The Loss of Skin on a Horse's Leg

The skin is the largest organ of the horse and is also the horse's first line of defence against infection and disease. Diseases and illnesses that destroy the integrity of the skin, can allow potential organisms and bacteria to enter and cause further health problems. The horse is susceptible to many skin conditions and diseases. The legs of the horse are particularly susceptible, because they come in contact with a variety of different materials, animals and plants.

  1. Dermatitis

    • Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that can also affect the digestive and respiratory systems of the horse. When a horse has dermatitis, their coat starts to diminish and their skin starts to peel away and itch. Horses are more likely to get dermatitis on their legs than on their body. Clear fluid might also ooze out of the skin, if the dermatitis is not treated. Depending on the severity of the disease, the skin on the horse's leg will keep flaking off. The overall flaking will cause severe itchiness and inflammation. The main cause of dermatitis is the infection by a parasite, bacteria, insects, and viruses. Steroid based creams and ointments effectively treat and control the spread of the infection.

    Rain Rot

    • When the horse does get infected, rain rot causes scabs on the skin that will potentially come off. The fur of the horse is gone along with the skin, revealing pink flesh underneath. The condition is caused by bacteria that survive in wet environments. When a horses coat stay's wet for a long period of time, the bacterium is able to survive and multiply. Horses are more likely to get rain rot on their backs and on their legs. This is primarily because the rain falls on the horse's back and also because moisture is attracted by the horse's leg from the ground. The condition is contagious and other horses can be infected if they come in contact with the infected horse or anything that it has come in contact with. Examples include horse blankets, barn doors and fences. Treatment includes taking the horse to a vet and bathing it in antibacterial shampoo.

    Mange

    • Mange is a parasitic skin infection caused by mites that can infect domesticated pets and livestock. The most severe form of mange, known as sarcoptic mange, affects the shoulders, face and neck. Chorioptic mange primarily infects the legs of the horse. The first site of infection by the parasite occurs at the fetlock and foot. When the infection spreads, the horse loses its hair and small patches of skin throughout its leg. The condition can become chronic, if not treated. The horse can infect other horses. Topical creams are used to treat the skin condition.

    Queensland Itch

    • Queensland itch is an itchy and infectious disease common in horses throughout the United States. A species of Culicoides flies cause the condition. Horses are more likely to get this condition during the summer months. Upon infection, the horse will suffer from severe itching and scabbing of the skin. The most common areas that the flies infect are the legs, the face and shoulders. When the condition worsens, the horse starts to loose patches of skin from the infected areas. Insect repellents and steroid creams can effectively treat this condition.