Dermatology is a branch of medicine that focuses solely on the skin, hair, and hooves. It can contain both medical and surgical aspects as a means of treating skin infections and cancers. Horse owners deal with many different skin level diseases, from insect allergies to summer sores. These things are unfortunately common at peak times of year and can make you and your horses miserable if left unchecked.
There are several common skin issues that arise in horses but especially here in south Georgia/north Florida. One condition is called dermatitis. Dermatitis is characterized as red, swollen, sore, or otherwise irritated skin caused by an external factor or allergic reaction. Another common condition is cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. Treatment options for these may include topical ointments, medicated shampoos, steroids, and/or a course of antibiotics.
A relatively common but more serious skin condition is carcinoma. Carcinoma is a type of cancer that arises in the epithelial tissue of the skin. Treatment options for this may include topical chemotherapy, cryotherapy (the use of extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue), and/or surgical removal of the mass.
One of the most common issues affecting horses skin is Insect hypersensitivity. Many horses are bothered by insect bites to the point that their skin develops welps, hair loss, and even sores. There are some things we can do to help horses suffering from medications to managment ideas to minimize the effects of exposure.
