Common Equine Skin Diseases - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Common Equine Skin Diseases

2. What is a Disease?A pathological condition of a body part, organ, or system resulting from infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of symptoms.

3. What are the Causes of Diseases?MicroorganismsParasitesDirect contactTransferred by touchIndirect contactTransferred through the airExample: CoughEnvironmental stressPoor Nutrition

4. Rain Rot “Rain Scald”Symptoms:Scabs form underneath the hairHair mats and falls outSkin turns pink and puss is present under scabsCause:Bacteria: dermatophilus congolensis - live in the outer layer of skin.Enter when skin is compromised (bite, scratch, etc.)Lesions are not itchy, but may be painful

5. Rain Rot ContinuedAreas affected:dorsal surfaces (neck, withers, back, and croup) as well as on the lower limbsTransferred directlyShared brushes, blankets, tack, or horse to horse contactLocale:Environments with high humidity and warm temperatures

6. Treatment of Rain RotQuarantine the animal if possibleAnything the animal touches can transfer the bacteria to other horsesKeep the animal clean and dryRemove all scabs by washing with antimicrobial shampooMay be a painful process; be patient and use caution

7. Prevention of Rain RotGood hygiene – daily grooming, clean/dry environments, reduce biting insectsDisinfect grooming tools & tack and/or use separate items for individual horsesQuarantine infected animals

8. Think It ThroughHow might proper care and hygiene help prevent Rain Rot?

9. RingwormTrue or False, Ringworm is caused by a worm?FALSE!Ringworm is a dermatophyte or fungusDermatophyte: fungus that grows on the skin of animals and humans

10. RingwormSymptoms:Round rings of hair loss which are dry and look like scabsIn some cases lesions will form

11. Ring Worm

12. RingwormHIGHLY Contagious zoonotic diseaseTransferrable to humansA red circular ring, dry middle, very itchyTransferred by direct contactShared grooming supplies, tack, or contact with infected horsesHorseHuman

13. Treatment for RingwormRemove dead skin, hair, or scabs to fully expose the fungi (ringworm) to medicationUse an antifungal shampoo multiple times a week for a couple of weeks

14. Prevention for RingwormDaily groomingDisinfect grooming tools & tack and/or use separate items for individual horsesQuarantine infected animalsWear gloves and thoroughly wash yourself and clothing after treating infected horse Ringworm is highly contagious to humans

15. Think It ThroughWhat precautions must be taken when treating Ring Worm and why?

16. Mange Symptoms: hair loss, itching, lesions, and discomfortCause: microscopic mites which invade the skinMore common in dogs and cats than horses

17. Types of MangeSarcoptic Mange – body mangeRare in horsesCauses most severe casesPsoroptic Mange – mane mangeInfest thickly haired regionsMites found in skin scrapings

18. Types of MangeChorioptic Mange - Leg MangeMost Common form in horsesHeavy breeds with leg feathering are more often affectedStamp feet or rub one leg against the otherDemodectic MangeRare in horsesCauses hair loss, but not itching

19. Types of MangeTrombiculidiasis - Chiggers, Harvest MiteTypically found on plants and invertebrates Late summer and fall infestationsHorse is an opportunistic hostStraw Itch Mite - Forage MiteFound in feed and foragesWill feed on the skin of horses

20. Treatment MangeTreatment may vary depending on type of mangeGeneral treatment: insecticide shampoo, dip, or spray every 3-4 days for 12 – 14 daysMedication for itchingSecondary infections may require antibiotics

21. Prevention of MangeDaily groomingProper nutritionClean, dry, spacious environmentsQuarantine infected animals

22. Think It ThroughDescribe the similarities and differences of mange, rain rot, and ring worm

23. SarcoidsSymptoms: skin tumor (most common type) May continually grow, spread, or do neitherAlmost always benignCause: virus bovine papillomavirus Perhaps transferred by biting fliesThought to be genetic

