Nutritional Health Disorders in a Polo Pony

Loss of appetite in a polo pony is usually one of the first symptoms of a health disorder.

Colic

Colic is the word used to describe abdominal pain in a polo pony. If a polo pony is in pain, it will be restless and paw or scratch the ground with its front feet. It will frequently lie down, attempt to roll over, and then jump up.

Navicular

Navicular disease, which begins with inflammation of the bursa between the Navicular bone and the tendon of the deep digital flexor, is a common cause of lameness in horses.

Laminitis

Laminitis starts with an over consumption of feed that is rich in soluble carbohydrates or starch, such as grass or cereals. The presence of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates results in an unusual growth of bacteria. The bacteria release a toxin which causes an over activation of enzymes in the laminae.

Heaves

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is more commonly known as "Heaves". Heaves in a polo pony can cause an allergic response similar to asthma in people. It is a reaction to mold spores and dust in the environment.

Thrush

Thrush is an anaerobic bacterial infection in the frog of a horse's hoof, characterized by a foul smelling discharge and often resulting from unhygienic stall conditions.