Evaluation of four topical preparations for the treatment of cannon hyperkeratosis in a horse.

The study investigates the efficacy of four different topical treatments on a horse suffering from cannon hyperkeratosis. In summary, a water-based emollient and tacrolimus ointment (both at 0.1%) showed the most effective results in treating the condition.

Study Objectives

The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of four different topical applications on an 11-year-old Morgan horse mare suffering from severe cannon hyperkeratosis. These four treatments were:

• 0.1% tacrolimus ointment
• 0.1% adapalene gel
• 0.2% phytosphingosine spray
• A water-based emollient

Each of these treatments was applied on different limbs for a duration of 30 days.

Measuring Treatment Efficacy

The method used to gauge the effectiveness of the treatments was both histological and visual. These assessments were made before and after of the treatment, enabling the researchers to effectively measure any changes and improvements.

Results

The water-based emollient and the 0.1% tacrolimus ointment showed the most promising results by reducing symptoms and providing a more normalized, healthier appearance of the treated skin.

Histopathology before the treatment showed severe, compact hyperkeratosis and follicular hyperkeratosis, particularly pronounced in the infundibular area. After treatment, there was a mild reduction in follicular keratin production and a slight decrease in the thickness of the stratum corneum – the outermost layer of the skin.

Conclusion

While all four treatments were somewhat effective in their own ways, the water-based emollient and 0.1% tacrolimus ointment proved to be the most effective treatment options for this particular horse. It was observed that these treatments resulted in a notable reduction in the overproduction of keratin and thickness of the skin, two key symptoms in the condition of cannon hyperkeratosis. Thus, these two treatments could potentially be considered as beneficial for other horses suffering from the same condition.