Hot topic: sunburns and horses
Horses are sensitive to the sun’s rays, just like we are, especially during summer. The depigmented parts and the extremities of the body are the most affected. Follow the advice of Dr. Jérôme Transetti to find out more.
In the summer, horses can get sunburned. The head, as well as pink and white areas, are most likely where they get sunburned. Sunburns can often be seen on the limbs of legs with white socks. The white areas are more subject to burn if the skin under the white hairs is pink.
Note that grey horses have dark skin in general but still can have socks and pink skin as well. In some cases, horses have pink skin all over, for example a cremello or perlino horse. We will soon release another article about genetics and colour, stay tuned!
When a horse gets sunburned, the skin does not turn bright red like humans. However, the affected areas swells and it is quite painful for the animal. Scabs may appear, but they should be left alone. Removing a scab can affect the healing process of the burn.
There are three levels of sunburn severity:
- First degree is a superficial sunburn with a slight skin redness and mild pain.
- At second degree, it is a severe sunburn with intense redness, blistering, possible bacterial infection and severe pain.
- Finally, a 3rd degree burn is a severe sunburn with destruction or even detachment of the skin over an extensive area, severe pain, and a major inflammatory reaction with secondary bacterial infection and fever.
Significant and repeated exposure of a horse to the sun can cause, in rare cases, certain skin cancers.
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RELIEVE A SUNBURN
If your horse has caught a sunburn, it is possible to relieve it. Apply a damp towel to the affected area; the water should never be cold or frozen. Then, clean with mild antiseptic chlorhexidine gluconate based soap and let rest for 90 sec on the affected area wash truly with clear water. Dry each part individually and carefully with clean towels.
It is important to use separate towels on each affected area. By doing this, you will avoid spreading a bacterial infection from one place to another, if ever there some areas are infected.
PROTECT THE HORSE FROM THE SUN
Horses susceptible to sunburns should be kept in the shade to avoid exposure. In prevention, you can apply sunscreen to the risk areas of the horse. The blanket is not necessarily a solution to protect the equine. It does not prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the horse’s skin.
Overnight turn outs are a fabulous way to keep your horses safe and happy in the summer. They can enjoy a long turnout without bugs and be protected from the negative effects of the sun.
Providing decent shelters and considering installing a fan in the shelter is also to be considered.
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Also, bald faced horses are susceptible to eye cancer, by the sun’s reflection. They need to wear masks in the height of the summer. (Or rub charcoal on the white area under their eyes)