Foal Skin Problems

Foals can be subjected to a number of different skin problems. Some are easily cared for while others are fatal. A clean pasture and stable, as well as proper nutrition and hygiene, will help prevent some of the less sever cases of skin problems.

  1. Significance

    • Foals that are suffering from skin irritations may be uncomfortable or in pain. Prolonged exposure to some irritations may cause the foal to become irritable and possibly stop eating and drinking. Skin irritations need to be diagnosed and treated immediately.

    Parasites

    • Mange is one example of a skin irritation that is caused by a parasite. It is caused by mites and can result in scabs and lesions on the skin. Foals that are left untreated can die from loss of condition because they lose their appetites. Other problematic parasites include lice, flies and mosquitoes.

    Non-Fatal Skin Diseases

    • Ringworm is an example of a non-fatal skin disease. It causes round whitish colored scabs on the skin that can get bigger and merge together. They can be found anywhere on the body and you can treat them with an iodine solution. Wash your hands after working with a foal that has ringworm.

    Fatal Skin Diseases

    • Foals inherit serious skin diseases such as Mechanobullous Disease, which is fatal and may occasionally be seen in Belgian foals. It is a condition where the foal's skin is lacking a connection between the dermis and the epidermis. The foal will have to be destroyed. Hyperelastosis Cutis is another inherited and potentially fatal skin disease occasionally found in Quarter Horses.