Very 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
Loss of Skin Pigment on Face or Head, Skin Turning Pink
Summary
You notice patches of dark skin on your horse's head turning pink, possibly near the muzzle or eyes. Over time, these areas seems to gradually increase in size.
Often, the cause of this pigment loss is poorly understood. Sometimes skin turns pink because pigment producing cells have been damaged due to trauma (injury, inflammation, surgery or cryotherapy).
Mysterious spreading of pink areas that cannot be attributed to trauma may have a genetic origin. This is known as Vitiligo. This more commonly occurs to older gray horses, and can lead to secondary problems such as sunburn.
Often, the cause of this pigment loss is poorly understood. Sometimes skin turns pink because pigment producing cells have been damaged due to trauma (injury, inflammation, surgery or cryotherapy).
Mysterious spreading of pink areas that cannot be attributed to trauma may have a genetic origin. This is known as Vitiligo. This more commonly occurs to older gray horses, and can lead to secondary problems such as sunburn.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) paying particular attention to the affected areas, protect them from excessive exposure to the sun. Look for areas of irritation (reddening and hair loss). Notice whether the affected areas seems itchy. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet recognizes the common syndromes affecting horses and the general approach to diagnosis and treatment. Some of the fading syndromes have a genetic basis and there may not be much treatment possible. The question is always whether what is occurring is harming the horse, and what can be done to minimize this harm.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Is the horse kept on pasture?
- Is the horse pastured with other horses?
- Are other horses in the group affected?
- What is the horse currently being fed?
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
