Things To Know About Equine Dermatology

The large size of a horse means that their skin covers a large surface area, often making skin problems easy to see. However, although we can see them, we cannot always easily identify their cause. We teamed up with Dr. Stephen White, DACVD, UC Davis professor and chief of the veterinary hospital’s Dermatology Service, to bring to light some things you might not know about equine dermatology.

1. The skin is the largest organ of the body. It provides a barrier to the outside world, protecting the inside of the body from environmental assaults from bacteria, chemicals, heat, cold, moisture, and ultraviolet (UV) light. It allows the body to feel sensations, including itching and pain, can store water, vitamins, fat, and proteins, and produces hormones. Skin is often an outward indicator of the health of internal organs and systems.

2. A well-balanced diet is important for healthy skin. Minerals such as copper and zinc have roles in maintaining and repairing skin cells and ensuring the structural integrity and strength of skin. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids, help skin retain moisture and key amino acids, and produce various substances that are vital to the health of skin and connective tissues. If access to pasture and good quality hay is limited, vitamin A, B, and E supplementation may be necessary to promote healthy skin.

. Hooves, chestnuts, and ergots are modified skin structures. These horned skin structures grow continuously and are trimmed or broken off (chestnuts and ergots) or worn down (hooves). Chestnuts and ergots are natural growths that are largely cosmetic. However, in some cases abnormal growth can indicate health conditions such as laminitis. Interestingly, chestnuts are like fingerprints in that they are unique to each horse and can help with individual identification.

Mane and tail hair is permanent; body hair is temporary. Equine hair is also comprised of modified skin tissue. Body hair is temporary and sheds seasonally. Permanent hair, such as mane, tail, and eyelash hair, has important defensive roles, including waterproofing, insulating blood vessels, and protecting eyes from debris. Although this type of hair falls out, it does not shed regularly, so permanent hair can be used to evaluate nutrition, exposure to environmental toxins, and drug administration over time.