Equine Medicine

PLS Cruising Suzy was advancing in her jumping career when her owner noticed a swollen hock. After a complicated but successful surgery, Suzy is back to jumping and winning.

When 4-year-old Quarter Horse Hermes developed sudden, severe colic, his owner and primary veterinarian immediately recognized the urgency of the situation. Their quick response allowed Hermes to be transported without delay to the University of Florida’s Large Animal Hospital, where the equine emergency team evaluated his condition and quickly prepared…

What is Equine Influenza? Equine influenza, or “horse flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects horses of all ages. Similar to the human flu, it spreads through: Direct contact, especially nose-to-nose Inhalation of airborne droplets from coughing Contaminated hands, grooming tools, and shared surfaces Common Symptoms…

Although certain illnesses and conditions will have obvious signs and indicators that a veterinarian should be called, others may not. It is critical to know the normal behavior, attitude, and gait of your horses, since changes that could require veterinary attention may be subtle at first. No one knows your…

As equine veterinarians, we often see horses with congenital or acquired deformities that can significantly impact their quality of life and future prospects. One such condition is a club foot, a type of flexural limb deformity that occurs at the level of the coffin joint, typically seen in horses between…

UF Veterinary Hospitals Caryn E. Plummer, DVM, DACVO Associate chair and professor in comparative ophthalmology at UF College of Veterinary Medicine. A proud native of Florida, Dr. Caryn Plummer…

Apollo jumping! As equine professionals, we’ve seen our fair share of challenging cases. Every now and then, a story comes along that reminds us of the incredible resilience and determination of horses. Apollo, a middle-aged Thoroughbred, is one such story that will leave you in awe. Apollo presented to…

Smoke, a talented barrel racing Quarterhorse, faced an unexpected challenge when he started showing unusual neurologic symptoms. Referred to the specialists at UF Large Animal Hospital for further evaluation, Smoke had already undergone a CT scan that revealed an enlarged temporohyoid joint (THO)—a condition that typically causes specific neurologic signs.

Read about the 30-year-old Quarter Horse, Bayla, and her treatment at UF of a condition known as choke.

UF Large Animal Hospital What is Atrial Fibrillation in Horses? Atrial fibrillation (or “A-Fib”) is an abnormal rhythm of the heart and is one of the most common cardiac problems…