Like all animals, the horse suffers from a range of conditions with particular symptoms that can often be identified even by the human companion. It is, in fact, up to the human to interpret the "signs" the animal gives to indicate its state of health. Lameness, for example, may hint at a problem of an orthopaedic nature, or more subtle symptoms that, to inexperienced eyes, may not seem particularly significant.

"Horses that are not eating, for example, should be carefully investigated, because for an equine a lack of appetite is a sign of a problem that can be quite serious, such as gastritis and gastric ulcers, conditions that are very common in horses living in stables," explains Carlotta Caminiti, veterinary surgeon.

"More serious symptoms can also be colic, which always requires veterinary intervention. If a horse is pawing the ground, sweating and throwing itself down to roll, the situation is certainly serious and requires prompt intervention by a vet. Otherwise, the animal's life could be put at risk."

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Watch out for coughing

There are other signs that can reveal a horse is unwell. Coughing, for example. "This too can be a symptom not to be underestimated: horses suffer from respiratory conditions, often of an allergic origin," continues Dr Caminiti.

"These are conditions that, if left untreated, become chronic, remaining a genuine thorn in the side for both the animals that suffer from them and their owners. It is therefore extremely important not to underestimate even the mildest cough, and if it persists and does not resolve with initial treatment, to consult a vet for more thorough investigation. In many cases, in fact, the way the horse is managed needs to be reviewed so as to eliminate all possible allergens that could be causing a potential allergy."

The environment in which equines live is crucial to their wellbeing and health. "The most important concept to bear in mind is that horses are creatures of habit, and any behaviour that differs from the norm should always be considered a symptom to be carefully investigated," the expert concludes.

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Horses need exercise and quality food

Careful management — with daily access to a paddock, in a healthy environment and with a diet based on feed suited to the horse's actual needs, both in terms of characteristics and quality and quantity — can go a very long way towards preventing illness and various ailments.

"Hay is also important: it must be provided in the right quantities and always of good quality (meaning not dusty). In this way, the onset of allergic conditions can be greatly reduced," adds Caminiti.

Lameness too could be contained by training horses appropriately — that is, taking into account their aptitude, age and previous workload. Rest periods without the constraint of continuous confinement in a box stall are a boon both psychologically and physically.

Joint and muscular problems

The sport horse is, naturally, the one most at risk of accidents and conditions of a joint and muscular nature. "When a horse has a problem of this kind, one should never improvise or ask the instructor on duty, who often has little understanding of such matters; it is important to always consult a vet specialising in equines. Better still if the vet in question has a further specialisation in the branch relevant to the condition. For example, when lameness appears, an equine vet specialising in orthopaedics should be called," explains Dr Caminiti.

The homoeopathic approach

Conditions such as those just described often find a prompt resolution with unicist homoeopathic therapies. "Excellent results are often achieved with homoeopathy, especially when the problem is not purely physical but has its roots in emotional and psychological issues," says Dr Mauro Dodesini, veterinary surgeon.

An example? The medical history of a magnificent stallion by the name of Derdonard. An imposing animal — 175 cm at the withers — entirely black, who with homoeopathic therapy alone began to walk well again. "Derdonard had been a champion, with many offspring and many victories to his name," continues Dodesini. "He was showing navicular disease in the forelimbs and was giving way on the left hind. The musculature of the hindlimbs and left shoulder was almost atrophied; the back too seemed practically non-existent. The horse had undergone surgery on the tendons of the carpus."

With the administration of the single homoeopathic remedy, Derdonard recovered. His mood improved — the horse had previously been perpetually sad and craving affection and attention — and he began to move without difficulty again. To his owner, who had thought she would never be able to ride him again, it seemed like a dream. A miracle? No, simply one of the many results that a non-invasive therapy like homoeopathy can achieve in animals. Ruling out, in fact, the placebo effect — which can be invoked in the case of humans — Derdonard recovered and is doing well, even though he will need to continue taking his single homoeopathic remedy for the rest of his life.