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
Crusts, Scabs or Hair Loss on Chest
Summary
The skin overlying the pectoral muscles of the chest is an area commonly affected by a variety of skin related conditions that can cause hair loss, crusting, peeling and scabbing.
Crusts and scabs in this area are commonly associated with fly irritation, traumatic injuries, tumors or infections. This is also an area that horses tend to rub, itch and bite at. They can make a condition worse with self-trauma. A notable infection that takes many forms but tends to affect the chest area is Pigeon Fever. The good news is that this area tends to be fairly easy to treat.
Crusts and scabs in this area are commonly associated with fly irritation, traumatic injuries, tumors or infections. This is also an area that horses tend to rub, itch and bite at. They can make a condition worse with self-trauma. A notable infection that takes many forms but tends to affect the chest area is Pigeon Fever. The good news is that this area tends to be fairly easy to treat.
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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.
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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
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) and assess the affected area carefully, noting whether there is swelling, heat or drainage. Since some potential diagnoses are contagious, it is wise to wear gloves.You may choose to treat skin lesions here symptomatically, and antiseptic shampoos may be a good choice. If flies are present, use a non-irritating fly repellent to keep flies off.
However contact your vet if there is no improvement, if the problem seems serious, or if you find any other abnormalities. You may also send your vet a photo of the affected area.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet is familiar with the skin conditions that tend to affect different regions of the horse's body. This helps them to differentiate them. They may use other diagnostics as needed, or advise you to treat symptomatically for a time to see if the signs disappear.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Are there other areas of hair loss?
- Are flies bothering the horse?
- Have there been large numbers of flies?
- Are you seeing itchiness (rubbing or scratching)?
- Can you detect swelling or heat in the area?
- Is the horse pastured with other horses?
- What treatments have you tried and how did they work?
- Do your other horses show similar signs?
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
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
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
