Managing Equine Pain

It is a horse owner's responsibility to understand, watch for and manage equine pain to ensure the ongoing welfare of their animal. Horses will often mask signs of pain, making it essential for owners to be vigilant and knowledgeable about recognizing these signs and addressing them effectively.

Recognizing Pain in Horses

Horses can experience pain for a variety of reasons including injuries, medical conditions and overexertion. Common indicators of pain in horses include:

Behavioural changes: Look for changes from what you know is normal behavior for your horse. Are they lying down more often, shifting weight or in an abnormal stance, shaking, flipping their lip, looking at their belly, grinding their teeth? You may also identify other signs such as decreased appetite, reluctance to move, aggression or depression.
Physical symptoms: Swelling, heat in specific areas, limping or unusual postures, sweating, increased respiration and/or heart rate can indicate your horse may be in pain.
Other signs: Changes in facial expressions, head position, head bobbing when the horse is in motion, or unusual responses to human interaction. These can be subtle indicators of discomfort.

The Equine Pain Face

Horse owners can watch for the “equine pain face.” This concept, similar to the grimace scale used in other animals, involves identifying specific facial expressions that indicate pain. Researchers have identified key areas on a horse's face that change when they are in pain, including the ears, eyes, nostrils, muzzle and facial muscles. For instance, horses may exhibit "worry wrinkles" around their eyes, dilated nostrils and tension in their lips and chin when experiencing pain.

Managing Equine Pain

Once pain is identified, managing it effectively in consultation with your veterinarian is vital. Here are several strategies to consider:

Veterinary consultation: Always consult with a veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause of pain and develop a treatment plan. Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian, which may include medication (such as NSAIDs or other analgesics tailored to the horse's needs) rest or other therapies. Regularly monitor your horse's condition and report any changes or lack of improvement to your veterinarian.
Regular checkups: Schedule regular veterinary checkups to catch potential issues early and prevent them from escalating.
Pain scoring: Utilize pain scoring methods to assess the severity and type of pain, which can guide treatment decisions and help to determine if there is a reduction in pain following treatment.

Collaborate with Your Veterinarian

By being attentive to your horse and identifying signs of pain early, you will be able to ensure a proactive approach in management strategies and significantly improve the quality of life for your equine companions. Collaborating closely with veterinary professionals ensures that horses receive the best possible care, helping them to lead comfortable and healthy lives. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to preventing long-term issues and ensuring your horse's well-being.