Very Common
Less Common
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, Multiple Areas
Summary
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of processes, including trauma from scratching and itching. Hormonal abnormalities that occur in horses with PPID and EMS also contribute to irregular shedding and may in themselves predispose to a variety of other skin conditions including skin infections. Rare autoimmune diseases cause hair loss as well.
The distribution of hair loss is important information, as is the appearance of the skin underneath. Flaky or reddened skin, and hair crusts which will peel off the periphery of the hairless areas may indicate an inflammatory (infectious) process. Sharp edges of hair loss with normal skin on the periphery may indicate that the process is traumatic (other horse bites or kicks).
The distribution of hair loss is important information, as is the appearance of the skin underneath. Flaky or reddened skin, and hair crusts which will peel off the periphery of the hairless areas may indicate an inflammatory (infectious) process. Sharp edges of hair loss with normal skin on the periphery may indicate that the process is traumatic (other horse bites or kicks).
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the area seems painful to the touch.
- If the problem seems severe, or involves a large area.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the problem seems very mild and limited to a small area.
your role
What To Do
Take a photo of the pattern of hair loss on both sides of the body. Take a close-up photo of the skin on the edge of the areas and send these to your vet. Use a magnifying glass to look along the edges of the hair loss for tiny external parasites like lice and mites which can also cause skin disease. Take note of whether or not the horse is itchy or scratching. This is also important diagnostic criteria for your vet.You may choose to treat symptomatically by treating the horse with a soothing, gentle antiseptic shampoo. If you do this, be sure to remove as much scale and crust as possible, and let the shampoo lather stand for 10 minutes. Rinse very well, as soap residues may make the situation worse, and dry. Do this daily for several days, and monitor the horse for improvement. Wear gloves and use caution. The condition could be transmissible to other horses. Clean and disinfect tack.
If the condition continues despite your attempt to treat it, contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
What Not To Do
Do not assume that this is "ringworm" and treat for extended periods of time without a diagnosis. Autoimmune diseases like pemphigus can look very much like infectious conditions to the untrained eye. These diseases need to be diagnosed and treated promptly.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will recognize likely infectious conditions and will have a plan for treating these. In stubborn cases, they may use other diagnostics, like biopsy to better understand the disease process and thus how to treat it.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Are you seeing itchiness (rubbing or scratching)?
- When did you first notice this problem?
- What is the horses breed, age and sex?
- Have you tried any treatments?
- Were the treatments helpful?
- Can you send me a photo?
- Are other horses affected?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
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.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
