Equine Skin Problems

Horses are large, sturdy animals, but they are surprisingly susceptible to various illnesses, including skin conditions. Their living conditions make them prone to skin problems, and being around other horses can also contribute to the risk. By knowing the signs of a skin problem, you'll be able to decide on appropriate treatment and know when to call the veterinarian.

Because horses spend much of their time outdoors in changing weather, or inside in crowded conditions, they are susceptible to certain skin problems. Being outside in the sun or rain can predispose them to certain conditions, and it also leaves them open to attack by flies and other biting insects. When they are kept in close quarters with other horses, either indoors or outdoors, contagious conditions can spread rapidly.

Skin problems in horses come in various forms. The most common are bacterial infections, viruses, parasites, fungus and biting flies or other insects. These are caused by exposure to insects, irritating plants, a dirty environment or other infected horses. Horses can also have a reaction to chemicals or materials applied to their skin or to a saddle blanket, a halter, a fly mask or any other piece of gear that has direct contact with the animal.

Whenever you bathe or groom your horse, you should examine its body closely for signs of skin problems or other conditions. If you notice something, look closely for clues as to the possible cause. For example, if the horse has hair loss, bumps where the saddle blanket sits or in an outline of the halter or fly mask, the irritation is probably being caused by that item. If you recently started using a new kind of fly spray and there is a rash or hair loss in the area where you applied it, it probably means your horse is having a reaction to the chemicals. When skin problems show up on the legs and belly, this often means bugs or toxic plants are the cause. The legs and belly are vulnerable to insects, and tall plants can easily brush against the horse in these areas. Some bugs, such as "no see ums" and certain kinds of biting flies, attack the horse on its face, neck and back. Bug bites usually swell and may have a small hole in the center of the mound. The horse will often try to scratch them. Secretions are another clue as to what the problem might be. If the horse has blisters that secrete serum, a sticky, light yellow substance, the skin has most likely been irritated by an outside source. If there is thick pus that is yellow or green, there may be an infection or the horse may have had a splinter or other skin damage. Pus is made up of white blood cells that attack infections, break down foreign bodies or do other repair work. Horses normally produce some sebum, a waxy substance on their coat that acts as a lubricating agent. If the hair is too greasy, the animal may be producing too much sebum, which can be a sign of other problems.

Horses can have other problems that complicate a skin problem. For example, the horse may be allergic to insect bites, certain types of plants or bushes found in its pasture, or some ingredient in fly spray or shampoo. This can cause excessive itching, over and above what would be normal for the problem. In a severe case, the horse can even break out in hives. The hives will usually go away on their own, but according to Horse magazine, occasionally they can mean the start of a more serious or dangerous problem. If they don't go away within a few hours, call your veterinarian for advice.

If you identify your horse's skin problem as something resulting from insect bites or an environmental factor, treatment is as simple as applying fly spray to ward off the bugs or removing the irritant. Cut down toxic plants in the pasture, and use new equipment or remove the irritant from the old equipment. For example, if the horse is having a reaction to your saddle blanket, wash it with a new type of detergent. If a fraying strap on the fly mask is rubbing the horse's face raw, replace the mask or get a new strap. You can also try an anti-inflammatory cream to stop the horse from scratching. If you suspect an infection, contact your veterinarian to confirm it and get instructions for proper treatment. Viral, bacterial and fungal problems usually require the regular application of a special cream or other medication, and medicated baths, for a certain length of time. If the horse has something that is contagious, such as ringworm, it needs to be isolated until the problem is entirely cleared up.

A tumor on your horse can initially appear to be a skin problem. Because insect bites and other common skin conditions show up as lumps, you may mistake a tumor for one of these conditions. To identify a tumor, assess the hardness of the swelling. The harder the lump, the more likely it is to be a tumor. If you squeeze the skin and the swelling moves around underneath it, this means that something is growing underneath the horse's skin. Whenever you suspect a tumor, contact your veterinarian.