What Causes Hair Loss in Horses?

Skin is a horse's largest organ and it is susceptible to a variety of conditions that can lead to hair loss. Most hair loss is temporary. Quick, appropriate treatment will restore the hair coat and protect the skin from further damage.

  1. Bug Bites

    • Horses are plagued by bugs and their bites can cause hair loss around the belly, thighs, poll, withers and tail. Biting gnats, horn flies and bot flies are common culprits.

    Onchocerca

    • This is caused by a parasitic nematode. It is transmitted by flies and causes itchy skin and hair loss.

    Lice

    • Lice feed on blood. They burrow into the skin of horses, causing itching, inflammation and hair loss.

    Mange

    • Mange is caused by a microscopic mite that burrows under the skin and causes intense itching which can lead to hair loss.

    Ringworm

    • Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. Ringworm causes crusty, scaly lesions and hair loss.

    Scald

    • Caused by poor stable hygiene, skin scald typically affects the lower legs causing hair loss. A similar condition called rain scald affects horses that are kept in wet, muddy conditions.