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
Tail Hair Loss, Broken Hairs at End
Summary
You notice that a horse (usually one in a herd or in contact with others) has a short tail, getting shorter. Upon closer examination, you notice that the tail hairs are broken off near the end.
This is most commonly caused by pasture mates (usually foals) chewing the tail hairs off. Other rare causes may cause weakening of the hair shaft and breakage. An example of a condition causing this is selenium toxicosis.
This is most commonly caused by pasture mates (usually foals) chewing the tail hairs off. Other rare causes may cause weakening of the hair shaft and breakage. An example of a condition causing this is selenium toxicosis.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources
your role
What To Do
If you suspect that the tail is being chewed, the only practical thing that can be done is to change management and keep the horse separate from herdmates. A protective tail sock may help in some cases.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet studies the problem, the environment and the general health of the horse to help you determine the cause. Treatment will depend on that.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is this horse kept with others in a group or herd?
- Are there other areas of hair loss?
- How is the horse's weight or body condition score (BCS)?
- 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)
