Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Aural Plaques
Summary
Aural plaques are very common in horses. They are raised white or pale crusts or plaques on the visible part of the inner surface of the ear (pinna).
The virus that causes aural plaques is probably transmitted by biting midges that bite the inside the ear. Aural plaques usually do not cause horses much discomfort, although horses with severe aural plaques may resent having their ears handled.
Historically there has been little effective treatment. Recently, a human anti-tumor drug called Aldara (imiquimod) has been used with some success.
The need to treat this condition is usually only cosmetic. The exception to this is very severe aural plaques that make the horse uncomfortable and resist bridling or handling of the ears.
The virus that causes aural plaques is probably transmitted by biting midges that bite the inside the ear. Aural plaques usually do not cause horses much discomfort, although horses with severe aural plaques may resent having their ears handled.
Historically there has been little effective treatment. Recently, a human anti-tumor drug called Aldara (imiquimod) has been used with some success.
The need to treat this condition is usually only cosmetic. The exception to this is very severe aural plaques that make the horse uncomfortable and resist bridling or handling of the ears.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
These lesions do not typically resolve on their own. Conventional treatments are usually not successful. Recent treatment protocol using the drug imiquimod have shown some promise.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Do these need to be treated?
- Are these causing my horse to resent ear handling?
Prevention
Good facilities management to decrease the population of flies and biting midges is recommended, including the use of fans, screens, fly repellant and fly masks that protect the ears. Keep horse in protected stalls during times of high fly activity.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
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