Skin problems are extremely common in horses, particularly in the warm, humid climate of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Insects, moisture, allergens, bacteria, fungi, parasites, wounds, and environmental exposure can all contribute to skin disease. While some conditions are relatively minor, others can become painful, spread quickly, or indicate a more serious underlying problem. Jacksonville Equine Associates provides evaluation and treatment for a wide variety of equine skin conditions, allergies, infections, wounds, and skin masses.
Common Skin Problems in Horses
Different skin conditions can look remarkably similar, which can make determining the cause difficult without an examination.
Our veterinarians commonly evaluate horses for:
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Itching and excessive rubbing
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Hives and allergic reactions
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Hair loss
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Crusting and scabbing
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Rain rot/rain scald
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Scratches or pastern dermatitis
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Insect hypersensitivity and sweet itch
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Bacterial and fungal skin infections
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Ringworm
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Summer sores
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Cellulitis
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Non-healing wounds
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Sarcoids, melanomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and other skin masses
Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause rather than treating the appearance of the skin alone.
Insect Hypersensitivity & Allergic Skin Disease
Insect hypersensitivity is particularly common in our region because biting insects can remain active for much of the year.
Affected horses may develop intense itching, hives or welts, hair loss, thickened skin, scabs, or open sores caused by repeated rubbing and scratching. Treatment may involve a combination of medications and environmental management. Fly sheets, masks, repellents, fans, changes in turnout schedules, and reducing insect breeding areas may all be useful depending on the individual horse. For horses with recurrent or severe symptoms, our veterinarians can help develop a longer-term management plan.
Rain Rot, Scratches & Dermatitis
Dermatitis simply describes inflammation of the skin and can have many different causes.
Our hot, humid environment can create ideal conditions for moisture-associated skin problems, particularly during periods of heavy rain. Horses may develop crusting, scabbing, hair loss, redness, swelling, or painful areas of skin.
Because bacterial infection, fungal disease, parasites, allergies, environmental irritation, and other conditions can sometimes appear similar, an examination may be necessary before choosing a treatment.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include topical therapy, medicated shampoos, environmental changes, systemic medications, or other therapies.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a potentially serious infection and inflammation of the tissues beneath the skin. In horses, it commonly causes sudden, significant swelling of a limb and may also be accompanied by heat, pain, lameness, or fever.
Cellulitis can progress rapidly and should not be treated as a routine skin irritation.
If your horse develops sudden or severe limb swelling, significant pain, lameness, fever, or appears ill, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Summer Sores
Summer sores, or habronemiasis, are caused by an abnormal inflammatory response to larvae of certain stomach worms deposited around wounds or moist areas by flies. These lesions can become raised, irritated, intensely itchy, and difficult to heal. Treatment may involve addressing the lesion itself as well as parasite and fly control. Early veterinary evaluation can help prevent the lesion from becoming larger and more difficult to manage.
Skin Masses & Equine Skin Cancer
Not every lump or unusual skin lesion is cancerous, but persistent or changing masses should be evaluated.
Horses can develop several types of skin tumors and masses, including sarcoids, melanomas, and squamous cell carcinoma. Depending on the location and appearance of the lesion, your veterinarian may recommend a biopsy or other diagnostic testing before developing a treatment plan. Treatment varies considerably and may include surgical removal, cryotherapy, topical medications, or other therapies depending on the type and location of the lesion.
Diagnosing Equine Skin Disease
Many skin conditions look alike, so persistent or recurring problems may require additional diagnostics.
Depending on your horse's condition, your veterinarian may recommend testing such as skin scrapings, cytology, cultures, biopsies, or other laboratory testing to help determine the underlying cause.
Getting an accurate diagnosis can be especially important when a skin problem repeatedly returns or fails to respond to previous treatment.
Equine Dermatology in Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia
Jacksonville Equine Associates provides evaluation and treatment of equine skin conditions throughout our Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia service area, as well as at our Green Cove Springs haul-in clinic.
If your horse is experiencing persistent itching, hair loss, unusual skin lesions, recurrent infections, swelling, or a mass that is growing or changing, our veterinarians can help determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
To schedule an appointment, contact Jacksonville Equine Associates at (904) 387-3330.
