse?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease that mainly affects horses. The bacterium Clostridium tetani produces a potentially fatal neurotoxin, causing uncontrollable muscle spasms. Horses are particularly susceptible to this infection, which can often be fatal. What causes this disease? Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This anaerobic bacterium develops in the absence of … Read more

Australian Harper: ataxia caused by a plant

Australian harper, also known as stringhalt, is a neurological condition affecting horses, characterised by involuntary and abnormally exaggerated contractions of the extensor muscles of the hind limbs. Although rare, this condition has a significant impact on the locomotion and general well-being of the horses affected. Theaetiology of Australian Harper remains uncertain, but experts suspect environmental, … Read more