Summer sores are most often seen on a horses face and legs. | Courtesy Dustin Major, DVM, Dipl. ACVS (LA)Summer sores are skin lesions in horses mostly seen during the hot summer months when flies are active. These sores can range from small, red, seemingly innocuous ulcerated lesions around the mouth or legs to large, ulcerated, weeping, cankerlike masses that are not only aesthetically displeasing but also pose a significant health risk to affected horses.While most lesions seen in the field are dime- or quarter-sized, Ive seen some that have softball-sized mounds of granulation tissue on them, says Dustin Major, DVM, Dipl. ACVS (LA), clinical assistant professor of large animal surgery at Texas A&M University, in College Station. Ive also seen sores on the ventral abdomen that are feetnot inchesin diameter.How do Summer Sores Form in Horses?Summer sores, known to practitioners as habronematidosis or habronemiasis, are a parasitic infection caused by specific types of nematodes (roundworms) in the family Habronematidae. In horses, habronematidosis is caused by one of three parasites: Habronema muscae, H. major, and Draschia megastoma. During their normal life cycle, the adult worms live in the horses stomach, and eggs and larvae from adult female parasites are shed in the horses feces. Once in the environment, maggots of certain species of flies, such as house and stable flies, ingest the nematode larvae. When the maggots mature into flies, the adult flies deposit the infective nematode larvae onto the horses lips and nostrils. The horse then ingests those infective larvae, which ultimately reach the stomach and grow into adult worms, perpetuating the cycle.Summer sores occur when flies deposit the infective larvae elsewhere on the body, typically in moist regions. This includes mucocutaneous junctions around the eyes (periocular) and genital mucosa (e.g., prepuce) or where there are skin wounds, which attract flies.Clinical Signs of Summer Sores in HorsesWhen flies deposit parasite larvae in skin wounds on a horse or at mucocutaneous junctions, the larvae do not mature into adult worms like they would in the stomach. Instead, they remain in the skin, causing a local inflammatory, hypersensitivity reaction. Skin lesions can vary in appearance based on the lesion that attracted the flies in the first place. Mild forms of the disease can be as simple as a single small, circular ulcerated region of skin around the muzzle or where there was a small wound. Worse cases can have a proliferative, exuberant, and granulomatous appearance like proud flesh. These frequently appear as weeping, moist, and even bloody. Not surprisingly, they tend to be itchy, and horses can further traumatize the area by scratching and rubbing. The center of each lesion typically harbors a region of necrotic tissue featuring a caseous (cheesy) substance and hardened granules resembling sulfur.In some horses the lesions might grow so extensively they become nonhealing granulomatous, cankerlike masses. These lesions can attract more infected flies, potentially leading to super-infections.Summer sores can appear similar to a large number of other so-called granulomatous skin lesions such as proud flesh, foreign body granulomas and phytomycosis, or even squamous cell carcinoma and equine sarcoids; however, the sulfurlike granules are considered pathognomonic for summer sores, says Nicole Verhaar, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ECVS, senior clinician at the Equine Clinic of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, in Germany.Recognizing Summer Sores in HorsesMy rule outs for ulcerative, nonhealing wounds with varying degrees of exuberant and/or unhealthy granulation tissue include simple proud flesh, habronemiasis, squamous cell carcinoma, and pythiosis, more or less in that order, says Major.RELATED CONTENT: How to Treat and Prevent Summer Sores in HorsesPythiosis occurs in the southern U.S. and is caused by the funguslike organism Pythium insidiosum. This condition, referred to as swamp cancer, causes ulcerative and invasive granulomatous lesions on the skin.While authors on the scantly available literature suggest that summer sores can be mistaken for sarcoids, Major says sarcoids can be ulcerative, but its rare that I see a lesion that could be a summer sore and then have it turn out to be a sarcoid. The sulfur granules in the wound are kind of a dead giveaway that its not just proud flesh or squamous cell carcinoma. However, he did note that sulfur granules can also been seen with swamp cancer.Here in the South, differentiating between habronemiasis and pythiosis is really important because pythiosis is potentially life-threatening, whereas summer sores are very treatable, Major adds.Diagnostic Testing for Summer Sores in HorsesIf a veterinarian takes biopsies of summer sores, classic microscopic findings include a high number of eosinophils, which are a specific type of white blood cell often seen with parasitic infections, as well as necrosis. Researchers have also reported that sections of larvae are only occasionally observed.These larvae live for less than one month in skin tissue, but larval death can cause more tissue necrosis and calcification than a living parasite, says Verhaar.Major adds, In my experience, larvae are normally found in biopsied samples; however, I am usually looking at more severe, active lesions than what is typically seen in the field.Small lesions in characteristic locations such as the oral commissures (the corners of the mouth where the lips meet), the canthi of the eye (where top and bottom lids come together), or around the prepuce (sheath) might not warrant biopsy, especially if there are sulfur granules, notes Verhaar. That said, she still recommends taking biopsies prior to performing surgery in some scenarios.A small tissue sample should be taken if the diagnosis is not completely clear and squamous cell carcinoma cannot be ruled out, she says. For example, (do a biopsy) if the lesion is not a typical summer sore, if no granules are present, or if the patient is an older horse with a phenotype (observable characteristic) that could also fit having a squamous cell carcinoma. The biopsy results could definitely change the surgical plan and the prognosis.Because other conditions that present like summer sores also affect the same parts of the horse, taking a biopsy is one of the best ways for veterinarians to be sure they make the correct diagnosis. Additionally, when wounds on the distal limb become summer sores, its important to differentiate them from other pathology because chronic wounds can become metaplastic (converting to another type of cell) and then neoplastic (tumorous), says Major.To help definitively diagnose summer sores, researchers developed a DNA test (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) several years ago to identify genetic material from each of the three nematode species that cause habronematidosis. Practitioners perform the test using skin samples taken from the lesion. To the best of my knowledge, the PCR test is not commercially available, says Verhaar.Take-Home MessageSummer sore lesions are caused by parasitic infection of the horses skin and can be painful. Summer sores can vary greatly in size often appear as ulcerated wounds on the skin causing hypersensitivity and inflammation. If owners suspect their horse might have a summer sore, it is important to contact a veterinarian so they can perform appropriate diagnostics and develop an effective treatment plan.

