Mad Barn Academy

While line disease is a hoof condition that can lead to pain and lameness, this condition affects the equine hoof wall in one or more hooves at a time. White line disease originates as a separation between adjacent layers in the hoof wall starting at the toe, quarter, and/or heel, which can then become infected with bacteria and fungi. The separation occurs between the stratum medium and stratum i...

Have you noticed that your horse’s stall walls or bedding seem dirtier than normal? Are their tail and hind legs constantly stained? Do you find yourself frequently bathing them to remove these stains? If you have observed any of these signs, it could be a result of Free Fecal Water Syndrome (FFWS). Free Fecal Water Syndrome is a topic on the rise within the equine research community as the preval...

An overabundance of fat along the top of the neckline, otherwise known as cresty neck, is an indicator of metabolic problems in your horse. Researchers believe this type of regional fat deposit (nuchal crest adiposity) is a strong indicator of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). If your horse has already developed a cresty neck, the good news is that there are measures you can take to reduce this fat...

Equine gastric ulcers are extremely common in horses, especially in performance horses. Ulcers can also occur in the horse’s hindgut and have negative consequences for digestive health. Hindgut ulcers are also known as colonic ulcers. Veterinarians often refer to the condition as Right Dorsal Colitis (RDC) since most hindgut ulcers occur in this part of the large intestine on the right side of the...

Equine hoof problems are a significant source of concern for horse owners. Hoof issues can lead to lameness and unsoundness, causing discomfort for the horse and potentially leading to early retirement. In one study, 85% of horses were observed to have at least one form of hoof disorder when examined during regular hoof trimming. While most hoof issues are mild, if left untreated they can worsen o...

Equine Heaves is characterized by inflamed airways in the lungs. This can lead to a number of associated symptoms such as chronic coughing, excess mucous, poor performance and weight loss. This condition also goes by several other names, including Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), Equine Asthma, Equine Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD). Heaves is the mo...

Equine supplements for ulcer prevention are on the rise, but not all products are created equal. According to a survey of horse owners, Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome is one of the most common reasons to modify a horse’s diet. Dietary management for horses with ulcers can include increasing forage and decreasing grain, as well as providing supplements that support a healthy digestive tract. Ulcer s...

Kissing spine is a skeletal abnormality in horses in which bony growths on the vertebrae of the spine touch or “kiss”. These bony outgrowths are called dorsal spinous processes . This condition is caused by multiple factors, including conformation issues , genetic predispositions, poor posture, improper conditioning , and training under saddle at a very young age. Horses with a kissing spine do no...

Colic is a painful, sometimes fatal, condition that strikes fear in the heart of any horse owner. Many cases of colic are mild and can be resolved with veterinary intervention. Others are severe enough to necessitate surgery.  The term 'colic' is used to describe abdominal pain in horses. It is not one specific condition but rather a symptom associated with numerous abnormalities that affect...

Founder is a common cause of lameness in horses and refers to an advanced stage of laminitis . It involves damage to the laminar connection between the hoof wall and the coffin bone. This often leads to rotation and/or sinking of the coffin bone which causes severe pain and can permanently damage the hoof structure. Multiple factors can contribute to the development of founder. Horses with the con...

What are some of the common signs that your horse is affected by ulcers ? If your horse is losing weight, not eating well, or has developed a coarse coat they may be affected by ulcers. But these are not the only symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. Every horse owner should be aware of these signs because Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is one of the most common medical conditions...