Common skin conditions for Horses

It’s not just cats and dogs who can suffer from skin conditions, our equine friends can also suffer these which can be irritating, and without treatment, cause a lot of trouble for your horse. Secondary infections can lead to terrible problems and discomfort for your beloved horse.

Animal Friends Horse Insurance is here to help you understand some of the most common conditions and how you can easily recognise them.

Rain Scald

Rain Scald is a bacterial infection which affects the skin where it is warm and moist, which is why it is a common problem found on many horses and ponies. The horses back is the most likely area which your horse will suffer this, as this is where rugs may have been wet and left on the horse to dry. In addition, you see many horses which live out with no rug on get rain scald, as the skin doesn’t dry instantly, leaving the skin warm and moist; ideal conditions for bacteria to breed in.

Rain Scald will heal in time by its self, although it is recommended that you should clean the scabs by using diluted Hibiscrub. It is important that you do not use any ointments on the skin until the area is thoroughly dry.

Urticaria

Urticaria is a common problem in horses as it can be caused by any reaction from feed, bedding, bites, stings, stress, heat and even contact allergies. The characteristic signs mostly seen are circular wheals which can develop across the chest, neck and face.

Your horse will usually find these itchy and can even suffer from a slightly raised temperature. Therefore it is important to find out the source of the problem and stop this to prevent further problems. This may be time consuming and costly as there are so many stimuli which need to be tested for reactions on your horse. It is advisable to call your vet who can administer steroids which has a successful effect on the problem in the short term.

Lice

This is usually a common problem seen around this time of the year – winter and spring.  Your horse will show signs that he has lice by constantly rubbing and biting his neck, tail and flanks.

If you think that your horse has lice, you should check your horses mane, as you can see the lice eggs. You may want to treat the lice with a lice powder which is readily available. Alternatively, you can now buy an insecticidal wash which will treat every part of your horses body.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a very common problem which mainly occurs around the winter months, although it has been known to develop at any time of the year.

The most common areas where your horse will show signs of ringworm on the shoulder, neck, face and girth area. You should be able to spot ringworm easily by noticing raised areas of skin and hair loss in a typical circular shape.

The severity will vary for each individual; some horses may become incredibly itchy, and yet others may not, however, treatment is always the same. Wash or rinse affected areas with anti-fungal treatments; more than one treatment will be needed over a couple of weeks.

We recommend that you call your vet as he can advise you how to deal with this appropriately. Ringworm is very infectious, so if you even suspect that your horse may have ringworm, you should disinfect the area and clean tack.

Sweet Itch

Sweet Itch affects many horses and ponies in the UK, and can incredibly problematic. It is a result from a reaction against saliva from biting insects; most commonly, the midge who is at its worst at dawn and dusk.

The condition is usually a problem from April through to October each year and leaves your horse incredibly itchy, suffering with hair loss in these places and at worst, secondary skin infections can occur.
Treatment is difficult and unrewarding, careful management of any horse suffering with sweet itch is paramount. He should be stabled during the peak times where insect activity will be at its highest.  Rugs are now readily available on the market which covers your horse head to toe which will prevent some reactions.

Lotions which contain camomile will help to reduce itching as it will sooth the affected areas. In addition, to keep your horse comfortable, washing his rugs frequently will prevent further infections.

Recognising these skin problems will ensure that your horse can get the best possible care. Although they can usually be successfully treated with little minimal discomfort to your horse it is always advisable to speak to your vet.

It is not uncommon for these problems to require further veterinary treatment which can involve varying costs, so having an adequate Horse Insurance plan in place will allow you to give your horse the best possible treatment available.