24. Sarcoids

25. Types of SarcoidsOccult (flat) Sarcoid:Flat, circular thickened areas or small nodulesUsually on neck, mouth, eyes, inner thighs, and upper forelegsVerrucous Sarcoid:Wart-like appearanceFace, body, and groin area

26. Types of SarcoidsFibroblastic Sarcoid:Proliferative, fleshy, and ulcerativeUsually along the groin, lower legs, and eyelidAggressive and invasiveNodular Sarcoid:Raised nodules up to 5 cm in diameterOccur around the eyelids, groin, or anywhere under thin and hairless skin.

27. Types of SarcoidsMalevolent Sarcoid:Most aggressiveFound on face or around elbowspreads through skin and along the lymphatic systemVery rareMixed Sarcoid:A combination of any of the above

28. Treatment of SarcoidsNo single “best” therapyRemoval may cause a latent (resting) viral reactionTriggering aggressive new growthIf it isn’t bothering the horse leave it alone!Treatment Options:Surgical Removal CryotherapyLaser TherapyRadiation TherapyChemotherapyImmunotherapy

29. Treatment Options for SarcoidsRemoval:Via scalpel or banding - High rate of recurrenceCryotherapy (freezing):Option for small sarcoids3 treatmentsVarying success rates Laser Therapy:Used to debulk tumorsDestroys cells deeper than other methods - higher success rateRadiation Therapy:Gamma radiationRequires isolationHighest success rate, but most expensiveChemotherapy:Topical or injections into tumorSuccess varies

30. Prevention of SarcoidsCurrently, no preventative drugsResearch for vaccines, immuno-, or gene therapy continue Pre-purchase vet check should include looking for sarcoids or traces of past lesions and checking history

31. Think It ThroughWhat makes sarcoids so difficult to treat?

32. Pastern DermatitisAlso known as scratches, mud fever, grease heelSymptoms: Mild - dry, scaly, crusty skin (pain varies)Moderate – redness, ulcers, oozingSevere – proud flesh, cracks/bleeding, lamenessIf not treated early, may move up the legCommonly seen on white legs with pink sensitive skinBut any horse can be affected

33. Pastern Dermatitis

34. Pastern DermatitisCauses: bacteria, fungi, parasites, environmental irritants, allergic reactions, UV light, etc.Huge range of causes makes diagnosis and treatment difficultCan be a recurring conditionSecondary infections often seenDraft breeds tend to be more prone to this disease

35. Pastern Dermatitis TreatmentTreatment depends on causeDiagnostic tests (skin scraping, cytology, etc.) are key to effective treatmentKeep area clean and dryShave and wash infected areasDry thoroughlyRemove scabs and expose skinTopical ointments (oil-based or antimicrobial) may help prevent cracking and infection and ease pain

36. Pastern Dermatitis PreventionDaily groomingClean, non-irritating beddingAvoid prolonged exposure to wet, muddy environmentsTreat potential cases early

37. Think It ThroughWhy are diagnostic tests the most important first step in treatment of pastern dermatitis?

38. How does the title of this slide relate to what you have learned today?An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

39. The End

40. Reference Websiteshttp://www.equusite.com/articles/health/healthRainRot.shtmlhttp://www.clydevetgroup.co.uk/equine/newsletters/may05.htmhttp://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/integumentary_system/mange_cutaneous_acariasis_mite_infestation/mange_in_horses.htmlhttp://www.equifox.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=138&Itemid=7http://www.championvet.com/articles/84-sarcoids-know-your-enemy.htmlhttp://www.gvequine.com/Pages/articles24.phphttp://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/forglvst/EquineFactSheet.pdfhttp://www.clydevetgroup.co.uk/equine/newsletters/oct05.htm#

41. Other ReferencesArnold, Carolyn DVM, DACVS. Diagnosis and Management of Equine Skin Tumors. Texas A&M University. Print.