SENIOR CARE
Do aging rescue horses have special health challenges?
Q: I adopted a rescue horse nearly 10 years ago. She was a very malnourished, unhealthy mare when I first met her, but with care and patience she has blossomed into a cherished family horse. She’s now 17 years old and very healthy. I’m worried, however, that her rough patch in life has left her vulnerable to problems as she ages. Are rescue horses who have been rehabilitated at higher risk of health complications as they age? Is there anything we should be on the lookout for? Anything we can prevent?
A: It’s wonderful that you were able to successfully rehabilitate this mare and now have a great family horse. There is no scientific data on long-term complications in rescue horses, and my expectation is that—with good care—you could have her for quite a few more years.
Just as for any aged horse, addressing potential medical issues in your rescue mare will likely enhance quality of life and longevity.
The key medical needs to attend to include annual wellness exams and vaccines, an annual dental examination, testing and treating for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly known as Cushing’s), and addressing mobility problems. Your veterinarian may make additional recommendations based on his or her examination findings, but here’s a rundown of key medical needs to address:
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