# Illnesses

In EquinoxMC, horses can contract a variety of realistic illnesses, each with unique symptoms, treatments, and risks. Some are contagious and may spread to nearby horses, while others develop from poor care or environmental exposure. Illnesses may lower a horse’s performance and, in serious cases, can result in permanent effects or death. Prompt treatment from a vet, farrier, or dentist is often required to aid recovery.

### 🩺**Ringworm**

A contagious fungal infection of the skin, commonly caused by _Trichophyton_ or _Microsporum_ species. It causes patchy hair loss and dry, scaly skin. Ringworm is zoonotic (can infect humans) and spreads via contact with infected horses or contaminated surfaces.

* **Deadly:** Very unlikely
* **Contagious:** Yes
* **Symptoms:** Patches of hair loss, dehydration, dry skin, and redness
* **Treatment:** Antifungal creams, lotions, or powders (Clotrimazole)
* **Cure Time:** 1–4 weeks

### 🩺 **Tickborne Fever**

Caused by _Anaplasma phagocytophilum_, this bacterial disease is transmitted through ticks. It leads to high fever, limb swelling, and coordination issues. Treatment is effective if started early.

* **Deadly:** 10–15%
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** High fever (over 104°F), depression, decreased appetite, limb edema, stumbling, and ataxia
* **Treatment:** Doxycycline every 12 hours
* **Cure Time:** 3 days to 2 weeks

### 🩺**Rabies**

A fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system, spreading through bites from infected animals. Horses show extreme behavior changes, sensitivity, and eventually paralysis. There is no cure, but vaccination is highly effective.

* **Deadly:** 90% if unvaccinated
* **Contagious:** Yes
* **Symptoms:** Low-grade fever, convulsions, lameness, sensitivity at the wound site, gnawing, anorexia
* **Treatment:** No cure if unvaccinated
* **Cure Time:** 1–4 weeks (if vaccinated)

### 🩺**Colic**

A general term for abdominal pain, colic ranges from mild gas buildup to severe intestinal twists. It’s the most common equine emergency, often requiring prompt veterinary intervention or even surgery.

* **Deadly:** 20%
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Looking at sides, biting or kicking belly, reduced manure, not eating
* **Treatment:** Banamine, fluids, electrolytes, possible surgery
* **Cure Time:** 1–3 weeks (minor), up to 2 months (major)

### 🩺**Tetanus**

Caused by _Clostridium tetani_, this neurotoxic disease results in muscle rigidity, hypersensitivity, and often death. Horses are especially susceptible due to exposure through hoof or wound injuries. Preventable via vaccine.

* **Deadly:** 11%
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Difficulty eating, sweating, stiff movement
* **Treatment:** Penicillin, tetanus antitoxin, padded stall, possible sling
* **Cure Time:** 2–6 weeks

### 🩺**Flu (Equine Influenza)**

A fast-spreading respiratory disease caused by Influenza A viruses. Common in young or unvaccinated horses, it spreads via nasal secretions and causes coughing, fever, and fatigue.

* **Deadly:** 5%
* **Contagious:** Yes
* **Symptoms:** Fever, nasal discharge, cough, lethargy, loss of appetite and weakness
* **Treatment:** Rest and supportive care; medications if secondary infections occur
* **Cure Time:** 3–6 weeks

### 🩺**Mud Fever (Pastern Dermatitis)**

A skin inflammation of the lower limbs often caused by prolonged wet and muddy conditions. It creates scabs and painful sores that can lead to secondary infections if untreated.

* **Deadly:** 50% if untreated
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Scabbing around legs, redness, and dry skin around legs
* **Treatment:** Clean legs, apply coconut oil/vaseline/zinc oxide creams, remove from muddy conditions
* **Cure Time:** 3 days to 3 weeks

### 🩺**Strangles**

An upper respiratory infection caused by _Streptococcus equi_, this highly contagious disease results in fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes. Can become serious if abscesses form in internal organs (bastard strangles).

* **Deadly:** 8%
* **Contagious:** Yes
* **Symptoms:** Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes with abscesses
* **Treatment:** Rest, hydration monitoring, antibiotics if needed
* **Cure Time:** 3–6 weeks

### 🩺**Depression**

A behavioural condition seen in isolated or stressed horses. Symptoms include lethargy, lack of appetite, and social withdrawal. Treatment involves enrichment, social contact, and sometimes medication.

* **Deadly:** 14%
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Lack of appetite, laziness, skittishness, lethargy, drowsy, and clumsiness
* **Treatment:** Social interaction, pasture time, enrichment, potential antidepressants
* **Cure Time:** No limit

### 🩺**Arthritis**

Degenerative joint disease that leads to stiffness and lameness, especially in older or overworked horses. It’s managed through rest, joint supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications.

