Dermatitis causes and treatment in horses?

Our 18-year-old Morgan gelding has developed marks on his skin. They are similar to little bumps, but they do not resemble an insect bite. These marks are all over his back and sides. There are even a few larger ones on his neck with a little discharge. They seem to make him very itchy and uncomfortable. Is this a skin disease?

Dermatitis causes and treatment in horses?
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The few possibilities that this might be are all dermatitis, since they all affect the skin. Even though the bumps do not now look like insect bites, the problem may originate in one. The presence of itching may suggest this is an allergic reaction to the insect saliva; which would result in a secondary infection including inflammation and discharge. This kind of reaction could also be caused by an irritant in his environment. Has any part of this environment changed recently?





The last possibility is that this is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles (this is similar to acne). This is often related to rubbing of the skin with dirty objects such as blankets or tack, or heavy sweating during work. All of these conditions can be treated effectively with antiseptic shampoos and occasionally antibiotics. Consult with your vet for a suitable course of treatment.








This is a hot topic amongst horse lovers, and there are sure to be a hundred different answers for every day of the week. "Scratches" consist of a mixed bacterial and yeast infection, which is complicated by an inflammation of allergic response. They occur most commonly on the back of the hind pasterns, so is referred to as "pastern dermatitis". Since this area normally has longer hair, it often collect and holds dirty water from riding and is therefore prone to "scratches" more than other areas.





Occasionally a small laceration or roughened skin on the pastern will incite a bout of scratches. Effective treatment consists of drying the skin and applying a topical antibiotic, an antifungal, and an anti-inflammatory such as a steroid. In some of the more severe cases oral antibiotics and steroids are indicated.
Reply:It might be that he's developed an allergy to something or dermatitis. As with people or small animals, horses can develop problems over time. If his living conditions have changed recently, make note of it. Is he wearing a different blanket, eating different hay or grain, is he outside more or less?





There are so many different reasons today as to why animals are developing allergies. Anything from a rapid change in climate to unhealthy air.





I know that our morgans have extremely sensitive skin. The oldest horse is sensitive to certain fly sprays and the other morgan blows up like a balloon when she's bitten by mosquitos.





In any case, consult your vet immediately. You don't want your horse to suffer and for the meantime, try giving him a nice warm bath with a mild soap and make sure that the blanket you put on him is nice and clean (try to use detergents that are made for sensitive skin.).
Reply:The few possibilities that this might be are all dermatitis, since they all affect the skin. Even though the bumps do not now look like insect bites, the problem may originate in one. The presence of itching may suggest this is an allergic reaction to the insect saliva; which would result in a secondary infection including inflammation and discharge. This kind of reaction could also be caused by an irritant in his environment. Has any part of this environment changed recently?





The last possibility is that this is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles (this is similar to acne). This is often related to rubbing of the skin with dirty objects such as blankets or tack, or heavy sweating during work. All of these conditions can be treated effectively with antiseptic shampoos and occasionally antibiotics. Consult with your vet for a suitable course of treatment.
Reply:This sounds like an allergy to an insect bite or a contact allergy (dermatitis).





Contact dermatitis is usually caused by some type of chemical that the horse has been exposed to (dyes or preservatives in tack, chemicals in liniments, insecticides, also poison ivy and poison oak). If you think your horse might have reacted to something like this, don't expose the horse to it for 1-2 weeks. If the problem clears, re-expose the horse and if the dermatitis returns, you have established a diagnosis. Wash the skin with warm water to remove the residue. Treat any secondary infection with nitrofurazone or a triple antibiotic ointment.





If it is an insect allergy, you should consult your vet. They will typically prescribe a topical corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and allergic reaction.





Hope this helps.

night blooming cereus