Of all domesticated animals, horses have the lowest fertility rate. This is often due to selective breeding for performance and conformation rather than fertility. Equine fertility is influenced by a complex mix of environmental, management, and individual animal factors.

Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) is one of the most significant risks for foals and weanlings. It encompasses any orthopaedic issue involving tendons, joints, or bone tissue in growing horses. The diseases included under this definition are osteochondrosis (OCD), physitis and epiphysitis, angular limb deformities (ALD), flexural deformities (including contracted tendons), and wobbler disease.

Gestational Diabetes in Horses

Just like humans, horses can experience pregnancy diabetes, known as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). This condition affects 4-12% of women and has an equivalent in mares, increasing their risk of pregnancy-associated laminitis. Both humans and horses experience changes in blood glucose and insulin levels due to this condition.