Dear Dr. Mike,
I live in Tallahassee, FL and my daughter's 17 yr old welsh pony has a strange problem with the skin directly
above his cornet (sp) band. Even my own vet and my farrier have no idea what it is or how to treat it. As a result, I
have tried so many different remedies and nothing seems to totally eradicate it. He is not at all lame. He is out 24/7 but
has access to a large run in shelter. He grazes on lush pasture which we fertilize twice a yr. None of my other 2 horses
are affected by it.
I have a funny feeling the wet summers exacerbate the problem and standing in moist grass. I think if I could
put him in a stall and keep his feet dry this would help, but I cannot at this time. We do plan to build a barn later this
year. It is so bad his heels actually bleed.
I have tried triple antibiotic ointment, fungicides, and betadine washes. I even took him to the Gulf of Mexico and let
him trot through the surf and this did seem to help for a week but it came right back. Do you have any suggestions? Sincerely, Debbie Clark, submitted via HorseGazette.com (2 pictures attached)
Dear Debbie,
This sounds interesting to me. I am assuming that this has been going on for at least several months or even
years. You don't say whether the horse has been on any systemic antibiotics. The fact that the salt water made it better
leads me to believe that it might also have an infectious component to it. Bacteria doesn't normally live well in salt
water. The wet grass could be the initiating factor and then you might be getting a secondary bacterial or fungal
infection. I talk often of the merits of biopsies and I think this is a case where a biopsy of the affected area is certainly
warranted. I think the results will give you an idea about which direction to proceed in. I would also try to get the horse
to a drier environment. – Dr. Mike
Dear Dr. Mike,
I have a 4-week-old foal that is losing hair around the face and where her tail rubs on her rump as well as
some of her legs. Is it some sort of mite or bug that would cause this? She was fine the first 3 weeks. – John Lewis,
submitted via HorseGazette.com
Dear John,
The hair loss could be caused by a number of reasons. The ones you mentioned are all possibilities. Has the
foal been de-wormed? Is the foal itchy or scratching itself? Are there any raw spots or just hair loss? Are any other
horses affected? Is the mare experiencing any problems? All these questions need to be answered. Are flies or
mosquitoes a problem in your area? A physical exam by your vet would be a good place to start. Your vet might also
do a skin scraping or skin biopsy. Fungal skin infections, mites, and fly bite hypersensitivity could all be factors in the
hair loss. Have your vet take a look and see if you don't get some answers. – Dr. Mike
Dear Dr. Mike,
I just purchased a 17-year-old Oldenburg mare 2-3 months ago. Her old owner had not ridden her for
approximately two years, but she has been trained up to third level in dressage. I started to ride her a week after she was
moved to my cousin's barn. 1 month ago the vet diagnosed her with cellulitis in her left hind leg. She was put on
penicillin and given banamine. The vet thinks that bacteria had gotten in through fungus that was on her heel. Could
stress from moving to a barn of thirty horses from a barn where she was the only horse and new bacteria have also
caused it? She has recovered and I am starting to ride her again. Her old owner told us recently that she has had this
before. Will it be easy for her to get it again and how can I prevent it? – Deb. S., submitted via HorseGazette.com
Dear Deb,
There are several things that can cause cellulitis. Infections, auto-immune disorders and Strangles can all be
implicated in a horse with cellulitis. It is also possible that the horse kicked something and caused the limb to swell. If
the horse responded well to the treatment you described that I would say that is good. There is always the possibility
that it could happen again. If your vet feels that it was caused by a bacteria or fungus from a wound then I would do my
best to stay on top of any abrasions or wounds. Keep the bedding clean and keep an eye out for any signs of infection. –
Dr. Mike
Dear Dr. Mike,
A pre purchase vet exam flex test on front left showed lameness. The farrier says there is nothing in the feet.
Will x-rays show what is causing lameness or maybe not? I am waiting to purchase this 4-year-old if she is sound in
another flex test and x-ray in two weeks. She is sound to ride but she flutters her knees like she is off balance. The vet
and farrier say she is balanced. What could cause this bobble/buckling/trembling in the knees when she moves out? She
trots and canters fine...thanks, Sally. Submitted via HorseGazette.com
Dear Sally,
I am not sure I understand what you mean by fluttering? I do know that if the horse is lame I would be
cautious about buying it. On most pre-purchases an exam is all we get to do. There is very little diagnostics that can be
done at that time. If there is some lameness issues than a complete lameness exam with diagnostic nerve blocks would
need to be done. Unfortunately most sellers don't want to get involved in that. Some horses have congenital problems
such as contracted tendons that can cause limbs to shake or "flutter." I think you are doing the right thing by looking at
the horse at a later date. I always recommend x-rays but I don't know whether that will answer all your questions.
Bottom line is don't buy a lame horse. – Dr. Mike