With today’s medical advances, research, and improved management, horses are living longer and longer lives. In the past, most horses were considered old when they reached their late teens.
Senior horse with shiny coat eating from large pile of hay
Much like human seniors, elderly equines are often more susceptible to health problems.
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These days, it’s not uncommon for horses to live into their late 20s or even into their 30s, allowing us to spend plenty of quality time with our elder equine friends. Proper management is key to ensuring that the older horse is happy and comfortable throughout his golden years.
Routine Care
Whether the aging horse has a decreased workload or is fully retired, a regular care schedule should be in place. In addition to giving him a daily check for any new or worsening problems such as cuts or lameness, make sure he stays well groomed and clean his hooves regularly.
Maintain an allergen- and dust-free environment, especially for horses with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves).
If the horse is housed indoors at night, rubber mats are a wonderful addition to any horse’s stall. He’ll appreciate a softer surface to rest on, so stall bedding should be deep enough to be comfortable but not so deep that he has trouble rising. He should be regularly seen by both the veterinarian and farrier, whether or not he is still working.
It is estimated that 20 percent of horses over the age of 15 will develop pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) also known as Cushing’s disease. Typical signs of PPID are a long curly non-shedding hair coat and weight loss. The condition is associated with a range of problems, including laminitis.
Much like human seniors, elderly equines are often more susceptible to health problems. Gut motility issues are more common in older horses and can lead to an increased risk of colic. Tumors and increased parasite load are among other issues in the senior’s gastrointestinal tract that can elevate the risk of colic.
Difficulty in chewing feed can result in undigested food entering the gut, leading to gas or impaction colic. Older horses also tend to have a reduced urge to drink, making inadequate intake of water an additional risk factor.
Watch for melanomas and skin cancer, particularly in elder greys. Older horses are prone to disorders such as equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, formerly known as Equine Cushing’s disease.
Many older horses also suffer from pain due to arthritis. If possible, keep seniors moving around by extending their turnout time. Any discomfort or pain should be addressed by a veterinarian who can suggest treatment options.
It is important that seniors are kept current on vaccinations, and annual or biannual check-ups should be scheduled with your veterinarian. Prevention is always the best medicine.
Press release by Equine Guelph