Immune system

Like us humans, our animals are exposed to different pathogens every day. If your horse's immune system is strong enough, these "attacks" are usually not a major problem. Animals with weaker immune systems, such as foals, horses that are already ill and older horses, however, are more susceptible to pathogens. Affected animals are more susceptible to infections, fall ill more frequently and take longer to recover - and some illnesses can unfortunately become chronic.

Definition Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Further information

A strong immune system - the best protection against infections.

But what makes your horse's immune system strong and what can you do to help? Fortunately a lot! Find out here what you can do specifically.

DEFINITION

What does the immune system do?

Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites - your horse's immune system faces different challenges every day. Infection usually occurs from one animal to another through direct contact, via the air (droplet infection), but also via contaminated food/water or objects. However, before an infection can occur, your horse's body uses a few basic defense mechanisms: Skin and mucous membranes, the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract or even stomach acid. Once the intruders have overcome these obstacles, your horse's immune system is in top gear. It calls on immune cells and antibodies to render the invaders harmless before they can do any damage.

Despite good defenses, an infection can still occur from time to time. However, if the immune system is working reliably, the symptoms of illness are usually only mild and of comparatively short duration. The situation is different if your horse's immune system is weakened. In this case, the body's defenses are unable to withstand the various stresses. If an infection occurs, the disease breaks out with clear symptoms and the healing process can take a long time. Typical infectious diseases in horses include respiratory tract infections (e.g. bronchitis, cough, rhinopneumonitis or equine influenza) as well as diarrheal diseases or conjunctivitis. Skin diseases such as sweet itch, fungal skin infections or moulting are also associated with a weakened immune system. If your horse has suffered a cut or graze, there is a higher risk of wound healing disorders if it is immunocompromised.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms that indicate an infection

It is not only older and previously ill horses that often have weakened immune systems. Foals and young horses whose immune system is not yet sufficiently "trained" can also fall ill more quickly. Horses that have just had an infection can also catch pathogens again more quickly. Take a close look at your horse to recognize the signs:

An infection and its symptoms weaken your horse's body, because the immune system also uses up energy. If your horse is often exhausted and difficult to motivate to do activities, this may indicate an infection.

If your horse frequently suffers from infections such as colds, conjunctivitis or skin infections and the immune system never properly gets back on track, you should definitely consult your vet. This is because a weakened immune system can cause even mild illnesses to become chronic.

Fever is a reaction of the immune system to fight pathogens. Your healthy horse has a body temperature between 37 and 38.2 °C. A temperature up to 38.5 °C is referred to as an elevated temperature; above 38.5 °C, it is a fever. Above 41 °C, it can be life-threatening for your horse. To be on the safe side, contact your vet if the temperature is above 39.0 °C.

The immune system also plays an important role in supporting wound healing. If your horse's injuries or wounds take an unusually long time to heal, this could also indicate a weakened immune system.

If your horse is not eating as usual, it is advisable to take its body temperature. This is because fever and inflammatory processes in the body often trigger a loss of appetite. Gastrointestinal complaints can also occur as a result of an infection. Nausea or diarrhea can then occur and should be closely observed and, depending on the severity and duration, should definitely be clarified by a vet.

You should take the mere suspicion that your horse could be suffering from an infection seriously and, if possible, ask your vet for advice at the first sign. This is the only way to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment.

CAUSES

Causes of a weakened immune system

There are phases in your horse's life when the immune system is more challenged. For example, the change of coat in spring and fall as well as winter are challenging times. The following factors can also weaken the immune system:

Diseases, e.g. infections, parasite infestation, chronic underlying diseases, allergies
Stress, e.g. triggered by frequent, long or unfamiliar transportation or rehousing, conflict-ridden or variable social contact, insufficient rest periods
Housing conditions, e.g. dusty substrates/environment, cold/drafts, poor ventilation, too little exercise, social isolation, lack of stimulation
Feeding, e.g. inadequate composition (lack of nutrients) or poor quality of food, lack of fresh water
Medication, e.g. cortisone
Age of the animals, e.g. the production of antibodies and immune cells decreases with age, whereas in foals the immune system is not yet fully developed and is only trained through contact with antigens.

