[Analysis of the prevalence of pastern dermatitis in German Coldblood horse breeds].

The research investigates the prevalence of pastern dermatitis, a skin condition, in German Coldblood horses and how it varies with factors such as breed, age, sex, and position of the leg.

Objective of the Study

• The study aimed to determine the prevalence of pastern dermatitis, a skin condition affecting the lower legs of horses, in German Coldblood horse breeds.

Methods

• A total of 917 German Coldblood horses aged between 2.5 and 26 years were involved in this research.
• The horses were categorised based on their breed, and the occurrence of pastern dermatitis was observed.
• The forms of pastern dermatitis were identified and recorded.
• The impacts of breed, age, sex, and position of the leg on the occurrence of pastern dermatitis were assessed using a generalized linear model and a probit function for statistical analysis.

Findings

• The condition was found to be highly prevalent among most German Coldblood horse breeds that were studied, particularly in Mecklenburg, Saxon-Thuringa, Schleswig, and Rhenisch German Coldblood horses.
• Crusted and hyperkeratotic-hyperplastic were identified as the most common forms of pastern dermatitis in these horses.
• The study found that all four legs or both hind legs were the most frequently affected.
• The analysis showed that the occurrence of pastern dermatitis was influenced by several factors including the breed, age at examination, sex, and position of the leg, with significant interactions between breed and age at examination, and breed and position of the leg.

Conclusion

• Through this research, it was determined that pastern dermatitis presents as a serious problem in all investigated German Coldblood breeds.
• The study aids in improving understanding towards the epidemiology of pastern dermatitis among different horse breeds, potentially guiding prevention and treatment strategies for the condition.