Common Health Concerns in Minis
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Everyone loves minis, and with that love comes the desire to do the absolute best by them. While we all want our minis to be healthy, there are a few issues that tiny equines can be prone to. Read on to discover what they are and to learn the potential symptoms or warning signs of these diseases. Doing so can help your mini receive quick veterinary assistance that will keep them in their position as your mane man (or lady!) for years to come.
Cushings
- Failure or delayed shedding of the winter coat
- A coat that may become long, matted, and curly, especially around the legs
- Excessive sweating
- Increased appetite
- Increased drinking and urination
- Lethargy and poor performance
- A pot-bellied appearance
- Loss of muscle and topline
- Abnormal fat distribution particularly above the eyes, the crest of the neck and above the tail head
- Chronic or relapsing laminitis
- Delayed wound healing, increase in infections of the skin and susceptibility to internal parasites
Laminitis
- Strong/bounding digital pulse on lower limb
- Heat in the hoof
- Distorted hoof shape/unusual rings
- Increased heart rate
- Too little or too much foot lifting
- Separation of the white line from the hoof wall
- Shortened stride
- Increased insulin levels
- Obesity
- Diarrhea, infection, or inflammatory response
Colic
- Depression
- No appetite
- Pawing
- Looking at the flank
- Lying down, getting up, circling, lying down again, repeatedly
- Curling/lifting upper lip
- Rolling on back
- Stretching out
- Dog sitting
- Groaning
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Bloating
- Less than normal to no manure production
- Loose stools
If your horse is experiencing any of these symptoms, or acting outside out of their normal behavior, please contact your vet for proper diagnosis.