Equine Pastern Dermatitis: Causes, Signs & Treatments

Every horse owner knows how worrying and frustrating it is when their horse develops persistent sores on the pasterns that are hard to heal. This is often due to equine pastern dermatitis (EPD), a common but complex skin reaction affecting the lower limb.

EPD is not a disease in itself but a cutaneous reaction pattern triggered by various causes. Horses with feathers around the fetlocks are more liable to develop it, although any horse can be affected. White or non-pigmented skin on the back of the pastern often shows symptoms more severely. Proper early diagnosis and management are essential for a successful outcome.

Recognising the Early Signs of Equine Pastern Dermatitis

Prompt identification can save your horse much pain and prevent the condition spreading. Early symptoms typically start as slight swelling and may quickly worsen if untreated. Watch for these signs:

• Redness and inflammation at the back of the pastern
• Scaling or flaking skin
• Crusting and scabbing around affected areas
• Matted or greasy hair
• Open, oozing lesions that may smell unpleasant

Sometimes, underlying vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessel walls) causes ulcers that quickly worsen the lesions. Secondary bacterial infections, commonly by Dermatophilus congolensis or Staphylococcus aureus, can complicate recovery. Chronic cases lead to thickened, cracked skin which is painful and may cause lameness.

Diagnosing Equine Pastern Dermatitis: What You Need to Know

Diagnosis should be established early with help from your vet, who will perform physical examinations and may recommend skin scrapings or biopsies to identify infection or immune causes. Avoid self-medicating before a clear diagnosis as incorrect treatment can worsen the condition.

Assessing your horse's environment is vital. Triggers often include:

• Wet, dirty bedding that retains moisture
• Prolonged exposure to muddy or damp ground
• Parasites such as chorioptic mange, especially in draft breeds

Horses with white pasterns are particularly susceptible due to increased risk of photosensitisation and immune-mediated vasculitis (pastern leukocytoclastic vasculitis or PLV), conditions your vet will carefully investigate.

Effective Treatments and Management Strategies

Your vet will tailor treatment based on cause and severity. Common approaches include:

• Avoid turnout in muddy or wet pastures to reduce moisture exposure
• Box rest with impeccable hygiene if recommended
• Turn out horses only after morning dew has dried
• Clip heavy feathering to reduce trapped moisture around the pastern
• For PLV cases, restrict turnout between 10am and 4pm, using bandages or leg wraps for protection
• Regular cleansing of lesions with vet-approved antiseptic shampoos

Topical therapies often combine antibacterial shampoos and ointments. Astringent solutions may be used to gently clean lesions before ointment application. Hydrocortisone aceponate sprays can reduce inflammation, while immune-mediated cases might require corticosteroids like prednisolone or dexamethasone.

If parasites are the root cause, anti-parasitic treatments including ivermectin or specialist topical solutions are necessary alongside managing skin lesions.

Conclusion

Equine pastern dermatitis demands early veterinary diagnosis and specific treatment to ensure the best recovery for your horse. Chronic or untreated cases cause significant discomfort and longer healing times. Environmental management is crucial to prevent recurrence, coupled with responsible care to maintain your horse’s skin health. Whenever you suspect EPD, consult a vet promptly for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.

Responsible horse ownership includes monitoring for symptoms, maintaining clean, dry environments, and seeking professional advice when skin issues arise, ensuring your horse stays comfortable, healthy, and happy.

To explore more about managing horse health or finding horses for sale, visit trusted equine resources and reputable breeders.