Page 113 - September2021

EQUINE SKIN ISSUES: COMPETITION HORSES
by Nancy S. Loving, DVM
Aslick, shiny hair coat makes a statement about the care and health of a competitive horse. Prior to travel, many horses cross- ing state lines or national borders are required to have a certificate of veterinary inspection. Venues that require health certificates for admittance to competitive events or clinics provide a measure of security to horse owners that there is some scrutiny regarding horse health, including the skin. In the process of evaluating a horse for a health certifi- cate, a veterinarian looks for common and overt skin problems that could be infectious to others.
Common dermatologic conditions in horses include fungal infections, hypersensitivity reactions (allergies), “scratches” and sunburn, bacterial infections, and insect irritation. General signs of skin discomfort include itching, hair loss, bleeding lesions, or increased moisture at the skin surface.
What situations create a risk for development of equine skin issues?
TRANSPORT AND SHARED STALLS
Training, traveling, and competition
can take their toll on any horse. Because of transport stress and its effect on the immune system, competitive horses may be more vulnerable to infectious diseases like ringworm (dermatophytosis). Traveling horses that share trailers or stalls are at greater risk of contracting contagious skin diseases. It is advisable to designate brushes, sponges, saddle pads, and blankets only for use on each individual horse.
Following travel, cleaning trailers after each use minimizes the growth or spread
of potential pathogens. Dermatologic contamination may occur from shared shipping boots, blankets, halters or other restraint devices. Fleece-lined shipping boots or halters that are wet or stored for long periods may become contaminated with microbes. Other skin abnormalities that develop from shipping can develop due
to tight halters or trailer gates rubbing on
a horse’s skin that removes hair and causes skin irritation. Check halter fit and comfort and observe how closely the horse contacts the butt bar or gate and take precautions by padding these areas.
NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS
Other skin problems may arise through constant feed changes that often accompany a horse in heavy competition and travel to new places and new food sources. For a horse vulnerable to developing hives or protein bumps, it is best to keep the diet consistent. Also, use familiar clean bedding and hay. Mold and dust are further aggravations in individuals with a predisposition to allergic reactions. It can help to blend hay from the home source with new hay acquired at the venue. Hives is also known to develop in response to pine shavings.
VETERINARY VIEWS
Because of transport stress and its effect on the immune system, competitive horses may be more vulnerable to infectious diseases like ringworm (shown).
It is advisable to designate brushes, sponges,
saddle pads, and blankets only for use on each Skin problems may arise through constant individual horse. feed changes.
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