Senior Horse Health Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the equine health terms behind your senior horse's diagnoses and feed labels: PPID (Cushing's), EMS, NSC, Henneke body condition score, and laminitis.
PPID in Horses (Equine Cushing's) Explained
PPID is the most common hormonal disease of older horses. Learn what pars intermedia dysfunction is, how ACTH testing works, and why it links to laminitis.
Read guide →Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) Explained
EMS is a metabolic disorder centered on insulin dysregulation and regional fat. See how it differs from PPID and why it raises laminitis risk.
Read guide →NSC in Horse Feed: What It Means
NSC stands for non-structural carbohydrates, the sugar and starch in feed and hay. Learn the under 10 to 12 percent target for PPID and EMS horses.
Read guide →Henneke Body Condition Score Explained
The Henneke scale rates a horse's fat from 1 to 9. Learn how to assess the six key areas and why a score of 4 to 6 is the healthy target.
Read guide →Laminitis and Founder in Horses Explained
Laminitis is painful inflammation of the laminae inside the hoof. Learn the causes, warning signs, and why it is always treated as an emergency.
Read guide →EOTRH in Horses Explained
EOTRH is a painful resorptive disease of the incisors in older horses. Learn the signs, how it is diagnosed with radiographs, and why extraction brings relief.
Read guide →Quidding in Horses Explained
Quidding is when a horse drops balls of half-chewed hay because chewing hurts. Learn what causes it, why it signals dental trouble, and how to feed a quidder.
Read guide →Choke in Horses Explained
Choke in horses is an esophageal blockage, not an airway one. Learn the signs, why it is a veterinary emergency, and how to prevent it in senior horses.
Read guide →Types of Colic in Horses Explained
Colic is abdominal pain, not one disease. Learn the main types, from gas and impaction to strangulating lipoma colic, and which most affect senior horses.
Read guide →Founder in Horses Explained
Founder is the chronic stage of laminitis where the coffin bone rotates or sinks inside the hoof. Learn the causes, what rotation means, and how seniors are managed.
Read guide →Navicular Syndrome Explained
Navicular syndrome is chronic heel pain in the back of the front feet. Learn the signs, the role of hoof balance, and how it is diagnosed and managed.
Read guide →Ringbone in Horses Explained
Ringbone is osteoarthritis of the pastern or coffin joint with new bony growth. Learn high versus low ringbone, the signs, and how it is managed in seniors.
Read guide →Cribbing and Windsucking Explained
Cribbing is a stereotypic behavior where a horse grips a surface and gulps air. Learn how it differs from windsucking, why horses do it, and how to manage it.
Read guide →Anhidrosis in Horses Explained
Anhidrosis is the loss of a horse's ability to sweat, a serious problem in hot, humid climates. Learn the signs, why it is dangerous, and how to keep non-sweaters cool.
Read guide →Hard Keeper Explained
A hard keeper is a horse that struggles to hold weight even on a generous diet. Learn the causes, why senior horses are prone, and how to safely add condition.
Read guide →Senior Cat Wellness & Care Planner
10 printable worksheets to track your aging cat's health, meds, vet visits, mobility, nutrition, and quality of life.
Get the Planner for $39