The age of the animals also plays a role when it comes to their immune system. In foals, for example, the immune system is not yet fully developed and is only trained through contact with pathogens. In contrast, the production of antibodies and immune cells decreases with increasing age, which limits the function of the immune system.

Important for a strong immune system: stress avoidance!

Stress is often underestimated as a trigger for a weak immune system. It can cause your horse's body to release more cortisol. This can have a negative effect on the immune system, especially over a longer period of time. If your horse falls ill more frequently after stressful situations (e.g. during transportation), ask your vet about preventative measures that will strengthen the immune system in the long term and regulate the reactions triggered by stress in the body.

DIAGNOSIS

Examination and diagnosis

If you discover signs in your horse that indicate an infection and therefore a weakened immune system, your vet can support you. Depending on the symptoms, blood or fecal tests may be carried out, for example. In some cases, it may also be necessary to assess the organs with an ultrasound examination or take an X-ray. As health problems of all kinds can weaken the immune system, regular health checks and preventive examinations are particularly useful in order to detect and treat illnesses as early as possible. Especially for older animals!

TREATMENT

Treatment

How your horse's symptoms are treated depends on what caused them. If a weakened immune system is detected in the course of the actual illness, temporary support is advisable. This allows the body to help itself again. Natural veterinary medicines with the ingredients white swallowwort and sulphur, for example, have proven effective in strengthening the body's defenses. These ingredients can support the immune system, help fight viruses and help to clear mucus in the case of respiratory diseases. Your vet can advise you on suitable preparations and other ways in which you can support your horse's immune system in a targeted manner.

PREVENTION

Strengthen the horse's immune system

In order for your horse's immune system to work effectively and reliably, its housing conditions are crucial. You have already done a lot by providing high-quality feed and a stress-free environment with harmonious social contacts, as well as sufficient exercise in the fresh air. Here are a few more important measures:

Make sure they are fed a nutritious, balanced and needs-based diet (high-quality roughage, needs-based mineral feed and plenty of fresh water).
Provide plenty of exercise and tailor the training to your horse's individual needs.
Create retreats for sufficient rest and relaxation.
Provide a good stable climate and keep the environment as dust-free as possible with high-quality bedding.
Clean the stable, feed and water troughs and your horse's equipment regularly.
Help your horse renew its coat and brush it regularly to remove dirt particles and dead hair.
Avoid stress, as this puts a permanent strain on the immune system and makes your horse more susceptible to illness.

Good to know

Whether it's heat, cold, snow or rain - your horse can cope very well with all environmental and thermal stimuli. For this to work well, the body's own regulatory and protective system needs to be trained regularly. Your horse can therefore also go out to pasture regularly in winter - this stimulates blood circulation and metabolism and thus also strengthens the immune system.

If your horse is already retired, it is advisable to provide targeted support for the immune system. The same applies if your horse already has another illness or is increasingly exposed to pathogens due to frequent contact with conspecifics. It may also be necessary to support the immune system after treatment, such as with antibiotics.

Heel Vet

If you want to support your horse, consider the natural veterinary medicines from Heel Vet.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Tips for stress-free horse transportation

Anything unfamiliar means additional stress. Therefore, try to give your horse a sense of security by developing a transportation routine in which the general procedures are always repeated.
If your horse is not yet used to the trailer, give it time to get used to it. Lead it in regularly and reward it when it stands correctly.
The trailer should be well ventilated and your horse should not be exposed to drafts.
It is best to use a sturdy halter and a rope with a panic hook for tethering. Tie the horse so short that it cannot turn or lift a leg over the rope, but long enough that it can still balance itself using its head and neck.
A hay net can provide distraction during the ride. Moistened hay helps to reduce the amount of dust in the trailer.
If the journey takes several hours, your horse needs regular breaks and plenty of fresh water.
Tension can be relieved or avoided if the horse has the opportunity to lower its head in between.