Lesions may be prevented by the use of insecticides, bug repellents and fly sheets and masks. Affected horses should only be turned out in the middle of the day or on days, as these conditions inhibit gnat and midge feeding.
Infectious Skin Diseases
Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection of the superficial . The etiological agent is usually Staphylococcus spp. but occasionally Streptococcus spp. is responsible. Transmission is through contact with infective exudate from lesions or though contact with infected fomites. The bacteria enter a break in the skin and cause local tissue necrosis, abscess formation and inflammation. Impetigo usually occurs in the young but is not restricted to this age group. Horse suffering from a pruritic skin condition are also at risk. Impetigo is characterized by eruptive, flaccid that contain a thick, honey colour exudate. Once pustules have erupted a crust may form around the exudate oozing at the centre of the lesion.
Diagnosis is through bacterial culture and treatment is systemic antibiotics.
Impetigo is generally quite contagious, so it is best to
infected individuals and to
ensure proper sanitization of fomites.
Ecthyma is a shallow type of Impetigo that is caused by haemolytic Strep. spp .
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infectious inflammation of a hair
.
Usually the infectious agent is bacterial, either Staph. spp . or Strep. spp ., but may be fungal in some cases.
Transmission is environmental.
When the skin’s normal ability to form a barrier against infectious agents is compromised this allows the bacteria to enter the hair follicle. Once inside the follicle, the bacteria multiply causing inflammation & papule formation. Pustule formation may occur & the follicle ruptures. Once the follicle is ruptured the bacteria are free to spread into the surrounding skin forming a furunculosis .
90
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software