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Approach to the pruritic horse.
Abstract: Pruritus in the horse may be due to several causes, the most common being a hypersensitivity response to salivary proteins in the Culicoides genera, which may coexist with atopic dermatitis, also known as an environmental allergy to pollens, molds, dust, storage mites, etc. Less common etiologies are food allergy and contact allergy, the latter often caused by owners applying various products to the skin. Other ectoparasites, such as Chorioptes mites, may also initiate pruritus. Secondary bacterial infections (usually Staphylococcus spp) may be pruritic in and of themselves. This article reviews the questions that need to be asked of owners to obtain a relevant history, always important for any organ system, but perhaps none more so than the skin. The various clinical findings such as alopecia and crusts and their location on the horse, diagnostic methods such as intradermal or serum testing for allergies, and subsequent hyposensitization are also discussed. Therapeutic options currently available for the potential underlying diseases, in particular for the hypersensitivity reactions to Culicoides spp or environmental allergens, are reviewed with the studies of hyposensitization over the last 40 years, as well as medications that may be effective. While the most common causes of pruritus in the horse are known, the current understanding of the pathophysiology still needs to be investigated, and consequently, the most effective treatments for those causes need to be improved. Newer research is discussed that may eventually add to the diagnostic and therapeutic options currently available for the pruritic horse.
Publication Date: 2023-01-19 PubMed ID: 36638000DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.10.0444Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article discusses the causes of pruritus (itchiness) in horses, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and missing gaps in our understanding that could open avenues for future research.
Understanding Pruritus in Horses
The study begins by identifying the various potential triggers of itchiness in horses:
- A hypersensitivity reaction to salivary proteins from the Culicoides genus of biting midges.
- Atopic dermatitis, an environmentally triggered allergy to pollens, molds, dust, storage mites, and other allergens.
- Less common triggers like food or contact allergies, which may result from the use of certain products on the horse’s skin.
- Other ectoparasites like the Chorioptes mites.
- Secondary bacterial infections, particularly by Staphylococcus spp, which can also cause itchiness on their own.
Acquiring Relevant History
The article emphasizes the importance of obtaining a thorough history from the horse owners. The information gathered can provide insights about the trigger factors and inform better treatment decisions.
Clinical Findings
The manifestation of pruritus, such as alopecia (hair loss) and skin crust formation, and their locations on the horse are considered. These signs can help in diagnosing the specific type of allergy or infestation causing the itchiness.
Diagnostic Methods
The paper also discusses intradermal or serum testing for allergies that can help identify the specific allergens triggering the allergic reactions in the horses.
Treatment Options and Hyposensitization
The study reviews therapeutic options available for the underlying diseases, focusing primarily on hypersensitivity reactions to Culicoides spp or environmental allergens. Hyposensitization, involving the gradual exposure to the allergen to reduce sensitivity, is discussed in detail backed by 40 years’ worth of studies.
Existing Gaps and Future Research
Despite understanding the most common causes of pruritus in horses, there is a need to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of these causes to develop more effective treatments. The article concludes by considering new research that could extend the range of diagnostic and therapeutic options available for dealing with pruritus in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
White SD.
(2023).
Approach to the pruritic horse.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 261(S1), S66-S74.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.10.0444 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Horses
- Animals
- Hypersensitivity / complications
- Hypersensitivity / veterinary
- Allergens
- Pruritus / veterinary
- Dermatitis, Atopic / veterinary
- Dust
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Carbonell JD, Fernández N, Escobar MJ, Álvarez MT, Sánchez L, Hernández A, Meana A. Comparative Efficacy of Topical Pyrethroids and Benzoyl Peroxide for Treating Chorioptic Mange in Spanish-Breton Horses. J Parasitol Res 2025;2025:8948099.
- Herrmann I, Sanchez AJ. Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Allergen-Specific Immuno-Therapy in Horses with Allergic Cutaneous and Respiratory Diseases-A Systematic Review. Vet Sci 2023 Oct 10;10(10).
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