Warts are seen in the young, usually less than years of age. Older horses have been exposed to the virus and have antibodies against the disease. Immunity develops three to four weeks after initial exposure making it a self-limiting disease.
Transmission of warts is through direct contact with lesions or through fomites.
Clinically warts develop as raised lesions that develop into lesions with a characteristic short, fibrous stalk and horny texture. Eventually the verrucose region will slough off, leaving a pink raised area that recedes with time. Warts are usually seen on the muzzle, lips, eyelids, pinnae, lower limbs, teats, and genital areas, but may occur anywhere. Diagnosis of warts is made through clinical signs and symptoms, and through histological examination. Generally, no treatment is needed for warts as the disease is self-limiting, however large or poorly located lesions may be removed through cryosurgery, chemical cauterization or excision. which may be desirable in animals used for showmanship or line classes as the lesions are unsightly. Isolation is very effective as well. Warts can be prevented through
Aural Plaques
Aural plaques are another type of papillomatosis. It is important to note that aural plaques are distinct from equine viral papillomatosis. The etiological agent of aural plaques is idiopathic, though it is thought to be related to the transmission of bovine papilloma virus by biting flies. Another theory is that the appearance of aural plaques is linked to systemic viral disease.
There is no predisposition, but aural plaques are generally seen in mature horses.
Aural plaques present as flat or slightly raised lesions that are white and in texture. They are found only on the inner surface of the outer pinnae. These lesions are painless and benign. Aural plaques do not regress over time resulting in lesions that remain for life.
Diagnosis is made through clinical signs and symptoms.
There is no recommended treatment for aural plaques as they do not cause dysfunction. If lesions are removed, they generally recur in the same location and may even increase in size when they re-grow.
Pediculosis Pediculosis is commonly referred to as
and is an infestation of blood-sucking
ectoparasites.
The two major species causing disease in horses are Bovicola equi , a
type, and
Haematopinus asini , a type. Biting types of lice feed off the cells of the epidermis and dermis, while blood sucking types have straw-like jaw apparatuses that allow them
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