Ringworm Treatment in Horses

Ringworm is a contagious fugal infection common to many mammals, including horses. It gets its name from the distinctive round bald patches it creates. Although not a potentially deadly condition, a horse can become miserable due to the itchiness. He can then scratch, break open the skin and invite a secondary infection.

  1. Isolation

    • Ringworm is highly contagious, not only to horses but to cattle, dogs, cats, people and most other mammals. Ideally, the horse affected with ringworm needs to be placed in isolation. However, this may not be practical in a barn limited for stall space and turn-out areas. In this case, the horse needs to be placed in a stall with an empty stall next to him. If this is not possible, then the horse's stall doors needs to be shut to prevent infecting other horses. The infected horse needs its own grooming equipment, halter and blankets that do not touch other horses and periodically get cleaned with bleach. Always wash hands after working with an infected horse before touching other animals or people.

    Feeding

    • According to The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual (Marcy Pavard &Tony Pavard, MRCVS, 2004), ringworm treatment in horses is fought in two ways. The first way is by adding the powdered antibiotic medication griseofulvin directly into the horse's feed for one top two weeks, depending on the veterinarian's recommendation. Griseofulvin is thought to halt the spread of ringworm infection. Do not give griseofulvin to pregnant mares.

    Skin Treatment

    • In conjunction with griseofulvin, the horse's skin needs treating with a medicinal shampoo. Clip the horse in the areas around the bald spots so the topical medication can better get to the skin. Sweep up all of this hair and discard it, because it will be contaminated with ringworm spores. Rinse the bald patches with water to get them moist. Clean with an antifungal shampoo or ointment. According to Karen E. N. Hayes, DVM, the most popular is Betadine. Rub into a lather and leave on the horse for ten minutes, then rinse. For very small bald spots, Horse Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook (Thomas Gore, DVM, et al, 2008) recommends using over-the-counter treatments for athlete's foot that contain tonaftate or micanazole. By working on the horse's skin every day, one can see if the horse has broken the bald or crusty patches open. If the horse has broken open the skin, call the vet for an antibiotic.