Health
GETTING THE SKINNY ON SKIN DISEASES
SKIN DEEP GETTY IMAGES
BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS
S
kin diseases are fairly common in horses. Several different types of problems can occur, with varying causes—everything from parasites to viruses, bacteria, and allergies. Tese diferent problems can also vary in severity.
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SCRATCHES
Te term “scratches” is a common name for areas of lumpy, weepy, and/or crusty skin on the lower legs, especially around the heel and pastern and sometimes up the cannon. Dr. Stephen D. White, professor and chief of service, dermatology, at the School of Veterinary Medicine
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University of California-Davis, says this term (and “greasy heel”) simply refers to any kind of skin lesion that occurs on the pastern and fetlock areas. “Tere can be many diferent reasons and causes,” White said. “Te most common one we see at our referral practice—in cases of scratches
