4 Health Issues Found in Draft Horses

Treatment is limited to massage, acupuncture, and exercise. Adequate vitamin E and the mineral selenium in the diet seem to be important in controlling episodes. Unfortunately, shivering is usually a chronic disease that progressively gets worse if the horse continues to be worked.

4. Grease Heel

Grease heel, or scratches, also called mud fever, is a type of dermatitis on the back of the pastern. This is a less serious disease than the other ones mentioned, but it can be persistent with draft horse breeds that have a lot of feathering. It is most often found in the hind legs. It is believed that the long hair on the back of the pastern coupled with constant moisture and poor hygiene are the causes. Symptoms are inflammation and oozing fluid that becomes crusty and scabby. By the time it is noticed it has usually been there a while.

Treatment includes cutting away all the long hair, then washing the area with warm water and mild soap, and scrubbing to remove the scabs. A good home remedy for mild cases is to cover the affected area with a salve made of one part Neosporin, one part cortisone cream and two parts zinc oxide (baby diaper ointment). Keep the horse in a dry and clean environment. In advanced cases, the vet will usually prescribe an antibiotic-corticosteroid ointment or even give the horse antibiotic injections. If left untreated, it will spread around the coronet band to the front of the foot.

Arm Yourself With Knowledge

To solve these draft horse health issues, collect as much knowledge as possible so you can give your draft horse the best care. It is important to be a responsible breeder, choosing only healthy mares and stallions. Even if you do not own a horse, you can help by donating to research institutes like the Morris Foundation and universities with equine research programs.