Equine Skin Disease

Just like any other animal, horses are susceptible to skin problems. Skin diseases can be caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Here are some common horse skin diseases, their symptoms and treatments.

  1. Ringworm

    • Contrary to what the name implies, ringworm is caused by a fungus rather than a worm. Ringworm can be spread through direct contact with infected horses or indirectly through brushes or saddle blankets. Symptoms of ringworm include round lesions or patches of hair loss. These patches can be anywhere on the body or head and can spread if left untreated. Fortunately, ringworm is easily treatable with anti-fungal washes. It is important also to spray down any blankets, brushes or tack that have come into contact with the horse.

    Lice

    • Horses are susceptible to lice just as dogs, cats and humans. When a horse has become infected with lice, its hair coat will look patchy, and you will notice the horse appearing itchy and uncomfortable. Horses will often scratch on fence posts or gates and can eventually break the skin around the itchy sites. You can spot lice on a horse by using a magnifying glass or examining the hair you brush off your horse. Pour-on insecticides or ivermectin wormers are the most effective form of lice treatment.

    Mange

    • Mange is somewhat uncommon in horses. The horses most prone to mange are those that have feathered hair like draft horses. Mange mites will usually start on the legs, but can migrate to the abdomen and elsewhere. Horses with mange will stomp their feet and even chew at the affected area. Examining the brushings from your horse can help determine if mange is a problem. To treat mange, wash your horse with an antibacterial or sulfur-based shampoo.

    Rain Rot

    • Rain rot is caused by a bacteria that lives in wet soil and penetrates the horse's skin through cuts or scrapes. Rain rot usually affects the horse's back or upper body. When this condition is noted in the lower limbs, it is referred to as "mud scald." The disease causes tiny scabs to form. These scabs carry bacteria that can infect other horses. In severe cases, rain rot responds well to penicillin, but it most cases, removing the scabs and washing the horse with an antibacterial wash clears the infection up.

    Sunburn

    • Horses with lightly pigmented skin can get sunburn. In hot sunny weather, horses with white hair or skin can get sunburned. This is typically seen on the muzzle, where the skin is the softest. The burn can then peel and leave the skin irritated and prone to secondary infections. Giving horses a place to get out of the sun and using sunscreen on lightly pigmented areas can help prevent sunburn.