Dermatitis Verrucosa
Dermatophilosis may also present in the palmar or plantar pastern region. In this case the disease is commonly called pastern dermatitis or . It is classified as a chronic seborrheic dermatitis.
The etiological agent is the same as rain rot but could also be caused by staphylococcus.
The transmission is environmental.
Like rain rot, the bacteria enter through a break in the skin of the caudal aspect of the lower limb. This results in inflammation, followed by exudation and crusting of lesions. In more severe or advanced cases granulomas form followed by lichenification, hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the skin. Horses predisposed include those with previous wounds within the lower limb, white skin or heavy feathering. The plantar aspect of the hind limbs is the most common location. Horses exposed to prolonged moisture such as standing in mud or urine-soaked bedding are at higher risk. Specific signs and symptoms include swelling of the pastern region, varying pain & pruritus, cracks, , scabs or crust of the coronet and pastern, alopecia, greasy grey exudation from lesions, and matting of hair. In more advanced cases, the formation of clustered granulation tissue, followed by lichenification, hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the skin can occur. Lameness may also occur if severe.
Diagnosis is signs & symptoms.
Treatment includes antimicrobial washes and the topical application of antibiotics such as cream to the heels and pasterns may help to prevent future outbreaks. Symptomatic care such as clipping away hair, keeping the area clean & dry and providing dry footing can aid in treatment. It is very common for horses to be infected seasonally during the muddy times as the bacteria thrives in those damp conditions. Management is very important in prevention.
Dermatophytosis
Dermatophytosis or “ringworm” is a
skin condition.
Dermatophytosis is caused by either Microsporum spp . or by Trichophyton spp .
Dermatophytosis is spread by direct contact with infected areas or by indirect contact with infected fomites/equipment.
The fungi live in and feed off of the dead, keratinized layer of the skin where it is warm and moist.
93
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software