Miniature horses are very liable to suffer from contracted tendons in their
legs; this will be indicated by the horse’s hoof or hooves beginning to rock
backwards. As soon as this genetic fault is recognized, simple and inexpensive
corrective surgery should be carried out to ease the miniature horses
suffering.
Miniature horses can also suffer from a condition known as Locking stifles.
Locking stifles are marked by the miniature horse knee or knees becoming locked,
causing the horse major difficulty in walking. Again all that is required to put
the miniature horse back on track is a simple veterinary medical procedure.
A condition which from the outset seems as equally uncomplicated as those
laid out above at the outset is displacement of the shoulder (Shoulder
dysplasia). If diagnosed, the vet will recommend a course of injections of
Adaquin which is a pain killer. If the vet still detects signs of distress then
the option of surgery is the only one that remains. The difference is that the
surgery involved correcting Shoulder dysplasia is a major corrective procedure
that can cost in excess of £5,000.
Other ailments that can have an effect on miniature horse health
that are less obvious to the eye yet can be more life threatening than those
above are:
Breathing problems: Certain breeds of miniature horses are susceptible to
potentially fatal genetically induced respiratory problems. If an owner suspects
that their horse’s breathing is labored, then they should contact their vet
immediately.
Stomach problems: If a miniature horse begins to grind its teeth or
begins to lie on its back with its leg in the air, this is a sign that their
stomach is bothering them, and may even be suffering from a stomach ulcer. Again
a call to the vet is called for and as soon as possible.
Miniature horse choke: If your horse begins to show signs of distress
manifested in coughing, gulping and discharge from the nose, then the horse may
be suffering from the effects of Miniature horse choke. The disease usually
affects older horses, which have lost their ability to chew. If the food that
that is choking them does not clear naturally, the vet will need to pay a visit
to extract the foreign body using a vacuum tube.
These are the more common problems that an owner may encounter relating to
miniature horse health. There are other diseases that can occur, more serious
but equally rare. The owner should keep their "finger on the pulse" for any
changes in the horse’s appearance and behavior, especially when it comes to
diet. The importance of having an experienced vet near by cannot be emphasized
enough
