Effect of sodium bisulfate on skin and hooves of horses.

The research evaluates the safety of using sodium bisulfate in horse barn environments by studying its irritant effects on horse skin and hooves. The results of the study suggest that using sodium bisulfate under typical husbandry conditions does not have significant damaging effects on these animals.

Research Methodology

• The study was performed using six female mixed-breed ponies.
• Sodium bisulfate was applied to the skin of the ponies to examine its irritant effect after both one-time and repeated applications, using unexposed sections of skin as a control.
• For the one-time test, the substance was left on the skin for 48 hours, and for the repeated test it was applied for 6 hours a day over ten consecutive days.
• As well as the skin test, the researchers also applied sodium bisulfate to the soles of the pony’s front hooves. The substance was covered with wet gauze and the entire hoof wrapped in adhesive tape for 48 hours.

Research Results

• Initial results showed that contact with sodium bisulfate did not have a significant impact on the pony’s skin after 48 hours.
• After repeated exposure over ten days, no notable visible changes were noted, although microscopic investigation showed mild to moderate damage including episodes of skin cell death, thickening of the skin, tiny blood vessel congestion, fluid accumulation, and mixed inflammatory cell invasions.
• All observed skin changes were limited to the topmost skin layers, namely the epidermis and the superficial dermis.
• There were no observable changes in the pony’s hooves or signs of lameness, and no increase in digital pulse pressure or intensity.

Conclusions

• The research concludes that the contact duration with sodium bisulfate during this study was more extensive than what would usually be encountered under regular care conditions.
• Even with such prolonged exposure, no substantial observable changes were noted in the skin or hooves of the ponies.
• Microscopic lesions were only found in the outermost skin layers.
• The study indicates that sodium bisulfate, under the tested conditions, is safe for use in horse barn environments.