# Horse Health Basics in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk): Horse Health Basics in the UK — Quick answer. Colic (abdominal pain) is the most common equine emergency in the UK — call your vet immediately if your horse shows distress, rolling or failure to pass droppings. Register with an equine practice before emergencies arise.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk): Horse Health Basics in the UK — Daily health checks. Observe appetite, droppings, water intake, digital pulse, and hoof heat. Know your horse's normal temperature (37.5–38.5°C). Report subtle changes early.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk): Horse Health Basics in the UK — Vaccinations. Core UK vaccines typically include tetanus and equine influenza. Your vet records boosters in the horse's passport. Discuss additional vaccines (e.g. herpesvirus) for breeding or high-risk yards.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk): Horse Health Basics in the UK — Laminitis. Painful inflammation of the hoof laminae — common in overweight ponies on spring grass. Signs: reluctance to walk, rocked-back stance, hot hooves. Emergency vet care and strict diet restriction.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk): Horse Health Basics in the UK — Donkeys. Donkeys need specialist hoof care and diet management — they are not small horses. Register with a vet experienced in donkey medicine.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/horse-health-basics-uk