Immunosenescence: What Owners of Old Horses Need to Know

Take a look at how immunosenescence and its effects impact the way owners and veterinarians care for senior horses.
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Immunosenescence: What Owners of Old Horses Need to Know
As horses age, their immune systems decline. This can contribute to an increased prevalence of autoimmune and chronic diseases and increased susceptibility to common infectious diseases. | Photo: iStock
From T-cells and IgG to INFγ and TNFα, equine immunology isn’t the easiest topic to understand. However, it holds some practical information that owners can use as they’re managing their older horses day to day.

For instance, understanding immunosenescence and how it impacts senior horses can help owners make decisions regarding multiple facets of their care. At the University of Kentucky’s (UK) senior horse care mini-symposium, held Sept. 27 in Lexington, Amanda Adams, PhD, reviewed immunosenescence and how it affects old horse care. Adams is an associate professor at UK’s Gluck Equine Research Center and focuses her research on the geriatric horse’s immune system.

Here’s a look at how immunosenescence and its effects impact the way owners and veterinarians care for senior horses.

What is it?

Immunosenescence describes a phenomenon in which as horses age, their immune systems decline. This can contribute to an increased prevalence of autoimmune and chronic diseases and increased susceptibility to common infectious diseases

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Written by:

Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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