The past several decades have seen an increase in the
proportion of older horses. It is now estimated that horses greater than 16
years of age make up 16 percent of the horse population.
The aging of the horse population can be credited to
improved nutrition, preventative care, and health management. Additionally, owners have adjusted their
expectations of their older equine partners, thus allowing the horses to
continue contributing their experience in the years after peak athletic
performance is no longer possible.
Aging is a gradual, irreversible process that affects all
body systems. It is estimated that at least 70 percent of horses greater than
16 years of age have a medical problem that requires veterinary attention to
maintain health or comfort.
Regular dental care, body condition evaluation, and physical
examination are important components of ensuring a healthy, comfortable old-age
for your horse.
Common problems seen in the older horse include:
• Declining immune function
• Declining vision
• Poor thermoregulation
• Musculoskeletal problems
-Sagging
of topline and pendulous abdomen
-Osteoarthritis
-Suspensory
ligament degeneration
-Laminitis
• Dental problems
-
Missing or broken teeth
-
Malocclusion
• Alterations in body condition
-Weight
loss due to declining feed efficiency, bad teeth, loss of appetite, or concurrent disease
-
Weight gain due to decreased activity or Equine Metabolic Syndrome
• Altered internal organ function
-Kidney
disease
-Liver
disease
-
Cushing’s Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction)
-
Equine Metabolic Syndrome
Below are some additional resources on aging horses
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