The aging equine immune system undergoes significant changes that increase health vulnerability in senior horses, requiring targeted preventive management.
Immunosenescence in horses creates a vulnerability that requires proactive management to prevent welfare harms that would be minor in younger animals becoming serious or fatal in seniors. A respiratory infection that a 5-year-old horse shakes off in a week may progress to life-threatening pneumonia in a 25-year-old. The compounding effect of PPID-induced immunosuppression on top of age-related immune decline creates horses that are highly vulnerable to secondary infections, parasite disease rebound, and delayed wound healing. Comprehensive senior health management - PPID detection and treatment, appropriate parasite monitoring, tailored vaccination, dental care, and nutrition - directly addresses these vulnerabilities and maintains welfare through a longer, more comfortable life.