There isn't a recognized medical condition called "Richard Syndrome" in horses; you might be thinking of RER (Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis), also known as "tying-up," which is a muscle disorder causing stiffness, cramping, and reluctance to move during or after exercise, often linked to genetics, diet, and training, especially in Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. If you meant a behavioral issue, some gait abnormalities can be mislabeled, but "Richard Syndrome" isn't a standard term, though related conditions like EPM or rein lameness cause similar confusion.
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)/Rhinopneumonitis: Of the several equine herpes viruses identified, Type 1 (EHV1) and Type 4 (EHV4) are the most clinically important. EHV is characterized by respiratory infections, paralysis, abortions, inflammation of the spinal cord and occasionally death in young horses.
Life Expectancy with Navicular Disease
According to some studies, the average lifespan for a horse diagnosed with navicular disease is 14 years. Those suffering from milder cases can live into their twenties. Both ages are far younger than the average lifespan of a horse.
Common symptoms include the following:
The first signs of EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) are often subtle and include mild incoordination (ataxia), stumbling, or vague lameness, which can be mistaken for other issues, plus asymmetrical muscle wasting (atrophy), especially on the hindquarters or topline. Other early indicators involve behavioral changes, head tilts, drooping facial features, or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), appearing as one-sided weakness or loss of muscle mass.
Head Tilt: The horse could have a head tilt to one side, which indicates a neurological issue. Uneven Gait: The gait might appear uneven or irregular. The horse could have a tendency to circle or lean to one side, and its movement may seem disjointed.
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is caused by the protozoal parasites Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi, although most cases are due to S. neurona. The definitive host for S. neurona is the opossum, and horses become infected when they ingest feed or water contaminated with opossum feces.
Also, because horses with Cushing's are more prone to insulin resistance and high blood sugar, feeds and forages with higher non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) should be avoided. NSC's are what make up the starches and sugars in your horses feed and forage.
What Are the Warning Signs of Cushing's? Vets refer to the five P's: polyuria and polydipsia (increased urination and drinking), polyphagia (excessive hunger), panting, and a pot belly appearance. Owners may notice changes in the skin and coat, such as symmetrical hair loss on the body or a thinner skin.
Clinical signs include increased coat length and delayed shedding of the winter coat, laminitis, lethargy, increased sweating, weight loss and excessive drinking and urinating. The disease primarily affects those over the age of 10, with 19 being the average age at diagnosis.
The "1-2-3 Rule" for horses is a critical guideline for monitoring a newborn foal and mare: the foal should stand within 1 hour, nurse within 2 hours, and the mare should pass the placenta (afterbirth) within 3 hours of birth; any delay in these milestones requires an immediate call to a veterinarian to ensure the health of both animals.
The most common cause of death in horses is colic, which refers to abdominal pain and is a leading cause of emergency veterinary visits, especially in horses aged 1 to 20 years, though old age becomes the top reason in horses over 20. Colic can stem from various digestive issues, including blockages, impactions, and ruptures, often triggered by management problems, diet changes, or parasites. In older horses, gastrointestinal diseases remain the primary culprit, followed by conditions like Cushing's disease, lameness, and tumors.
Agne notes that farriers can begin the process of finding navicular cases through an initial examination of the affected hoof, including the shape and conformation of the hoof capsule, a review of the horse's history and hoof tester exams.
The "20% rule" for horses is a guideline stating the total weight of rider and equipment should not exceed 20% of the horse's body weight for welfare and performance, though many experts suggest a more conservative 10-15% is better for long-term health, with factors like horse build, fitness, rider skill, and activity intensity also crucial. It's a widely cited standard from sources like old Cavalry Manuals, but modern consensus leans towards it being a starting point, not a strict rule, requiring observation of the horse's comfort and fitness.
The "3 Fs for horses" stand for Friends, Forage, and Freedom, a widely recognized concept in equine welfare emphasizing natural social interaction (friends), continuous access to fiber-rich food (forage), and ample space for movement and choice (freedom) to ensure a horse's physical and mental well-being. These pillars address core needs, preventing behavioral issues often rooted in confinement and unnatural feeding, promoting happier, healthier horses.
Borna disease, also known as sad horse disease, is an infectious neurological syndrome of warm-blooded animals, caused by Borna disease viruses 1 and 2 (BoDV-1/2). BoDV-1/2 are neurotropic viruses of the species Orthobornavirus bornaense, and members of the Bornaviridae family within the Mononegavirales order.
Breeds that are prone to Cushing's disease include:
Pseudo-Cushing state
Some people have an abnormal amount of cortisol that is caused by something unrelated to Cushing's syndrome such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, depression, pregnancy, and obesity. This is called pseudo-Cushing state.
In most instances, the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test allows the diagnosis of Cushing's disease and indicates the type of Cushing's disease present (pituitary versus adrenal origin).
Dietary Restrictions or Sensitivities
Carrots have approximately 6-7.5% combined sugar and starch on a fresh weight basis, which is higher than some alternative feeds and can affect sensitive horses, such as those prone to laminitis or insulin dysregulation[1][2].
Equine Cushing's Disease (ECD) is an age-related endocrine disorder caused by dysfunction of the pituitary gland, specifically the part known as the Pars Intermedia. This region of the pituitary gland plays a critical role in regulating the production of hormones that control a horse's metabolic processes.
Increased energy requirements can be met by feeding alfalfa (lucerne) hay or chaff, super-fibers such as beet pulp and soy hulls, or a low- to moderate-NSC feed. Feeds that are higher in fat (greater than 6%) are preferred as they are less reliant on carbohydrates for energy.
The first signs of EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) are often subtle and include mild incoordination (ataxia), stumbling, or vague lameness, which can be mistaken for other issues, plus asymmetrical muscle wasting (atrophy), especially on the hindquarters or topline. Other early indicators involve behavioral changes, head tilts, drooping facial features, or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), appearing as one-sided weakness or loss of muscle mass.
EPM is a neurological disease of the Americas. It is most commonly caused by the parasite Sarcocystis neurona and more rarely by Neospora hughesi. The standard of practice for diagnosis is to perform a complete neurological exam, accompanied by laboratory tests that detect an immunological response to infection.
Horses can develop EPM after ingesting hay, grass, or grain that has been contaminated with microscopic protozoa found in opossum waste. The natural range of opossums includes the U.S. and parts of Canada, though the risk equine of exposure is lower in dry, treeless areas that are not favored by these marsupials.