Horse health symptoms

Dyspnea is difficulty breathing. In horses, it is characterized by an increased effort to breathe, usually evident in the character, rate, and rhythm of respiration.

Anorexia in horses is a noticeable decrease in appetite. Appetite in horses fluctuates depending on many factors, and anorexia refers to a significant decrease in feed intake, to the point where caloric needs are not being met.

Lack of coordination, or ataxia, results from damage to the brain or spinal cord causing erratic and unstable movements.

Limited mobility (LM) in horses is defined as a reduction in agility and/or movement, and is a condition that mainly affects senior and geriatric horses (over 18 years of age).

Lameness is an abnormal gait caused by a dysfunction of the muscles, joints, or bones. Lameness is extremely common in horses, and is the most common cause of “loss of use” in performance horses

Hearing loss and deafness are relatively rare symptoms in horses, and refer to the partial or complete inability to perceive auditory signals.

Lethargy describes lack of energy and enthusiasm that persists regardless of exercise and activity. Lethargic horses may seem sleepy or drowsy, hang their heads low, or show lack of interest in food, other horses, or their environment.