The skin is the largest organ of the horse and plays an essential role as a protective barrier against external influences. Skin diseases are not only an aesthetic problem but can also cause significant discomfort and impair the health and performance of the horse. In our equine clinic, we offer specialized dermatological diagnostics and individually tailored treatments for acute and chronic skin diseases.
When should a dermatological examination be performed?
• Hair loss or bald patches
• Itching, rubbing, or excessive scratching
• Skin redness, scales, or crusting
• Skin tumors or unusual growths
• Open or poorly healing wounds
• Sensitivity of the skin or pain reactions
• Suspicion of parasites or fungal infections
If your horse shows one or more of these symptoms, we recommend a comprehensive dermatological examination to identify the cause and provide targeted treatment.
Diagnostic
• Clinical skin examination – Assessment of the skin, hair, and mucous membranes
• Skin scrapings and impressions – Examination for parasites, bacteria, and fungal infections
• Cytological examinations – Analysis of cell samples to identify inflammation or tumors
• Fungal cultures and bacterial cultures – Pathogen detection for targeted therapy
• Allergy tests – Determination of environmental and food allergies
• Skin biopsies and histological examinations – Fine tissue diagnostics for unclear or chronic skin changes
Thanks to these comprehensive examination methods, we can accurately diagnose skin diseases and create individual therapy plans.
Treatment
• Infectious skin diseases:
Bacterial infections (e.g., scratches, cellulitis), fungal infections (dermatophytosis), or viral skin diseases require targeted therapies with appropriate medications, special shampoos, or antiseptic washes.
• Parasitic skin diseases:
Itching, hair loss, and skin irritations can be caused by parasites such as mites or lice. We conduct targeted treatments with antiparasitic agents.
• Allergies and eczema (summer eczema, contact allergies):
Summer eczema is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in horses. We offer tailored treatment plans, including desensitization, medication therapy, care recommendations, and management strategies.
• Skin tumors and sarcoids:
Tumors such as sarcoids and melanomas are common in horses and require different treatment approaches depending on the type, from local or systemic medical therapies to laser surgery and conventional removal. Other, less common skin tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma are also treated specifically.
• Autoimmune diseases and skin inflammations:
Autoimmune skin diseases such as pemphigus, sarcoidosis, or chronic urticaria require long-term care and special medications to stabilize the immune system.
• Chronic wounds and scar treatments:
Poorly healing wounds or scar formations can be improved with innovative wound therapies, special dressings, or surgical interventions.
Therapies and Treatments
• Light and laser therapy for wound healing and scar reduction
• Medical and biological therapies for skin tumors and autoimmune diseases
• Individual feeding advice for allergies and skin problems
• Topical and systemic treatments for infections and inflammations
• Regenerative therapies (e.g., PRP, stem cell therapy) to support the healing of chronic skin issues