Skin Problems in Horse Ears

The skin of horse's ears is more delicate than other areas of the body. Finely tuned and sensitive, the ears lack the tough skin or protective coat of the body. As they are more delicate than other areas of the body, the skin on the ears may more easily develop problems. Skin problems in horse's ears may be caused by a number of issues; viruses, insects and types of cancer may be the cause. It is important that skin problems in horse's ears be diagnosed and treated early as such problems can quickly affect the horse's quality of life.

  1. Equine Ear Papillomas

    • Equine ear papillomas are caused by a virus similar to that of warts. They are small and caused by a papillomavirus. The papillomavirus may be transmitted by black flies and prevented by the use of a fly mask that offers ear protection in the summer months. They can be spread from horse to horse easily and are generally benign. Equine ear papillomas are treated cosmetically by removal of the bumps if necessary, however, the virus will normally cease to be active in three to six months.

    Sarcoids

    • The equine sarcoid is a form of generally benign tumor which can appear on any area of the horse's body, including the ears. The cause of equine sarcoids is as yet unknown although it is suspected to be a virus. Treatment for equine sarcoids includes surgical removal, cryosurgery, immunotherapy, topical therapies and chemotherapy. In some cases, sarcoids have been known to resolve on their own. While an equine sarcoid is generally a benign skin problem, it can quickly deteriorate into a serious condition without treatment.

    Ticks

    • Both deer ticks and wood ticks can cause issues in a horse's ears. As horses are generally unable to reach in the ear to scratch, the ear makes an excellent dwelling for both varieties of tick. Common symptoms of tick bites include redness, bumps, swelling and irritation. While most tick bites are not considered serious issues, diseases such as Lyme disease are carried by these parasites, so horse owners are advised to check the ears for ticks on a regular basis and monitor a bitten horse carefully for any other abnormalities.

    Ear Mites

    • The ear mite is a parasite known as "otodected cyanotis," which reside in the ear. Signs of an ear mite infestation include scaly or crusty skin, irritation and a black or brown discharge. Mites are common in the feathers located on the horse's legs and may be transferred through rubbing or contact with this area. Ear mites in horses generally must be diagnosed by a veterinarian and are treated with topical applications similar to that used on dogs and cats. A preparation containing pyrethrin is a common treatment for ear mites in horses.

    Melanoma

    • Melanomas are commonly found in gray and light-skinned horses. They appear as a black, hairless mass and are generally found on mucous membranes. Melanomas are rarely more than a benign tumor and are not prone to spreading; however, they have the potential to spread to other areas of the body and to vital organs, causing discomfort and potentially serious side effects. The melanoma is treated by surgical removal of the tumor, cryosurgery or oral drugs such as cimetidine.