Equine Diseases of the Immune System

Welcome to your comprehensive resource on immune system diseases in horses!

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and management strategies for immune system disorders is crucial for your horse’s health and resilience.

Immune system diseases in horses can present in various ways, including recurrent infections, autoimmune reactions, and allergies. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s quality of life. Our articles cover a wide range of conditions, from common issues like Allergies, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pemphigus Foliaceus to more complex diseases such as Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Fell Pony Syndrome) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Each article explores the underlying causes of these disorders, evidence-based treatments including immunosuppressive medications, supportive care, and dietary adjustments to support immune function. Whether you’re looking for advice on managing your horse’s environment to reduce allergens, signs to watch for during flare-ups, or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian or immunologist, we’ve got you covered.

Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles below and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to support your horse’s immune system health.

Think your horse has immune system issues?  –  Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.


Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and management strategies for immune system disorders is crucial for your horse’s health and resilience.

Immune system diseases in horses can present in various ways, including recurrent infections, autoimmune reactions, and allergies. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s quality of life. Our articles cover a wide range of conditions, from common issues like Allergies, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pemphigus Foliaceus to more complex diseases such as Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Fell Pony Syndrome) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Our Articles on Immune System Diseases

Learn all about Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in horses is an autoimmune disease causing widespread inflammation affecting skin, joints, and organs.
Immune System

Systematic Lupus Erthematosus (SLE)

Systematic Lupus Erthematosus (SLE) Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment Equine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a polysystemic auto-immune disease with multiple and variable signs in several or many organs or structures. It is associated with the production of

Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune skin disease in horses causing blistering, crusting, and hair loss, primarily on the face, limbs, and body.
Diseases

Pemphigus Foliaceus in Horses

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment.

Pemphigus foliaceus is an autoimmune skin disease in horses causing blistering, crusting, and hair loss, primarily on the face, limbs, and body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in horses is an autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation, pain, and progressive lameness.
Bone / Joint Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting the joint capsule. This condition is often characterized by swelling and pain at the joint, particularly of the synovial membrane. The synovial membrane is

Diabetes in horses is a metabolic disorder causing high blood sugar, increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss.
Immune System

Diabetes

Diabetes Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment Diabetes mellitus can have more than one cause. Type 1 results from a decrease in insulin being produced by beta cells in the pancreas, and low levels of insulin are always found.

Addison's disease in horses is a rare endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, resulting in lethargy, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.
Immune System

Addison Disease

Addison Disease This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is much less common in horses than Cushing’s disease. Addison’s results from a deficiency of adrenal hormones.Addison’s results from a

Allergy in horses refers to an exaggerated immune response to certain substances, leading to symptoms such as itching, hives, and respiratory distress
Immune System

Allergies in Horses

Equine Allergy Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment An allergy is an exaggerated response from the immune system to a substance in the environment, called an allergen. Allergic reactions are extremely common in horses, whose immune systems can overreact

Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIS), also known as Fell Pony Syndrome, is a genetic disorder in equines, primarily affecting Fell ponies, characterized by a compromised immune system leading to increased susceptibility to infections and often resulting in early mortality.
Congenial (Genetic)

Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Fell Pony Syndrome)

Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Fell Pony Syndrome) This disease is fatal, cannot be cured or adequately treated and is expected to result in the death of the horse. Foal immunodeficiency syndrome (FIS), previously known as Fell Pony syndrome, is an inherited

 
 

Each article explores the underlying causes of these disorders, evidence-based treatments including immunosuppressive medications, supportive care, and dietary adjustments to support immune function. Whether you’re looking for advice on managing your horse’s environment to reduce allergens, signs to watch for during flare-ups, or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian or immunologist, we’ve got you covered.

Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles above and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to support your horse’s immune system health.

Think your horse has immune system issues?  –  Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.