Horse skin and ear infections

Itching (also referred to as pruritus) in horses is a common symptom that may indicate insect bites, skin infection, or allergic reactions. An itchy horse will often rub against other surfaces, including stalls, trees, fences, or buildings, which may lead to loss of hair and more irritated skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant skin cancer that arises from the superficial layer of the skin. SCC appears as a single, raised mass that often ulcerates and may bleed or as soft flesh-colored masses that mimic “proud flesh."

Papillomatosis is a skin disease caused by several equine papillomaviruses that present as papillomas (commonly known as warts). Equine warts commonly develop on the muzzle and face, genitals, pasterns, or in the ears of young horses.

Rain rot or rain scald is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, a bacteria that causes a skin infection in horses. Rain rot affects horses of all ages, but most commonly affects young or immunosuppressed horses chronically exposed to wet conditions.

Hair loss (also known as alopecia) in horses occurs for three main reasons: because the hair has been broken or rubbed off; the immune system is not working properly and an infection has taken root; or the immune system targets the hair as a foreign invader. 

Dermatophytosis is a fungal skin infection also known as ringworm. Ringworm is very contagious and is transmitted by contact with infected horses or contaminated materials and surfaces.

A swollen umbilicus describes the presence of an enlarged umbilical stump in newborn foals. Depending on the underlying cause, the swelling can feel soft and fluid-like, hard and warm, or may be accompanied by other symptoms.

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient mineral that, in small doses, plays an essential role in a healthy diet in horses. Selenium poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when an excessive amount of selenium is ingested.

Sweet Itch (aka insect bite hypersensitivity/Queensland itch) is a seasonal skin condition affecting some horses who are allergic to biting midge saliva. Biting midges are especially active in the warmer months.

Strangles is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi equi, a highly contagious bacteria that spreads through contaminated nasal discharge. Horses with strangles characteristically develop swollen lymph nodes that drain pus, nasal discharge, and fever.

Crusted, scabbed skin in horses is sometimes referred to as “skin crud.” This is a catch-all term for symptoms where the skin has raised bumps, hair loss, scaling, pus formation, or crusting.

Peeling or sloughing skin in horses is characterized as an area of the body where the skin has begun to lose its surface layer. Generally appears as flaking or patches of skin that are missing or damaged.

Pigeon fever is a common bacterial infection of horses caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Even though most affected horses don’t get a fever, it takes its name from the way the associated abscesses shape the horse’s chest to resemble a pigeon breast

Thrush is a common bacterial infection of horse hoof tissue caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum.

Mud fever is an inflammatory skin condition affecting the lower limbs of horses, caused by bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal agents that thrive on the skin over the pasterns and fetlocks.

Bacterial cellulitis in horses is a dangerous infection and inflammation of the tissues beneath the skin. Bacterial cellulitis is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention

Girth galls in horses are skin sores that develop due to the friction between the girth (or harness) and the horse. Galls are also named girth blisters.