Horse Diseases and Disorders: An Issue of Veterinary Clinics

Horses are odd-toed ungulate mammals of commercial and domestic significance. The breed, environment and management of horses directly impact the lifespan of horses. They can be affected by several diseases and infections such as potomac horse fever, equine arthritis, botulism, laminitis, etc. The bacterial infection caused by an organism known as neorickettsia risticii is called potomac horse fever. Depression, fever and diarrhea are its most common symptoms. Equine arthritis is characterized by swelling, pain and redness of the joints. Osteoarthritis, septic arthritis and traumatic arthritis are some of its common forms. Botulism refers to a potentially fatal condition caused by a toxin producing bacteria. In horses, it may spread through wet or dry hay, a wound or hay which has been contaminated by an animas carcass. The inflammation of the laminae in a horse's hooves is called laminitis. It can be divided into developmental, acute, sub-acute and chronic stage. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of horse diseases and disorders. It consists of contributions made by international experts. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.