The Most Common Skin Diseases Among Horses

Horses are prone to get numerous infections if they are not taken care of. It is always good to have good knowledge of skin diseases so that you can safeguard your pet. Bacterial acne is one of the most common infection in horses, majorly Streptococci aureus is responsible for the infection. On keen observation, you will notice that the hair follicles become infected and painful abscesses are developed.

Skin disease may also be caused by stings from the honey bee Apis mellifica. The sting causes swollen patches and it is problematic if its near eyes, nose, throat, or mouth. You must handle the area that has sting with care to avoid squeezing the venom sac. The ulcerative lymphangitis is again a bacterial infection which is confined to mostly leg area. The affected area swells up and sometimes it swells up-to elbow. In severe conditions, there could be discharging pus which causes pain in limb to touch. A big leg occurs if the infection spreads to lymph vessels draining the legs. Horses for Sale near me

Buffalo fly bites as the name suggests are flies that suck blood and cause Haematobia exigua. It causes irritation on the body, the most common symptom includes sores near ears, eyes, and abdomen. In a severe infestation, malnutrition may also occur and to overcome this condition, an insecticide should be sprayed onto the head and abdomen. Coital exanthema in horses is a viral infection and is because of a virus (EHV-3). This is a venereal disease that affects the penis of the stallion and vulva of the mare. It gets passed on to susceptible horses during mating therefore one must diagnose the disease timely. Some horses are a carrier but only show symptoms of disease when exposed to stress.

Psoroptes cuniculi cause ear mites and a discharge from the ear canal is seen when it happens. A horse that has ear mites constantly shakes its head. These mites usually cause itchiness around the tail and cause restlessness. The Leg mange is caused by the mite, Chorioptes bovis that affects the lower limbs of the drought type horses. The skin becomes moist with a bloody exudation. Affected horses repeatedly stamp their feet when being examined. Get Horses to Breed

If the infection gets confirmed, it should be treated with eardrops containing insecticide. Fly worry is caused because of the house fly, Musca domestica, the bush fly, M vetustissima. The most affected part is the moist area of the body, on continuation it causes irritation and ulceration in that specified area. Sometimes it may lead to conjunctivitis thus you must apply insecticidal and fly repellent creams or sprays as a precautionary measure. Onchocercal Dermatitis in Horse is caused by the larvae of the Onchocerceal parasite. It affects the underside skin of the body, sometimes, the chest, withers, neck, and head. Horses become itchy and consequently, hair loss happens. The skin starts showing scales, patches, and lumps.