Recognizing Illness in Horses – Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Horses are masters of disguise when it comes to pain and illness. In the wild, appearing weak can make them a target, and that instinct still lingers in our domestic companions. That means by the time your horse is clearly unwell, the situation may already be serious. Learning to recognize the early, subtle signs of illness can make all the difference in your horse’s health—and possibly save their life.

Whether you’re new to horses or have been around them for years, brushing up on the most common warning signs is always a smart move. Let’s talk about what to watch for, when to worry, and how to act fast.

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🧭 The Basics – Know What’s Normal

Before you can recognize what’s abnormal, you need to know your horse’s “normal.” Each horse is an individual, and what’s typical for one may not be for another. Here's what you should know for your horse:

• Temperature: 37.5–38.5°C (99.5–101.5°F)
• Heart rate: 28–44 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate: 10–24 breaths per minute
• Gut sounds: Active gurgling on both sides of the abdomen
• Manure: Regular, well-formed, not dry or overly loose
• Appetite & water intake: Steady and predictable
• Behavior: Alert, engaged, responsive

Keep a health log for each horse on your farm—you’ll thank yourself later.

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🚩 Early Signs of Illness in Horses

These are the subtle red flags—the ones that can sneak past you if you’re not paying attention.

🐎 Changes in Behavior

• Lethargy or a lack of interest in surroundings
• Avoiding social contact with herd mates
• Standing off alone or facing a corner
• Unusual aggression or anxiety
• Resisting haltering or handling

🍽️ Appetite and Water Intake

• Refusing grain but still eating hay—or vice versa
• Leaving part of their meal uneaten
• Drinking significantly more or less than usual
• Dunking hay excessively (may signal dental pain)

💩 Manure and Urine

• Diarrhea, very dry or hard manure
• Fewer manure piles than usual
• Straining to urinate or defecate
• Urine with unusual color or strong odor

👀 Eyes, Ears, and Nose

• Watery or cloudy eyes
• Droopy ears or lack of ear movement
• Nasal discharge (especially thick, yellow, or green)
• Excessive sneezing or coughing

🌡️ Subtle Physical Clues

• Warm hooves (possible laminitis)
• Swelling in limbs or joints
• Asymmetrical sweating
• Patchy coat or sudden dullness
• Shifting weight constantly or standing camped out

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🧨 More Obvious Signs You Need a Vet Right Now

While subtle changes are important, some signs mean you need to call the vet immediately.

• Not eating at all
• Rolling, pawing, or looking at the flank (colic signs)
• Labored breathing or flared nostrils at rest
• Fever over 39.5°C (103°F)
• Open wounds or uncontrolled bleeding
• Sudden lameness or refusal to bear weight
• Seizures or collapse
• Profuse sweating with no exertion

Don’t hesitate—when in doubt, make the call. Horses can deteriorate fast.

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🔄 What to Do When You Suspect Something’s Off

1. Check the vitals.
   If you haven’t already, now’s the time to grab a thermometer and a stethoscope. Record temp, pulse, respiration, and gut sounds.

2. Take note of symptoms.
   Write down everything, even if it seems minor. You’ll want to give the vet a clear picture.

3. Remove food if colic is suspected.
   Don’t let your horse continue to eat if they’re showing signs of colic. Walking them gently may help, but don’t force movement.

4. Isolate if contagious illness is possible.
   Keep your other horses safe while you sort things out.

5. Contact your vet.
   Describe symptoms clearly, report vitals, and follow their instructions closely.

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🧠 Prevention Starts With Observation

One of the most powerful tools in horse care is simply watching your horse every day. You’ll start to pick up on the tiny differences in mood, posture, appetite, and social interaction that can indicate something brewing beneath the surface.

Here are a few daily habits that make a huge difference:

• Watch your horse eat every meal
• Count manure piles during stall/paddock cleaning
• Check eyes, legs, and hooves during grooming
• Note behavior during turnout and bring-in

Even five minutes a day of mindful observation can save you thousands in vet bills and spare your horse unnecessary suffering.

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🐴 A Real-Life Example: Shadowfax Gets Shifty

One morning, Shadowfax didn’t rush to the gate like he usually does. He was standing off to the side, not quite sulking, but not himself. His breakfast was mostly untouched, and he kept shifting his weight from foot to foot.

His vitals were mostly normal, but gut sounds were quieter than usual. We called the vet just in case—and sure enough, it was the very early stages of gas colic. Because we caught it fast, he didn’t need anything more than a dose of Banamine, some walking, and a quiet day to recover.

Moral of the story? Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

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📦 Final Thoughts

Recognizing illness in horses doesn’t require a veterinary degree—it requires observation, consistency, and a little intuition. When you know what to look for and you’re in tune with your horse’s habits, you can catch problems before they become emergencies.

Your horse depends on you to be their advocate. So watch closely, learn constantly, and never be afraid to make the call.

How to Treat Hoof Cracks in Horses

Hoof cracks in horses can be incredibly painful and dangerous, leading to possible injury and infection if not treated. To keep a horse with hoof cracks healthy and safe, cracks in the hooves must be treated immediately and properly. Luckily, properly treating hoof crack is simple and easy, if a little time consuming.

Any horse with hoof cracks should see a vet immediately. Sometimes, hoof crack is caused by a disease called Laminitis, which causes the hooves to break down. If this is the cause, only the veterinarian can treat the horse effectively. Follow his or her directions very carefully if the horse suffers from Laminitis.

Once the veterinarian has seen the horse and determined that Laminitis is not the cause, the responsibility for the care and treatment of hoof cracks falls to the owner. The hooves should be checked each day and any stones or debris removed; this needs to be done gently to avoid further injuring the horse. Any shoes or studs should be examined for signs of wear, and discarded if they are not in good condition. If the cracks are located around the shoe, the shoe should be removed and not replaced until the hoof cracks are healed.

The diet of the horse in question might need to be changed, and this should be discussed with the veterinarian. Different breeds of horses require different foods, but generally a diet with a biotin supplement added will be useful. These supplements are available at many horse supply stores, or from most veterinarians.

While the hooves are tender and healing, the horse should be kept in a stable environment. Temperature fluctuations should be kept to a minimum, and it is important to keep the horse from standing in muddy or wet areas. Try to avoid transporting the horse, but if it’s necessary, protect the feet. Cover the hoof, but be sure to leave the heel free.

To help speed healing, rub down the hooves with vitamin E oil two or three times a week. A lotion could also be used, provided it is high enough in vitamin E. Do not sock the hooves until healing is complete. If at all possible, avoid walking the horse on any hard surfaces, and this could worsen the condition of the hooves.

Hoof cracks should be dealt with immediately to speed healing and prevent further damage. Seek the advice of a veterinarian for additional tips concerning a particular horse, as each horse is unique and requires individual care.