Equine neglect sees "Crimean War" skin disease reappear

Guinness, the first case of verrucous
pastern dermatitis a year ago. His
legs were severely infected and
maggots were burrowing into his flesh.

Over the last five to 10 years there has been a 25 per cent increase in reported cases of verrucous pastern dermatitis, which develops as a direct result of standing in damp, muddy and unhygienic conditions and was eliminated from British Army horses during the Crimean War. At the same time there has been a significant increase in other skin diseases, such as sarcoids, mud rash and canker, affecting the legs and hooves of horses reports Professor Derek Knottenbelt, expert in skin diseases in horses at the University of Liverpool.

Once these conditions develop, it becomes increasingly difficult to control their progression. Prevention is inevitably better than cure and that involves regular and careful checking and appropriate care.

This rise in the number of cases of skin diseases directly corresponds with charity World Horse Welfare's statistics, which show an increase of nearly 50 per cent in the overall number of welfare calls in the past five years.

According to Professor Knottenbelt there are two major reasons for the problem: "Firstly, owners often try to manage the disease themselves in an attempt to save money and most owners have had a good go at any skin disease before any professional person has been consulted.

"The second reason is that some people simply don't care and treat their animals like disposable machines. Owning a horse is a privilege and carries significant responsibilities."

World Horse Welfare saw its first case of verrucous pastern dermatitis a year ago. Treatment was slow, expensive and involved a pioneering operation, performed by surgeons at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies' Large Animal Hospital in Edinburgh.

For further information, visit the World Horse Welfare website.

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