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Ten common skin conditions in racehorses, and how to treat them

By Barry Sangster and Phil Dyson
First Published: 14 October 2009 - Issue Number: 14

“He’s come into his summer coat and you can see your face in it.” “She looks very well in her skin.” These typical comments from TV racing pundits underline the link most horsemen make between the sleek, shiny coat of the finely-tuned equine athlete and the general wellbeing of the animal that this reflects.

However, skin conditions are not merely an aesthetic consideration and, left unidentified or untreated, can interrupt carefully planned training schedules. This article seeks to list ten important skin conditions of racehorses and provide a brief explanation of their cause, recognition and treatment. Broadly, skin conditions may result from trauma, infection, allergy or abnormal growths.

1 CUTS/TRAUMA
Nicks and scrapes of varying severity are an occupational hazard for the racehorse, particularly if they are required to jump obstacles. Most of these can be dealt with by first aid and simple ongoing treatments, such as the application of a bandage or antiseptic cream. Veterinary examination would certainly be required where the wound appears to be infected or suturing is necessary. Most importantly, a vet should look at any deep wound which lies over a tendon sheath or joint capsule, as infection tracking into these structures is a very serious matter. Without prompt treatment, persistent lameness or even euthanasia may be the result.  There is no doubt that the wound illustrated in Figure 1 required urgent and extensive veterinary treatment. However, Figure 2 illustrates what, at first presentation, appears to be a relatively minor wound. Closer examination revealed joint fluid leaking from the wound, and a septic tarso-crural (hock) joint sepsis was diagnosed. Joint sepsis is treated by lavage or flushing of the joint with sterile fluid, usually under a general anesthetic.

2 SUNBURN
As the name suggests, this is damage to the skin caused by direct exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation, i.e. sunshine. The problem is normally...

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