This course provides a study of equine health management and disease prevention. Lessons will include discussions on the principles of disease and disease transmission, as well as normal health parameters and signs of disease in horses. Additional topics to be presented include common infectious diseases, considerations for effective vaccination programs, parasite control and management, digestive system disorders and miscellaneous diseases affecting the skin and respiratory system. The course concludes with discussions regarding wound management and first aid.

This is a stand-alone course that does not require a prerequisite and can be taken alongside Horse Care I (Introduction) and Horse Care III (Equine Nutrition).

Course Aims:

• Analyse the feeding requirements and feeding techniques available for horse husbandry
• Develop a stable management program for horses
• Explain the management procedures necessary to fulfil the bedding requirements of horses
• Explain the management and care of horses feet
• Implement management procedures for the conditioning of horses
• Describe the procedures used for managing the tack requirements of horses
• Explain the management, including design and applications of facilities used in the horse industry

What will you learn in this horse health course?

1. Review of Horse Disease

• • Nature of Disease
  • Types of Disease
  • Disease Transmission
  • Limiting the Spread of Disease
  • Disease Resistance/Defense Mechanisms
  • Immune Response
  • Types of Immunity

2. Normal Health Parameters and Signs of Disease

• • Normal Health Parameters
  • Assessing Health Status
  • Body Condition Scoring
  • Disease Prevention and Control

3. Common Infectious Diseases

• • Impact of Infectious Diseases
  • Common Viral Diseases
  • Common Bacterial Diseases
  • Effective Vaccination Programs
  • Reportable/Notifiable Infectious Diseases

4. Parasite Management

• • Introduction to Parasites
  • Common External Parasites
  • Common Internal Parasites
  • Protozoa Parasites in the Horse
  • Parasite Control Program Goals
  • Use of Anthelmintics
  • General Management Recommendations

5. Digestive System Disorders

• • Review of the Equine Digestive Tract
  • General Signs of Digestive Disease
  • Disorders of the Digestive System
  • Disorders of the Mouth
  • Disorders of the Esophagus
  • Disorders of the Stomach
  • Disorders of the Small and Large Intestines
  • Diarrhea Management
  • Colic Management

6. Miscellaneous Diseases

• • Factors Contributing to Loss of Use
  • Structure and Function of the Skin
  • Disorders of the Skin
  • Function of the Respiratory System
  • Common Non-Infectious Respiratory Disorders
  • Eye Disorders
  • Endocrine Disorders

7. Wound Management and First Aid

• • Factors Influencing Risk of Injury
  • Goals of First Aid
  • Types of Wounds
  • Phases of Wound Healing
  • Factors Affecting Wound Healing
  • Wound Management
  • Wound Lavage
  • Bandaging
  • Treatment of Proud Flesh
  • General First Aid Recommendations