Prevalence of cutaneous pathological conditions and factors associated with the presence of skin wounds in working equids in tropical regions of Veracruz, Mexico.

This study investigated the prevalence of skin conditions in working horses, donkeys, and mules in a predominantly rural region of Mexico, identifying the most common types of skin issues, and uncovering factors linked to these problems. The research found that a significant number of animals had skin conditions, with trauma being the most frequent cause, and it also found that these conditions were more likely in adult animals and those with a certain body condition score.

Research Aim and Methodology

• The study aimed to find out how widespread skin conditions were among working horses, donkeys, and mules in the North-Central tropical region of Veracruz State, Mexico.
• The researchers wanted to identify the most common skin conditions affecting these animals.
• They also wanted to uncover the risk factors associated with the presence of work-related skin wounds.
• The researchers examined 467 working animals that were presented for treatment at the Donkey Sanctuary Mobile Clinic Program at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
• Animals with signs of skin conditions went through a physical exam, and samples of exudates, hair, and tissue were taken for cytology examination, fungal cultures, and dermo-histopathology examination.

Findings: Prevalence and Types of Skin Conditions

• The overall prevalence of skin conditions in working horses, donkeys, and mules was found to be 20.6%.
• When broken down by species, 22.6% of horses, 18.2% of donkeys, and 14.3% of mules presented with skin conditions.
• The most common cause of skin lesions was trauma, such as abrasions, lacerations, and abscesses.
• Parasitic dermatitis and sarcoids followed in frequency of occurrence after trauma-related conditions.
• No strong associations among species were observed in terms of specific conditions (P > 0.20).

Factors Associated with Skin Wounds

• Multiple variable analysis indicated a greater association between the presence of skin wounds and two variables – body condition scores (BCS) and age (P < 0.05).
• Those animals whose BCS was categorised as “moderate”, as well as adult animals, displayed significantly more skin wounds compared with younger and older animals (P < 0.05).

Implications for Animal Welfare

• The study’s findings could help in the development of better management practices aimed at improving the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules in the tropical regions of Veracruz, Mexico.