Lichenification
Lichenification refers to the thickening of
. It may be due to chronic
irritation (callus).
Vascular Skin Lesions
Erythema
Erythema describes the reddish hue that skin takes on. Erythema is more difficult to detect in the horse as most of the skin is covered by a thick haircoat. Generally, erythema can only be seen in the membranes in animals with fur. Erythema can be either physiological or pathological. Examples of physiological erythema include thermoregulation and blushing while pathological causes include inflammation, congestion and shock.
Purpura
Purpura is described as purple-red patches in the skin caused by blood into the skin. Damage to blood vessels, congestion, faulty valves in veins and drugs that thin the blood are among the causes of purpura.
Petechiae
This condition is described as tiny, pin-point macules of a purple-red colour. Petechiae are caused by leaking of red blood cells into the skin due to increased fragility.
Ecchymoses
Ecchymoses describes a purple or red patch that is caused by the accumulation of
under
the skin. Ecchymoses is commonly called a . As the red blood cells are broken down the ecchymoses may change colour to a greenish-yellow hue. Ecchymoses are caused by localized bleeding into the skin and may be painful as they are often related to trauma.
Hematoma
A hematoma is described as the accumulation of blood in the skin and deeper tissues. Hematomas are generally painful as the clotted blood forms a mass in the deeper tissue that puts pressure on the surrounding structures. Hematoma is generally related to severe trauma.
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