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.
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.
Treatment will ultimately depend on the underlying cause of the anemia. In the case of acute hemorrhage, the source of the blood loss must be stopped. Afterwards, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a diet rich in iron and protein, and perhaps even prescribe supplements for its diet. For chronic hemorrhage due to insect bites, the first course of action is to remove the horse from the area where bites are occurring. (If available, indoor housing may be a good idea.) In addition, the veterinarian may treat it similarly to that of an acute hemorrhage case. Anemia due to lack of something in a horse’s diet is perhaps the easiest and simplest treatment option. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals will be prescribed.
In all cases of anemia, the horse must be given plenty of time to rest, relax, and fully recuperate. For the average horse, a month or so of little to no work should be enough. But your veterinarian will let you know how long the horse should be inactive.
Anemia is easily prevented, but it can happen to any horse. A healthy diet rich in iron and protein, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals, can help prevent anemia in your animal. It is also important to properly bandage injuries, as excessive blood loss can lead to anemia. Keeping your horse out of the way of pests can also prevent chronic anemia. In most cases, measures to prevent equine anemia are just common sense horse care.