Red Sores on a Horse's Gums

A horse's gums and eyelids as well as other mucous membranes are indicators of the animal's overall health. Normally these should be pink, and any deviation could indicate a health problem.

  1. Gum Color

    • While moist pink gums indicate a horse in good health, other colors may present health concerns. Very pale gums may indicate anemia or blood loss as well as fever. Gums that are bright red often denote mild shock while ones that are dark red often show dehydration. Blue or gray gums are usually symptoms of severe shock, depression or other illness. Gums that have a yellowish tint may indicate liver problems.

    Vesicular Stomatitis

    • In recent years horses and other livestock in the western part of the United States have been diagnosed with vesicular stomatitis. Symptoms include blisters and sores on the tongue, lips and gums. While fatalities in horses seldom occur, the infected animal may lose weight due to pain while eating.

    Evaluation

    • Care must be taken when evaluating gum color according to Nancy S. Loving, D.V.M. While the color guidelines listed previously are valid, a variety of underlying causes may change the results. Unusual colors or sores on a horse's gums should be diagnosed by a veterinarian.