PRODUCTS THAT MAY ASSIST WITH THESE ISSUES

Skin Diseases

Facebook
Print

Annabel Ensor BVSc.

Horses face showing signs of ringworm

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common contagious skin disease of horses. It is caused by a fungal infection. Trichophyton equinum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum, and Microsporum canis are the most frequently isolated organisms. It is important to note that humans can become infected by handling infected horses and contaminated tack. 

Infection is transmitted among horses by direct contact with an infected animal (including humans) or by indirect contact via contaminated tack, covers, or fungal spores within the environment. 

Illness, poor nutrition, overcrowding, age and stressful environments predispose horses to infection. Young and elderly horses are more susceptible to infection. Continuous wetting of the horse’s skin e.g. sweating, washing-down can decrease the skin’s protective barrier therefore enabling infection to occur.

The classic ringworm lesion is a circular patch of hair loss with stubbly hairs on the margin. The skin can appear to be crusted and/or scaly. Ringworm lesions usually begin as small raised lumps that progress to the typical ringworm lesion. Some horses can become itchy and may also show evidence of pain.

Ringworm is usually a self-limiting disease and most horses recover within 1-6 months. Treatment is usually advisable as it decreases the transmission of disease between horses and other animals including humans. Antifungal shampoos (e.g. ‘Three Horses’ fungal shampoo) and/or washes e.g. 3% Captan, povidone iodine and lime sulphur, are useful for decreasing the transmission of disease but do not alter the course of infection. Systemic treatment with antifungal drugs is effective but this is very expensive and it’s use is usually limited to humans and small animals e.g. dogs and cats.

Humans can become infected – find out more here.

Horses muzzle showing signs of warts around the lips and nostrils

Warts

Warts (equine viral papillomatosis) are caused by a type of virus known as papovavirus. Horses less than 3 years of age are most commonly affected. Transmission appears to be by direct contact between infected horses. Lesions are usually multiple and are most commonly found around the lips and nose but can also be present on the ears and legs.

Warts are best left untreated because spontaneous remission almost always occurs. They can be very unsightly therefore a variety of treatments have been devised to improve the horse’s cosmetic appearance.

These treatments generally remove the visible part of the wart e.g. Burning the wart with liquid nitrogen or applying topical treatments such as: wart paint. However, it is very doubtful whether these treatments decrease the duration of the disease.
Horses back looking from above, showing signs of rain scald across the hip and back region.

Rain Scald

Rain scald (dermatophilosis) is an infection caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. This organism also causes mud-fever. The source of the organism is thought to be carrier animals, scabs from infected animals and/or soil. Infection requires prolonged exposure to moisture and damaged skin.  

This is due to the fact that the organism cannot penetrate intact healthy skin and requires moisture to reproduce. Skin damage can be caused by: prolonged moisture, biting flies, vegetation or underlying itchy skin disease. The organism can survive in skin crusts/scabs for up to 42 months. Rain scald appears as crusted, moist mats of hair. Under fresh crusts the skin is moist, exudative and yellow-tinged. Lesions are most commonly found along the back (rain scald) and lower legs (mud-fever). White skinned areas tend to be more susceptible to infection. Many remedies have been developed for treating dermatophilosis over the years. Some work wonders while others have little benefit at all. A good generalised regime to use is as follows:
  • Remove all scabs
  • Apply a topical antibacterial solution e.g. chlorhexidine, povidone iodine
  • Keep the affected area dry
Ointments, creams and bandages tend to keep the area wet thus enabling the bacteria to continue to multiply. However, some creams do have antibacterial properties and thus decrease the multiplication of bacteria. Irritant preparations e.g. strong bleach and alcohol, further traumatise the skin and thus delay the healing process. Severely affected horses may have to be treated with antibiotics systemically (e.g. intramuscular injection).

Sarcoids

Sarcoids are the most common skin tumour in horses. They are classified as benign but can invade local tissues. Benign tumours do not spread throughout the body. Sarcoids are caused by a yet to be identified agent, some researchers believe that a virus is involved. Sarcoids often develop in areas that were previously injured. They are common in young horses (less than 4 years of age). The most commonly affected areas include the head, ears and legs. Your veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis of a sarcoid by carrying out a biopsy. There are four types of sarcoid:
Close up of horses eye and cheek with a flat sarcoid showing just below the eye and cheek bone

Flat

These can resemble ringworm, rain scald, and bacterial skin infections. They appear as circular areas of hair loss with scaling and crusting and may extend deep into the tissues.

Example of fibroblastic sarcoid on front corner of horses eye

Fibroblastic (proliferative)

These appear as nodules or larger ulcerated masses. They are similar to proud flesh.

Horses muzzle showing verrucous all over muzzle area

Verrucous (wart-like)

These are wart-like in appearance and rarely grow greater than 6cm in diameter.

Patch of horses skin, shaved back to show the mixed sarcoids

A mixture of verrucous and fibroblastic

Removing and preventing the recurrence of sarcoids can be quite challenging for the veterinarian. Several treatment options are available and these often depend on the location and type of the sarcoid(s) that are present.

Some of the treatments that are available include:

  • “Watchful neglect” is often a feasible approach if there is a single non-changing lesion and no evidence of infection.
  • Cryosurgery involves freezing the mass. The sarcoid is destroyed by ice crystals that form inside the cells, rupturing the cell walls and killing the tissue. It can take greater than 8 weeks for complete healing to occur.
  • Excision-removing the mass surgically. Generally, this is relatively quick, inexpensive and does not require repeated veterinary visits. Large margins surrounding the sarcoid need to be taken, otherwise the sarcoid can reoccur. Surgical excision is difficult on the lower limbs and face, because the skin is tighter, healing is slower and there is an increased chance of scarring. Also, large margins cannot be taken therefore there is an increased chance of the sarcoid returning.
  • Intralesional injection of bacilli Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG), this stimulates the horse’s immune system to recognise the sarcoid as foreign and thus destroy it. Multiple treatments are often required. This treatment is especially useful in areas in which it is difficult to surgically remove the sarcoid e.g. the eyelid
  • ChemotherapyAn anti-cancer agent is injected into the tumour site. The primary aim is to stop cell division (reproduction) and thus cause cell death. Multiple injections are required. Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil are the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. This treatment can be expensive due to the cost of the drugs.
Join our mailing list now

and be in to win a great Vetpro prize!

Monthly Draw is available only to residents of New Zealand. Please click here for Terms & Conditions.

join our mailing list
and be in the draw to win
a great vetpro prize

Receive our news and updates each month.

You’ll be in the draw to win a Vetpro prize pack.