Dermatological investigations
Skin issues are very common in horses. They can be frustrating with many different treatments being attempted before involving a vet.
Dermatological conditions
Skin disease is one of the most common reasons for veterinary examination and can present in many forms.
Clinical signs
- Recurrent hives (urticaria)
- Itchiness (pruritus)
- Loss of hair (alopecia)
- Scaling and crusting
- Skin masses
- Pigment changes
Dermatological investigations
We can conduct all the diagnostic methods detailed below at our clinic and consult specialists where necessary.
Skin brushings & hair plucks:
These samples can be examined under a microscope at the clinic and are useful to help identify parasites within the superficial skin layers.
Skin biopsies:
These are performed under standing sedation with local anaesthetic. The samples obtained are then submitted for histopathology examination.
Intra-dermal allergy skin testing:
Skin testing remains the ‘gold standard’ diagnostic technique in the diagnosis of allergic skin disease in horses. The aim of skin testing is to try determine allergens which may be contributing towards allergic skin disease so that avoidance strategies and desensitizing vaccinations may be formulated.
The skin test procedure is performed at our Equine Clinic in Goosnargh. A small clip patch is made on one side of the horse’s neck and a panel of allergens are injected intra-dermally. The reaction of the skin is measured 30mins, 4-6hrs and 24hrs following injection. Horses need to be off all medication (namely steroids and anti-histamines) generally for a 2-3 week period prior to performing the skin tests to ensure test results are accurate. A full written report will be supplied detailing recommendations 48-hours following discharge. Bespoke desensitizing vaccinations (immunotherapy) based on skin test results can subsequently be formulated for your horse which generally take 2-3 weeks to arrive in stock.
Ongoing management is based on avoidance strategies and immunotherapy vaccinations. Flare-ups can nevertheless still occur necessitating further treatment.