Very Common
Less Common
Rare
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Hair Loss, Skin Irritation Under Belly
Summary
Hair loss on the belly often occurs as a result of self-trauma due to itching. In other cases, the disease process itself causes hair to drop out.
The most common reason for hair loss or patches of irritated skin on the belly is seasonal insect irritation or allergies. In this case, the skin is usually flaky or crusty. Other common causes include summer sores (Habronemiasis), equine sarcoids.
The most common reason for hair loss or patches of irritated skin on the belly is seasonal insect irritation or allergies. In this case, the skin is usually flaky or crusty. Other common causes include summer sores (Habronemiasis), equine sarcoids.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If a skin lesion is larger, growing or causing pain or itchiness.
- If there is swelling and pain associated with this problem.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If a skin lesion is small, not itchy and changing slowly or not at all.
your role
What To Do
Assess the area. Keep flies away from the area using fly repellent ointments. Monitor the condition over time. If it persists or worsens, or if it appears to cause the horse any pain, discomfort or itchiness, contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
In most cases, the appearance and history of an area of hair loss on the belly gives your vet clues as to the diagnosis. If needed, definitive diagnosis may require skin biopsy.
In many cases, vets treat simple hair loss and skin conditions symptomatically. If they disappear, then we make assumptions about the diagnosis.
In many cases, vets treat simple hair loss and skin conditions symptomatically. If they disappear, then we make assumptions about the diagnosis.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this?
- Can you expand the affected area by picking hairs or crusts on the edges?
- Can you detect swelling or heat in the area?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Does pressure on the area seem to cause the horse pain or discomfort?
- Are there noticeable skin lesions, crusts or scabs in the area?
- Are there multiple affected areas?
- Are flies bothering the area?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- Are the affected areas white haired/pink skinned or dark?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
Less Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
