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Overview of equine pruritus
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice
|April 1, 1995
Summary
Pruritic skin conditions in horses, often caused by allergies or parasites, lead to self-mutilation and affect appearance. This review details diagnostic and treatment strategies for allergic and specific parasitic causes of equine pruritus.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Equine Medicine
- Allergology
Background:
- Pruritus is a frequent clinical sign in horses with dermatological conditions.
- Self-inflicted trauma from pruritus results in alopecia, excoriations, scaling, and crusting, impacting the horse's aesthetic value and suitability for work.
- Common causes include allergies (food, atopy, contact) and specific ectoparasites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of pruritic dermatoses in horses.
- To focus on allergic causes such as food allergy/intolerance, atopy, and contact allergy.
- To discuss two specific ectoparasitic causes: stick-tight fleas and rhabditic mange.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical signs associated with each condition.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches for accurate identification.
- Outline of recommended treatment strategies for each disorder.
Main Results:
- Detailed descriptions of clinical presentations for allergic and parasitic pruritus.
- Identification of key diagnostic tests for differentiating causes.
- Evidence-based treatment recommendations for managing pruritus and underlying conditions.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is crucial for effective management of equine pruritus.
- Allergies and specific ectoparasites are significant contributors to pruritic dermatoses in horses.
- A systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes for affected horses.