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Horse Dandruff Table of Contents Why does my horse have dandruff? Dandruff in horses is a relatively common, usually cosmetic condition in which dry skin flakes off. There are two main types of dandruff in horses: dry and oily. Dry dandruff is more common in the mane and tail (similar to the dandruff you may see in a person’s scalp) while oily dandruff is usually observed on the extremities—the cannon bone, elbows, and hocks. Dandruff can be caused by a variety of factors. It is important to diligently observe your horse in order to find and treat the root cause....

Hair Loss in Horses Table of Contents Is my Horse going Bald? Hair loss in horses is a symptom of another issue. Understanding the biology of the horse is helpful in determining the root cause. Careful observation can provide clues to the problem. Often, insect activity can be to blame, but certain bacteria, fungi, or tumors can also cause hair loss. It’s always a good idea to work with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. Why do horses lose their hair? Hair loss is a symptom, not a disease. To start, it helps to...

Cannon Crud What is Cannon Crud? Cannon crud goes by many names but is the same condition—a waxy, greasy appearance on the front of the rear cannon bones. The exact cause has not been determined. Diagnosis is visual, and there are many methods to treat it but no actual cure. The good news? Cannon crud is generally cosmetic in nature and does not actually bother your horse. Cannon Crud is also known as... Cannon crud has a lot of other names; stud crud, “leg funk,” urine scald…all of these refer to the same condition.  But the cannon crud does have...

How to Treat Rain Rot in Horses Table of Contents What is Rain Rot? Rain rot is a common equine skin disease caused by a bacteria. it is easy to diagnose and common in wet conditions. The condition is more common during winter months when the haircoat is thicker, a typical clinical sign is “paintbrush lesions” or bumps of skin and hair that come off in tufts, leaving a bald spot behind. This condition is easily treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos and sprays, and should only require an the attention of an equine veterinarian in more severe cases. Rain rot...

What is Sweet Itch?  And how to Treat Sweet Itch for Horses Table of Contents What is Sweet Itch?  And what does it do to horses? Sweet itch is the common name for seasonal recurrent dermatitis.  This means it is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the Culicoides fly. A seasonal disorder, horses can display varying reactions depending on the body’s type of response and previous reaction history. Symptoms include uncontrollable itching to the point of hair removal and skin damage. While there is no cure for sweet itch, it can be managed by both preventative measures and treatment...