Anemia

Anemia in horses is defined as the shortage of hemoglobin – a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs through the blood – in their blood. There are different reasons for anemia, and it always occurs secondary to some other health issue the horse may be experiencing.

Symptoms and Types

• Unusually poor performance
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Hair loses luster
• Heart murmur
• Discoloration of the mucous membrane
• Death

Causes

1. Acute (rapid onset and/or short course) Hemorrhage Injury or operation that leads to severe blood loss
2. Chronic (persistent or long-lasting) Hemorrhage Lice Ticks Bloodsucking red worm (Strongylus vulgaris)
3. Excessive training or stress Iron and vitamin deficiency

Diagnosis

As soon as you notice any signs of anemia, it is important to take the horse to the veterinarian's office as soon as possible. There, they can diagnose anemia very easily. Usually it is as simple as performing a simple blood test, and treatment can begin immediately thereafter.