Equine Skin Disorders

Skin Disorders That May Cause Itching

• Some of the more common skin disorders in horses will cause mild to severe itching. This itching could be related to hypersensitivity in the horse, which leads to an allergic reaction.

  Dermatitis, which means inflammation of the skin, could be caused by insect bites, such as those from a mosquito, or could be caused by an infection resulting from an injury.

  Dandruff, which means the shedding of skin in large flakes rather than the normal microscopic particles, can be caused from parasites in the GI tract, nutritional problems, and also can be caused from allergies.

  Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle and can be caused from either a fungal or bacterial infection. This condition can cause itching and hair loss.

  Anhidrosis is dry, flaky skin around the face and includes the inability of the horse to sweat. This can cause the horse not only hair loss but can cause overheating since a horse relies on the ability to sweat to cool the body temperature.

Disorders That Appear on the Skin as Well as Inside the Body

• Allergies are a common equine skin disorder. An allergic reaction may produce swelling and itching and can be found not only on the body of the horse in the form of hives, but may also appear inside the body in the same fashion.

  Photosensitization is caused when a horse ingests a certain plant or substance that it may be allergic to. During the process of photosensitization, agents in the plant travel through the bloodstream and then to the skin. Once in the skin, a reaction occurs from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, and a chemical reaction kills the skin cells and causes them to slough off.

Equine Skin Disorders Caused From Fungus

• Fungal skin disorders in horses may include warts, which are common, to ringworm, also common. While the warts are better left alone, ringworm must be treated. The ringworm fungus is contagious. Girth itch fungus can also be spread.

  The fungi known as Microsporum Gypseum is a fungus that is found in the soil. This disorder can have the same appearance as hives and will lead to hair loss.

Pythiosis/Cancer

• Pythiosis is a cancer and causes an inflammation that occurs below the skin surface. This disorder is caused from a fungus that becomes embedded in damaged skin. Inflammation occurs, and a large ulceration appears, which causes severe itching. There are several types of cancers that affect horses. Any lump or peculiar lesion should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian

Parasitic Skin Disorders

• Lice and mites are skin disorders caused by parasites. Both are contagious and can cause hair loss as well as severe itching. The itching can lead to the horse rubbing sores on itself by trying to scratch, which can lead to an opening for bacteria to enter, causing a severe infection.

Significance

• Equine skin disorders may occur in mild or severe forms and all should be watched closely. Changes in how the horse acts as far as eating, resting, riding and attitude should be noted on a regular basis when suspicion arises. Equine skin disorders may start as a simple bump from a mosquito bite but may lead to a more serious problem that greatly compromises the health of the horse, and even the smallest skin disorder should not be taken lightly.