Caring for a horse with a long-term illness or injury requires both financial commitment and practical planning. Veterinary bills, medications, specialized feed, and management adjustments can add up quickly, so creating a clear financial plan helps owners prepare for ongoing expenses. Practical management—such as adjusting your horse’s workload, providing appropriate turnout, and maintaining a consistent routine—can support your horse’s well-being. Work closely with your veterinarian to be sure your horse receives individualized treatment.

During this Ask TheHorse Live event, two veterinarians answer listener questions about managing horses with chronic illness and injury. 

This event is sponsored by CareCredit.

About the Experts:

Nathan Canada, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, attended Oklahoma State University's Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, in Stillwater, and received his DVM in 2011. After graduating, he completed a one year internship at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, Florida. He then traveled to Kansas State University’s Veterinary Health Center, in Manhattan for an additional year of training. During this time, he was selected to enter the equine surgery residency program. He completed his residency in July of 2016 and received his master’s degree in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. He obtained diplomate status in February 2017. Canada enjoys spending time with his family, connecting with others through his local church, and anything that involves being outdoors, especially fishing.

Dr. Kristi Gran is a 2007 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, and a board certified internal medicine specialist, having completed her residency at Purdue University in 2011. She is a partner and veterinarian at Conley & Koontz Equine Hospital in Columbia City, Indiana.