SEASONAL TOP TIPS

Linda Belton BVSc MRCVS

Summer

Photosensitisation:

Every spring and summer we see horses with skin lesions due to photosensitisation. This is often confused by horse owners with mud fever. However the two conditions are not the same. They do however both tend to affect white areas of skin. Photosensitisation is caused by the horse or pony eating certain plants which contain photodynamic agents. One of the commonest is St John’s Wort. The plant plus UV light trigger results in moist skin lesions appearing on the limbs and muzzle usually although it can affect any non pigmented areas of skin.

Tail rubbing!!!

There are always a number of horses who just like to give their tails a good rub when brought in. Hippo Ex Itch is proving quite a useful product to stop these mild rubs. It is a spray and needs to be applied twice a day.

Joint care:

We have had a consistent period of hard ground starting quite early in the spring. This will take its toll on horse’s joints and feet. Do as much work as possible on all weather surfaces, keep your horse’s feet regularly trimmed and look out for any signs of a change in your horse’s gait. Subtle gait changes are often the first tangible sign of a problem.