GLANDERS
Signs
Horses that develop chronic form of the disease show weight loss, nasal discharge, coughing, pneumonia.
Ulcerations of nasal cavity and of skin erupting on inside of hock. If skin condition old, dry and hard, apply zinc cream to soften skin and minimise cracking. If skin moist and oozing, leave skin open to air, bandages often keep surface moist.
Cause
Bacterium Actinobacillus mallei is causative agent which survives in water for up to 4 weeks. Infection mainly by ingestion.
Treatment
Isolate horse and contact your veterinary surgeon.
GREASY HEEL
Signs
Affected areas sore to touch. In early stages, skin inflamed, after which it becomes raw and bleeds, hair loss and deep cracks with thickened skin on either side may develop. In severe cases, swelling of pastern and fetlock.
Causes
Standing or exercising in wet or muddy conditions predisposes skin to infection.
If area constantly wet and washed with soap it may become irritated.
Treatment
Keep horse's legs as dry as possible, reduce hosing, put horse in well drained, dry yard. Wipe any dirt from backs of pasterns.
greasy heel
Grunter
Deep grunting or groaning sounds made by horse when he suddenly starts, leaps, or rolls. Grunting is considered by many experts to be a direct indication of roaring. The defect may never advance further than this stage so may not evolve into the roarer.
