What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems in Horses?

Thyroid glands in the horse are seen as an orb on either side of the trachea. They are responsible for releasing hormones dealing with growth and metabolism. But, like anything else in a horse, the glands can be difficult to keep healthy. When a horse's thyroid is either not putting out enough hormones or putting out far too much, it affects the entire horse's well-being.

  1. Foal Goiter

    • Foals will be weak and have very obvious lumps on their necks. According to The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual, it usually goes away on its own, provided the foal can nurse from its mother.

    Types

    • Goiter or hypothyroidism rarely happens in adult horses that still have their thyroid glands, but hyperthyroidism (or overactive thyroid) does.

    Features

    • The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in adult horses include obesity, lack of energy and shedding problems. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, an inability to relax and an inability to sweat.

    Coat Problems

    • Horses with either types of thyroid problems will have problems with their coats, losing large patches, developing a coarseness, or having it protrude out from the body.

    Warning

    • Horses with these symptoms may have cancer of the thyroid, which is why some horses have to have their thyroids removed.