Why Is My Horse Losing Patches of Hair?

For all their size and strength, horses can be quite delicate creatures. With all of our years of specific breeding and insistence on their living in stalls and other unnatural conditions, the domesticated horse has become much more prone to illness than its wild counterparts. One of the more common complaints of horse owners is problems with the coat and hair. Knowing what to do to help this issue can help an owner make informed decisions.

  1. Features

    • The most common features of horse skin problems are when the hair begins to fall out. If your horse is losing patches of hair, whether in large or small sections, chances are it is a problem with the skin underneath. While it is true that some very serious illnesses can cause the hair to fall out, these are rare. A dermatitis problem is far more probable and far more treatable.

    Types

    • The most common types of causes for hair loss in the horse are rainrot, ringworm, allergic reactions, skin scald, parasites and alopecia (loss of hair from the follicle). None of these cases are fatal or, in most cases, even dangerous. But they can cause irritation and discomfort, and open the horse up to much more serious infections that can cause bigger problems. Sarcoids are another reason for hair loss, and can also interfere with normal body function.

    Effects

    • In the case of skin scald and rain rot, the cause of the hair loss is a bacteria that causes itching, irritation and infection. Most often this disease is caused by high moisture and/or poor hygiene. Parasites such as lice will eventually cause patches of hair to fall out due to itching and irritation. Allergic reactions to insect bites will cause bald spots; an antihistamine cream and the killing or prevention of the insect will help. Alopecia can be caused by old hair shedding out and the new growth not yet coming in.

    Prevention/Solution

    • In many cases, thorough cleaning of the area and a treatment of the underlying cause will cure the irritation and bring the hair back. In the case of parasites, the lice or other bugs must first be killed, then the skin treated with an antibiotic cream. In the case of rain rot and skin scald, the area must be cleaned with an antiseptic and as much of the hair removed as possible. The skin must then be kept clean and dry, and antibiotics given if there is infection. In the case of ringworm, the area must be treated with an antifungal at least twice a day until the infection clears.

    Warning

    • If hair loss is accompanied by fever, loss of appetite or lethargy; consult a veterinarian immediately. A toxin or other deadly substance may be present that can only be determined with medical testing. If the hair loss is sudden and presents with a sick horse, you need help right away.