Page 149 - April_2023

VETERINARY VIEWS
Aiming a fan at a horse in a stall inhibits flies and gnats from landing and causing irritation
Some horses benefit from a protective covering to protect against the sun and insects
Using a facemask, or a facemask with ear nets, can protect a horse against insects
PROTECTION STRATEGIES
Roll-on insect repellants are helpful and safe to use on the face as long as they are kept sufficiently away from direct contact with
the eyes. To further deter insects that are bothersome at certain times of the day, bring the horse inside and aim a fan at a stall. This inhibits the ability of the gnats and flies to land on the horse.
Fortunately, many companies have recognized the need for commercially available facemasks that are protective against insects
and the elements. These masks are made of mosquito-net material that serves as a barrier
to prevent insects from reaching the eyes
and a large part of the face. Ear nets are also incorporated in many styles of facemasks to give added protection.
Another benefit of an equine facemask is
that it acts like a partial sunshade, blocking up to 70% of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes and areas of covered skin. Some styles are made with an extension piece that extends downward to cover a large part of the muzzle to protect sun- sensitive skin on the nose and muzzle. Facemasks also protect an open wound or recently sutured laceration injury from fly irritation, so it heals with the least blemish possible.
Limb socks are available commercially to protect against photo-activated vasculitis and are additionally useful to cover superficial leg wounds and protect against flies. Also available are limb coverings made of mosquito netting to give horses relief from insect attacks on their limbs.
OTHER SKIN AILMENTS
Skin ailments are generally classified as: a) pruritic (itching); b) nodular; or c) crusting or ulcerated lesions.
PRURITIS
The most common itching problem in horses is related to insect hypersensitivity, particularly of the Culicoides gnat. Horses react to proteins in the gnats’ saliva as it feeds, or to the bite itself, or as a result of inhaling desiccated insects. Other flies also create itching from their bites, but these gnats incite the most profound itching response, with horses mutilating their tails, manes, and torsos in attempts to relieve their allergic misery. Barns and fences also suffer from intense rubbing efforts. The problem is seasonal
in association with high numbers of insect populations. Certain breeds, like Icelandic ponies and Morgan horses, seem predisposed. Geographic variations, such as stabling near
standing water, increase the risk. It is best to house sensitive horses away from wet, low-lying areas that breed these insects. In some cases,
Chronic eye irritation may induce a horse to scratch his eye on a solid object with the potential to develop an abrasion on the cornea that may form an ulcer.
SPEEDHORSE April 2023 147
Using insect repellant on a horse is helpful to deter insects