Fatal Horse Diseases

Horses are like any other animal: they can be exposed and vulnerable to diseases. Many ailments that a horse can face are treatable and, in most cases, preventable. But there are a few that, without immediate intervention, can end the life of a horse.

Equine Infectious Anemia is also known as Swamp Fever. It is transmitted to horses through bites from horseflies and mosquitoes. The initial signs are rapid weight loss, anemia, swelling of the limbs and weakness. The disease can be fatal almost upon detection, which is done mostly through the Coggins test. Because the disease is contagious and highly fatal, a negative Coggins test is required for every horse coming into the United States.

Tetanus infects horses at a wound or at the umbilical cord ending of a foal. Untreated tetanus begins to cause spasms in the neck, hind legs, jaw and muscles near the wound area. As the disease progresses, stiffness develops in the legs and breathing becomes labored. During final stages, horse is unable to open its jaw and may die from respiratory paralysis.

Strangles is highly contagious among a herd of horses. Strangles involves the swelling of lymph nodes in a horse's neck due to a bacterial infection. The nodes can abscess and drain, making it difficult for the horse to breathe. If the horse's immune system doesn't properly filter the bacteria, the drainage can infect the rest of its upper respiratory system.

American quarter horses are susceptible to Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency. It occurs if a horse lacks a glycogen storage hormone. Without it, the horse will have no energy to support important bodily functions, such as skeletal movement and heart muscle movements. Horses may be carriers and pass it on to their foals, which end up either stillborn or forced to be aborted.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, which is spread by mosquitoes, has a 70 to 90 percent mortality rate. When an infected mosquito bites the horse, the horse's brain is attacked by the encephalitis. The first signs are high fevers that last up to three days. Lethargy will then set in. As it nears the final stages, the encephalitis invades the spinal cord and eventually leads to paralysis. The horse may develop seizures and collapse.