NHT Magazine Summer 2019

VETADVICE
Equine skin irritations can
be caused by allergies,
external parasites and even
management practices. At some
point, you may come across some
sort of itchy skin issue. It is one of
the hazards of being outside and
exposed to bacteria, fungi and
viral agents in the natural
environment.
Skin has three main functions: protection,
regulation and sensation. It is made up of a
number of different layers. The epidermis is the
outer most layer that provides a waterproof
barrier. The dermis beneath, contains tough
connective tissue, hair follicles and sweat
glands. The deeper subcutaneous tissue is
made of fat and connective tissue. Problems
arise when there is damage to these layers, or
if they have become weakened. If this occurs
then secondary infection can occur.
Rain Scald & Ringworm
Elevated patches of hair can be associated with
rain scald or ringworm. Rain scald is a bacterial
skin infection caused by the spores of
Dermatophilus congolensis, whereas ringworm
is caused by a fungus. Rain scald is much more
common in healthy horses and ringworm is
more common in younger horses. Both can be
contagious, especially ringworm so it is
important that you wear gloves when touching
the area. Fungal infections require medicated
shampoo treatments whereas Hibiscrub can be
used for rain scald areas.
Sweet-Itch
If your horse is continually itchy on the mane
and tail area then your horse may have ‘sweetitch’.
This is an allergic skin reaction caused by
Culicoides Midge bites. Mostly observed during
warm months especially between April and
September. The skin becomes swollen,
extremely itchy, causing the horse to scratch
sometimes leading to ulcers and bleeding
areas. Management is key to help reduce the
reaction in your horse. Fly masks, rugs, are very
important as is fly repellent. Stabling the horse
between 4pm and 10am can also help to reduce
problems as well as location of the field (is it
near open water areas). In severe cases then
steroids may be necessary. A vaccine is also
available, which is a course of 2 injections
before the midge season (February-March).
Lice and Mites
Lice and mites also cause itchiness and
alopecia (hair loss). Typically lice will live near
the head, mane, tail and back and you can see
eggs. Whereas mites live in the feathers and
legs and are more common in heavier breeds.
Lice only live for a short period of time in the
environment so are easier to control then mites.
Both can be contagious so isolation is
important. Oral, topical and injectable
treatments are available but are ‘off licensed’ in
horses.
Sunburn
Sunburn can also affect your horse, especially
on pink areas, applying sun cream can reduce
the chance of skin cancer. Some horses that
have pink areas may also have photosensitivity.
Eating certain plants (like St John’s Wort) can
cause photosensitivity. If you are concerned
about photosensitivity then contact us to arrange
a visit and a blood test to check liver parameters.
Skin Tumours
Skin tumours can appear on any area of your
horse. Many resolving on their own if caused by
the equine papilloma virus. Sarcoids are another
type of skin tumour which are more serious and
require removal. Please contact us if you are
worried about a lump that has appeared
especially in genital, chest or face regions.
Looking ahead
Although summer brings additional fly worries,
it is important to maintain your horse’s skin
condition all year round, often prevention is
better than cure!
If you have any questions please feel free to
contact Swanspool Equine & Farm Vets on
01933 222145
Top Tip:
Make sure that you have one grooming kit for each horse!
This will help prevent cross contamination.
Veterinary advice in this magazine is provided as a general guide and you should always seek professional advice.
13 NorthantsHorseTrader Magazine