Page 1025 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

white hairs or scarring. As the area heals, the skin may be itchy and this perpetuates the

behaviour. These horses often squeal, buck or lash out in their stables.
VetBooks.ir Causes

These behaviours are associated with:

• long periods of confinement

• limited contact with other horses
• the feeding of high concentrate and grain rations

• restricted access to forage

• management or environmental changes

• proximity to a mare in season

• pain.

Other causes that need to be ruled out include the following.

• Parasitic infestation, e.g. ringworm, lice or chorioptic mange.
• Allergic skin conditions.

• Discomfort from the rugs. Most rugs are designed with the comfort of the horse in mind.

However, they need to be fitted correctly and properly maintained. Applying layers of
rugs may cause the underneath rug to move backwards and put uncomfortable pressure
on the horse’s chest, withers or shoulders. Alternatively, the horse may overheat. Velcro

fastenings can become highly irritant if not done up properly, particularly on the horse’s
chest.

The horse should have a thorough veterinary examination to exclude these and any other

unrecognized sources of pain and discomfort.

Treatment

The aim of treatment is to improve the horse’s quality of life by enriching its environment
and increasing its social interaction with other horses.

Management changes include:

• turning the horse out
• increasing the level of exercise

• providing ad-lib forage