Coggins Test Online helps horse owners find the vet services they need for their Coggins Test and Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (CVI). But we’re also interested in equine health overall and especially helping horse fans understand the variety of health risks these majestic animals can face over the course of their lifetime.
Laminitis: This is an acute or chronic degeneration of the hoof caused by separation of the laminae. Symptoms include reluctance to move, frequent weight shifting, and marked transverse ridges on the hoof.
Cervical Vertebral Malformation (CVM): Commonly known as Wobbler Syndrome, this disease is common in Thoroughbred hores. It causes a narrowing of the vertebral canal due to malalignment or incorrect development of the cervical vertebrae.
Rhodococcus equi: This bacterium is found in dry and dusty soil. It is best known for causing pneumonia in foals, but has also been known to infect wild boar, domestic pigs, and humans.
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis: Also known as Pigeon Fever, this is horse disease that most commonly manifests in chest-area swelling. Common in dry areas, this bacterium may cause external abscesses.
Colic (abdominal pain): This type of abdominal pain may be caused by one of many intestinal pathogens. This includes Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli.
Contagious Equine Metritis: This is a horse venereal disease caused by Taylorella equigenitalis, a bacterium. The disease is transmissible, and thoroughbred horses seem to be more affected than other breeds. The disease is very difficult to detect and control.
Equine Herpes Virus: Also known as Equine Rhinopneumonitis virus (EHV), this is an extremely infectious viral disease. The virus may survive for anywhere between 14 and 45 days in a given environment. It is spread by the respiratory tract and/or aborted fetuses, membranes, and fluid of the infected. To that end, infected foals can pass the infection onto healthy mares.
Equine Viral Arteritis: Known colloquially as EVA, this is caused by Arterivirus. Symptoms include fever, severe coughing, respiratory problems, and accumulation of fluid in the body. It is transmitted by secretions from infected animals.
Equine Piroplasmosis: This disease affects horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras and is caused by two parasitic organisms. It is transmitted by both ticks and through contaminated needles.
Horse Transport: The Slaughter Horse Transport Program regulates the commercial transportation of equines traveling to slaughter outside U.S. borders. They ensure the animals are handled and transported humanely.
Vesicular Stomatitis: This viral disease has symptoms of fever, vesicles, and erosions in the mouth and epithelium (commonly on the teats and feet). Hoses are naturally susceptible.
West Nile Virus: Spread commonly by infected mosquitos, this disease can cause serious or fatal disease in both horses and humans.
Ringworm: This is a common, contagious fungal infection of the skin. It spreads through direct and indirect contact, initially showing as tufts of raised hair but eventually falling off to reveal weeping lesions. These lesions, often circular in shape, vary in size and density. An infected horse’s immediate environment also becomes infected, so all materials should be destroyed or sterilized.
Rainscald: This skin infection is caused by the skin softening that occurs after saturation. Affected horses show patchy hair loss along the back and quarters. These patches may turn into sores and weeping lesions. To prevent Rainscald, ensure your horse has access to shelter from the field.
Mud Fever: This is a skin condition that occurs in wet and muddy conditions. Leg and stomach skin become inflamed and scaly, which may lead to high temperature or fever. To prevent, ensure the legs are properly dried.
Cracked heels: Caused by the same environment as Mud Fever, this condition is preventable through the use of a protective cream on the heels and legs.
Sweet Itch: This condition manifests in the inflammation of the skin directly after an allergic reaction. Known professionally as Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD), it is caused by biting flies (Culicoides) and having an allergic reaction to their saliva. To control, apply an insect repellent regularly, allow horses to graze in dry, open areas, and purchase a special Sweet Itch rug to prevent fly access.