* **Deadly:** 10%
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Stiffness, heat, swelling in the affected joint, and eventually lameness
* **Treatment:** Rest, joint medication, pasture time, weight management
* **Cure Time:** No limit

### 🩺**West Nile Virus**

A mosquito-borne viral infection that attacks the nervous system, causing stumbling, tremors, and sometimes death. Supportive care is critical, and vaccination is available.

* **Deadly:** 35% (Euthanasia if severe neurological symptoms present)
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Ataxia, stumbling, muscle twitching, paralysis, circling, blindness, fever
* **Treatment:** Supportive care only
* **Cure Time:** Often never fully recovers; chronic or fatal

### 🩺**Cushing's Disease (PPID)**

A hormonal disorder mostly affecting senior horses, leading to shaggy coats, laminitis, and weight shifts. Though incurable, it's managed through medication and a specialized diet.

* **Deadly:** Not directly, but reduces lifespan
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Fluffy coat, food aggression, visible ribs despite healthy weight, lethargy, excessive drinking/urinating
* **Treatment:** Pergolide or Prascend, dietary control, minimal riding
* **Cure Time:** Chronic; no cure

### 🩺**Botfly Infection**

Caused by botfly larvae burrowing into the stomach lining. Though usually not fatal, it causes digestive irritation and discomfort. Regular deworming helps prevent it.

* **Deadly:** Unlikely
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Loss of appetite, restlessness, belly kicking
* **Treatment:** Ivermectin
* **Cure Time:** 24 hours

### 🩺**Equine Anaemia**

Low red blood cell count typically caused by parasites or nutritional deficiency. Leads to fatigue and poor performance. Treatable through dietary changes and supplements.

* **Deadly:** No
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Fatigue, poor performance (no detailed symptoms in-game)
* **Treatment:** Increase iron intake in diet
* **Cure Time:** Days to one week

### 🩺**Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)**

A fatal and contagious viral disease. Horses often show weight loss, fever, and internal bleeding. Incurable—affected horses must be quarantined or euthanized.

* **Deadly:** Yes
* **Contagious:** Yes
* **Symptoms:** Fever, weight loss, anaemia, occasional hemorrhaging
* **Treatment:** Euthanasia (Sodium Pentobarbital)
* **Cure Time:** Terminal

### 🩺**Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)**

A common viral infection that spreads through contact with nasal secretions or contaminated equipment. Can cause respiratory illness, abortions, or neurologic symptoms. No cure, but vaccines reduce severity.

* **Deadly:** No
* **Contagious:** Yes
* **Symptoms:** Fever, depression, nasal discharge
* **Treatment:** No cure (vaccination is preventative)
* **Cure Time:** Terminal

### 🩺**Lethal White Overo Syndrome**

A fatal genetic condition seen in foals with overo parents. Affected foals are born white and suffer from an undeveloped intestine, leading to death within days.

* **Deadly:** Yes
* **Contagious:** Genetic (not contagious)
* **Symptoms:** Pure white foal, no functional digestive tract
* **Treatment:** Euthanasia (Sodium Pentobarbital)
* **Cure Time:** Terminal (most foals are stillborn)

### 🩺**Sweet Itch**

An allergic skin reaction to bites from midges. It causes extreme itching and hair loss. Managed with antihistamines, insect control, and steroids.

* **Deadly:** No
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Itching and rubbing along the mane/tail, hair loss, areas of sore skin
* **Treatment:** Steroids and antihistamines
* **Cure Time:** 24 hours

### 🩺**Worms**

Gastrointestinal parasites that cause weight loss and a dull coat. Common types include roundworms and tapeworms. Preventable with routine deworming.

* **Deadly:** If untreated
* **Contagious:** Yes
* **Symptoms:** Weight loss, dull coat
* **Treatment:** Ivermectin
* **Cure Time:** 24 hours

### 🩺**Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)**

A neurological disease caused by protozoa (_Sarcocystis neurona_), often transmitted via faeces. Causes weakness, ataxia, and sometimes seizures. Treatable with long-term anti-protozoal meds.

* **Deadly:** Potentially (20%)
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Sweating, seizures, no coordination, centralized paralysis
* **Treatment:** Anti-inflammatories, Vitamin E, extensive rehab
* **Cure Time:** 30 days

### 🩺**Conjunctivitis**

Inflammation of the eye’s outer membrane, caused by allergens, bacteria, or irritants. Horses show eye discharge and discomfort. Usually clears with antibiotics and eye care.

* **Deadly:** No
* **Contagious:** No
* **Symptoms:** Eye gunk, eye discomfort
* **Treatment:** Eye flush and antibiotics
* **Cure Time:** 3 days
