4 Health Issues Found in Draft Horses

Draft Horse Health Problems

Draft horses are magnificent animals, and their popularity is on the rise. What some new draft horse owners might not know is that both purebreds and draft crossbreds, such as the sport horse, are susceptible to certain health issues not so common in light horse breeds. Being aware and following specialized management programs can help prevent diseases like azoturia, shivers, grease heel, and junctional epidermolysis bullosa.

1. Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB) is an incurable disease that is caused by a mutated gene found in 30 to 35 percent of Belgian Draft horses. In this condition, the horse lacks the skin protein Laminin-5. The fatal disease causes foals to die within a week after they are born.

Layers of skin are unable to stick to each other, and patches of hair and skin begin to rub off at pressure points, spreading to bigger and bigger patches. The hooves will also slough off, and ulcers form in the mouth and on the tongue. As soon as it is known to have JEB, a foal should be euthanized, as this is an agonizing disease.

In 2002, researchers found where the gene site of the mutation was located. Now a DNA test can determine if breeding stock are carriers. If a mare and stallion are both carriers, they should not be mated.

2. Azoturia

Azoturia, also known as Monday Morning Disease, is a metabolic disorder common in draft horses. It usually occurs after the horse has had time off and then is put back to work. The horse exhibits symptoms of:

• heavy sweating
• nervous behavior
• rapid pulse
• muscle stiffness, especially in the hindquarters, soon after beginning work
• severe pain and muscle spasms
• dark urine, the result of red pigment from the muscle cells that are released into the bloodstream as the muscle fibers break down