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
Flaky or Scaly Skin, Scaling Especially near Mane Base, but Anywhere
Summary
Dandruff or flaky skin can result from a variety of causes. During the healing process associated with many skin conditions, there is a period of flakiness (seborrhea).
A common location for flakiness is on the neck and near the base of the mane. Insect irritation (Culicoides) commonly affects the top-line skin and so should be considered when severe flakiness and irritation occurs here.
Genetics plays a role in propensity for dandruff to occur, as do a whole host of other factors, especially nutrition. This problem can be lessened or resolved with nutritional modification.
There are many products that may help reduce flakiness, including feed supplements and shampoos. The important thing to know is that this sign may have an underlying cause that needs to be identified and treated too.
A common location for flakiness is on the neck and near the base of the mane. Insect irritation (Culicoides) commonly affects the top-line skin and so should be considered when severe flakiness and irritation occurs here.
Genetics plays a role in propensity for dandruff to occur, as do a whole host of other factors, especially nutrition. This problem can be lessened or resolved with nutritional modification.
There are many products that may help reduce flakiness, including feed supplements and shampoos. The important thing to know is that this sign may have an underlying cause that needs to be identified and treated too.
-
Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the problem seems severe, or involves a large area.
-
Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- If the problem seems very mild and limited to a small area.
your role
What To Do
Examine the skin over the whole body, looking for other areas of flakiness, hives or hair loss. Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), and pay particular attention to coat quality and body condition. 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 will assess the horse's overall health and management, looking for underlying causes for the flakiness.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How is your horse's condition otherwise?
- When did you first notice this problem?
- What areas of the horse's skin are affected?
- Have you applied anything to the skin in the last week?
- What is the horse's diet?
- Do your other horses show similar signs?
- Have you tried any treatments?
- Were the treatments helpful?
- 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.
Very Common
Less Common
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)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
