![\"All](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/BPC-Blog-Equine-Skin-Health.jpg\")
Horse’s skin is the largest organ of the horse’s body and in most cases, is the first organ to be exposed to external allergens. It serves as home to ectoparasites (fleas and ticks-like insects that live on the skin & coat of their host). This often results in abnormal horse skin conditions.
\n\n\n\nThroughout their lives, horses encounter several skin problems. The abnormal horse skin conditions vary from simple skin allergies to life-threatening melanomas. Bacteria, viruses, allergens, and parasites such as fleas, lice, etc. also cause skin problems in foals and ponies.
\n\n\n\nThis blog provides you a comprehensive guidance on some of the common horse skin conditions along with their relevant treatment. So that you can prepare yourself better to fight against skin problems before they become a reason to worry.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pastern](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/Pastern-Dermatitis.png\")
Greasy heel, scratches, or mud fever are other names for Pastern Dermatitis. It can affect any horse breed but is most common in draft breeds.
\n\n\n\nIt is mostly caused by inflammation of the skin on the back side of the pastern(s).
\n\n\n\nIdeally, treating the underlying reason is the best treatment for pastern dermatitis.
\n\n\n\nVeterinarians may recommend antibiotic therapy along with cleaning and clipping the affected area of equine skin. Dermavet Cream’s antibacterial and antifungal properties help heal the wound quicker and alleviate itching.
\n\n\n\n![\"Rain](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/Rain-Rot.png\")
Also known as Streptothricosis or Rain scald, Rain Rot is mostly common in humid and warm regions during the rainy season. Matted hair or oozing/crusty lesions are the cause.
\n\n\n\nThe treatment of Rain Rot includes vet-recommended medicated shampoo that contains chlorhexidine. Keep the affected area dry.
\n\n\n\nTea tree oil and other essential oils can also improve the condition.
\n\n\n\nIn severe conditions, the veterinarian may recommend antibiotic treatment.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ringworm](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/Ringworm.png\")
Ringworm is one of the contagious infections in horses caused by fungus, typically by Trichophyton equinum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. They are transmitted to horses while rolling or digging, and by grooming products.
\n\n\n\nCommonly the infection is seen in the saddle and girth area. It may also affect the chest, head, and neck regions.
\n\n\n\nUsually, ringworm infections resolve without any treatment, however, this may take a month or maybe longer.
\n\n\n\nVeterinarians may recommend an anti-fungal shampoo or other topical treatments.
\n\n\n\nMaintaining appropriate hygiene and sanitizing grooming supplies and other contaminated surfaces help prevent the infection to an extent.
\n\n\n\n![\"Cellulitis](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/Cellulitis.png\")
Cellulitis is a critical skin condition that affects the inner layers of a horse’s skin and tissues. In general, a bacterial infection from an insect bite or a wound causes this condition.
\n\n\n\nIf not provided with appropriate treatment in a timely manner, it can be life-threatening.
\n\n\n\nThe treatment includes administration of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) for symptomatic pain and swelling.
\n\n\n\nThe veterinarian may also recommend hydrotherapy, hand-walking, lunging, and bandaging.
\n\n\n\n![\"Summer](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/Summer-Sores.png\")
Summer sores are also known as Habronemiasis. It is generally caused by gastric worms including Habronema muscae, Habronema Microstoma, and Draschia megastoma. The skin lesions are caused by the larvae of these which are transmitted by flies.
\n\n\n\nSummer sores (Habronemiasis) are mostly seen in hot and humid regions. The lesions disappear during colder months and come back as the temperature increases.
\n\n\n\nIt commonly affects the chest, limbs, lower abdomen, near eyes, or genitals.
\n\n\n\nSometimes lesions heal themselves and reappear. The veterinarian may recommend anti-inflammatory, macrocyclic lactones such as avermectins and milbemycins and surgical de-bulking.
\n\n\n\nUsing effective fly control and disinfecting grooming tools may help reduce the risk of infection.
\n\n\n\n![\"Melanoma](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/Melanoma.png\")
Mostly affecting gray-colored horses, Melanoma is a serious horse skin condition characterized by the formation of a lump or many lumps around the anal region, under the tail, near the sheath, penis, ears, or salivary glands.
\n\n\n\nThe majority of the lumps are non-cancerous initially but become cancerous as the animal ages.
\n\n\n\nThe lesions tend to spread to the liver, spleen, lungs, and other organs.
\n\n\n\nDepending on the severity of the stage of tumor growth, the veterinarian may recommend chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin or the surgical removal of the tumor.
\n\n\n\nA. The skin is one of the most sensitive organs of a horse’s body. It shows similar reactions to an injury or other illnesses. However, some of the common symptoms of skin diseases you can look out for include:
\n\n\n\nA. A horse’s skin is the first part exposed to various allergens and other illness-causing organisms. Cuts, burns, bruises, and lesions are the most common skin injuries horses experience.
\n\n\n\nOther than these, horses experience a variety of skin illnesses ranging from dermatitis to the fatal Melanoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Other frequently seen horse skin conditions include Rain Rot, Cellulitis, Ringworm, and Summer Sores.
\n\n\n\nA. When flies, mites, or lice-like external parasites are around horses feel itchy. For symptomatic relief, use Derma Creme as it eases itching and moisturizes dry skin.
\n\n\n\nBut if you see them scratching persistently, that could be an indication of something unusual such as a bacterial or fungal infection or an allergic reaction. There are various reasons your horse seems itchy and if it’s more than just a scratch, consult with a vet to find out the exact reason for the same.
\n\n\n\nA. There are so many external parasites that can compromise equine skin health. Some of the common parasites that can cause skin problems in horses include biting flies (horse fly, sand fly), non-biting flies (house fly, botfly), mites, mosquitoes, ticks, lice, etc.
\n\n\n\nA. Yes, both mange and lice infections need to be treated to maintain equine skin health. Other than causing discomfort, mange can lead to thickening and scarring of equine skin resulting in restricted movement of pastern joints. On the other hand, if not treated, severe lice infestation can be a reason for anemia in horses.
\n\n\n\n![\"best](\"http://budgetpetcare.thepethost.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Health-Supplements-for-Horses.png\")
Horse’s skin is the largest organ of the horse’s body and in most cases, is the first organ to be exposed to external allergens. It serves as home to ectoparasites (fleas and ticks-like insects that live on the skin & coat of their host). This often results in abnormal horse skin conditions. Throughout their lives, […]
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