This gelding presented with alopecia (hair loss) and skin lesions on his left girth area as well as down his left front leg. He was very sensitive and painful to palpation. TPR was all within normal limits. A skin scrape was performed which was unremarkable. He was given injections of an anti-inflammatory and antibiotics. An anti-inflammatory along with a soothing shampoo was dispensed to the owner with directions to bathe him every other day and then apply SSD cream to the lesions. The owner was also advised to cold hose the leg and apply a standing wrap and to call us if the lesions weren't resolving in several days. Four days later his owner contacted us and said the lesions were much worse and had spread to other parts of his body. She brought him to the clinic the same day. Upon examination, the original lesions on his left girth area and left front leg were much more aggravated and there were other lesions across his body that were not yet agitated. We recommended performing a biopsy which the owner consented to. The gelding was hospitalized and placed on IV antibiotics and anti-inflammatories along with a medicated bath every day. After two days of being in the hospital and receiving treatments, his lesions started healing and he was much less painful to palpation. The next day he was discharged and sent home on anti-inflammatories and medicated shampoo. About one week after being home, the geldings owner sent update pictures of him. His lesions were healing very well and he was no longer sore and painful. The preliminary biopsy results showed that he potentially had a serious auto-immune disorder. However, subsequent examination and excellent communication between the doctor, the pathologist and the geldings owner, it was determined his diagnosis was mixed fungal and bacterial infection. Two weeks after being discharged, we performed a recheck exam. All lesions were well on their way to being almost fully healed and hair was growing back in. His owner is starting to ride him again for very short periods of time until the hair fully grows back. Due to his owners dedication to treating him, he is well on his way to making a full recovery!
Many minor skin issues arise in horses that can be resolved with minimal treatment and home remedies. It is very hard to tell when they may become more serious, so it is always good to involve your veterinarian from the start so that appropriate tests can be performed.
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