Our new baby Rhymney Skye Flora is coming along beautifully! She is such a great girl and so happy to be handled and shown the ropes !
My Equus Care Nutrition family lending a hand with some orders today xo
It's cold and windy, so much nicer in here!
www.equuscarenutrition.com.au
Skin Conditions in Horses:
Skin conditions in horses can be caused by a range of insults from bacterial, fungal or viral infections to insect bites, allergic reactions, sunburn, bruises or abrasions. But skin conditions can also be more than skin deep, and can be indications of a compromised immune system brought on by poor nutrition, age or other diseases.
Common skin conditions and causes:
Rain Scald
Scabby crusts form on areas that are chronically damp such as top line, shoulders and hindquarters, or lower legs and faces of horses grazing in long, wet grass. The scabs peel off leaving bald patches. Rain scald is caused by an opportunistic bacteria which takes advantage of any breaks in the skin, and moist wet conditions to multiply rapidly. As well as wet conditions, anything that compromises a horse’s immune system such as malnutrition, illness or old age can make him more susceptible.
Ring Worm
Despite the name, Ring Worm is caused by a fungal infection whose food source is keratin, the structural protein of hair. This contagious conditions is characterized by round, hairless patches with crusty, scabby skin.
Dandruff
Dandruff can be dry or oily. Dry dandruff appears as small flakes of skin, usually at the base of the mane and tail. Oily dandruff causes large, waxy crusts, often on the elbows, hocks or lower legs. Primary dandruff is not curable, but is manageable through nutrition that helps promote healthier skin, and regular grooming to stimulate circulation and natural oil production.
Mange
Mange is most common in heavy horse breeds with feathering and is caused by tiny, parasitic mites. At first it appears as small, round bumps, followed by bald spots with scaly, itchy skin, most commonly on the legs. It is an itchy condition and affected horses will stamp, bite and rub their legs, to the point of rubbing them raw.
Queensland Itch
Queensland Itch, also known as 'Sweet Itch' is an allergic response to midge bits, actuall