hem. They are mainly found in young horses.
Larger, wart-like tumors you come across in the girth area, genitals, eyes, ears, and extremities are called equine sarcoids. They can have various different forms and shapes and they can burst. Although it is a malignant tumor, it only negatively affects the horse once it bursts or grows in the tack area. Surgical removal often doesn't help because the wounds heal poorly or the sarcoids simply regrow. Smaller tumors, however, can be treated medicinally.
Occurs mainly during rainy seasons. A bacteria called dermatophilus congolensis causes skin rashes and pustules in places that are exposed to the rain, such as the horse's back and backhand. Once they have healed, wet, hairless spots remain on the skin. These bacteria can also penetrate the skin barrier (or small injuries) and provoke inflammation. Nonetheless, the main source of infections are flies, transferring the bacteria into small open wounds.
In general, bacterial skin infections occur due to injuries, leading to fistulae, ulcers, and abscesses. For successful treatment, the vet must take a skin sample first. Then, an antibiogram can be used to administer the correct types of antibiotics.
Mallenders can also be caused by bacterial infection. However, we do not want to write about diseases such as mallenders, scabies or sweet itch, since you can find tons of information on it on the internet, for example via the Youtube search function.
Very often parasites are the cause of skin problems. Mites and chewing lice fall into this category, as do bugs like horseflies, flies and mosquitos. These type of bugs can transmit infections and/or worms.
Horses may be infested with lice when you can spot hairless, itchy and sometimes bloody areas; especially under the mane, in the neck, chest and tail area. Lice (blood sucker) or chewing lice (hair eaters) are readily passed on to other horses and preferably jump on shaggy horses or animals with a weakened immune system. You can treat chewing lice with an antiparasitic wash. In severe cases (sarcopenic mites), the veterinarian must inject medication or it must be administered orally.
However, the most important preventive measure against parasites is hygiene, proper use of bug repellants and a strong immune system. Disinfectants can also help – if they are used properly.
The eggs of the horse bots (Gasterophilus) don't cause skin problems. They are mostly yellow, easily detectable and stick to the horse's forelegs during late summer/fall. If the horse licks its legs, they get transferred into the stomach, where they cause real trouble. Therefore, the eggs must always be removed immediately.
Endocrine disorders occur due to the dysfunction of the pituitary glands. Very prevalent: The equine Cushing syndrome, an over function of the adrenal cortex. To many horse owners, it's just "old horse disease" but horses as young as 7 can be affected. They are easily recognized by a heavy, coarse, wavy hair coat that fails to shed in the summer (occurring in more than 85% of cases).
Common symptoms: Polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination), swaybacked or potbellied appearance, increased appetite (generally with no corresponding weight gain), loss of muscle over the topline, chronic laminitis. However, a tumor can also be the cause of any of these symptoms.
In any case, we advise you to always consult your veterinarian if your horse shows unusual changes to the skin.
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A happy horsey summer to you all,Nicole