Horse owners across southern England and south-east Wales are being urged to take extra care of their animals after the Met Office issued an amber extreme heat warning for the region yesterday (Friday 19 June). Temperatures are forecast to climb into the low-to-mid 30s Celsius over the coming days, with the hottest weather conditions expected early next week.Amber warnings are issued when significant impacts are expected and conditions could pose risks to health and wellbeing. The warning covers much of southern England and south-east Wales and is one of the highest levels of heat alert issued by the Met Office.Hot weather can affect horses in a number of ways, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat stress and sunburn. Owners are therefore being encouraged to review their management routines and ensure horses have access to plenty of fresh water and shade throughout the day.Horse owners should continue monitoring local forecasts and remain alert to changing conditions as the heatwave develops over the weekend and into next week.How to help keep your horse safe in hot weatherProvide constant access to clean water Check troughs and buckets regularly and top them up as needed. Horses can drink significantly more during hot weather.Offer shade Ensure horses can escape direct sunlight, whether thats in a field shelter, stable or under natural tree cover.Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day. Ride early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.Cool horses down properlyAfter exercise, hose horses with cool water and continue applying water until their breathing and temperature return to normal.According to Dr David Marlin, the quickest way to cool a hot horse is to continually pour cold water on them there is no need to scrape it off.Watch for signs of heat stressExcessive sweating, lethargy, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate and reluctance to move can all indicate a horse is struggling with the heat. Contact your vet if you have concerns.Protect pink skin from sunburn Use equine-safe sun protection on vulnerable areas such as pink noses and around the eyes.Check travelling plans Transporting horses during extreme heat can be challenging. If possible, avoid travelling during the hottest periods of the day.RSPCA urges all pet owners to prepare for heatwaveMany horse owners also care for dogs and other pets, which can be particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.The RSPCA is urging pet owners to take steps now to protect their animals from the incoming heatwave.Lauren Bennett, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: Its really simple planning ahead and being prepared in this hot weather can help save pets lives. Complacency can mean soaring temperatures are a silent killer for our beloved animals.No matter your dogs breed or how much they appear to enjoy basking in the sunshine, all animals are at risk. Taking the time now to identify how you can reduce your dogs risk, could just save their life.The animal welfare charity is encouraging owners to ensure pets have access to fresh drinking water and cool, shaded areas, avoid exercising dogs during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave animals unattended in vehicles, where temperatures can rise rapidly even when it feels relatively mild outside.Main image of New Forest Ponies in Hampshire ShutterstockRelated contentHow to cool a horse down quickly in hot weather no sweat scraper required!Prevent dehydration: effective ways to encourage a horse to drink more waterEight common summer health problems and how to prevent them in the coming seasonBest fly sprays for horses as tested by our team of owners and ridersThe post Amber extreme heat warning issued: Horse owners urged to take precautions this weekend appeared first on Your Horse.

Ireland finished sixth in the third leg of the Longines League of Nations this afternoon in Rotterdam.Jessica Kuertens team of Michael Duffy, Niamh McEvoy, Jordan Coyle and Shane Sweetnam totalled 24 faults after two rounds of competitive jumping, with Great Britain taking top honours following a three-way jump-off. The United States of America were runners-up, while Switzerland filled the podium in third.The Irish were well positioned at the halfway stage of proceedings on just four faults after clear rounds for Coyle and Sweetnam, but the team couldnt replicate those efforts in round two and slipped from third position to sixth.The result means Ireland remain in third place in the standings, all but assured of a place in the Barcelona final with one leg remaining at Gassin St Tropez to come in September.Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Jumping Manager, Kuerten, said: Everyone tried their best in Rotterdam today, and we had great performances from Jordan and Shane.Duffy was first in for the Green Jackets with Mr Qerly Z, who produced a solid round of jumping all round, with just a pole at the first of the double dropping as Ireland began with four faults.22-year-old Niamh McEvoy, on just her second Longines League of Nations appearance, was next in withe BP Rocket Man (ISH) who unfortnately dropped a couple of poles for eight faults.Coyle steadied the ship for Ireland just when it was needed, keeping the team on a score of four faults through three combinations after a magnificent clear with Chaccolino with Sweetnam to come as anchor.World number six Sweetnam was unflappable with Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, the up-and-coming 10-year-old gelding, as they delivered a second clear round for Ireland to go into the break just one pole off joint leaders The Netherlands and Switzerland.Perhaps surprisingly, of the ten nations who lined up, it was the top two in the standings coming into Rotterdam, Germany and France, who were eliminated, opening the door for Ireland two climb into the top two spots from third.With the format of the Longines League of Nations meaning just three combinations jump in round two it was Duffy, Coyle and Sweetnam coming back for a second time, with all scores counting.That format proved costly almost instantly as Duffy had an unfortunate 12 faults with Mr Qerly Z as Ireland slipped to sixth position before Coyle produced another solid effort for four faults with Chaccolino.Sweetnam and Coriaan van Klapscheut Z rounded out the the afternoon with just one pole falling for four faults as Ireland finished on 24.The post Ireland sixth at Longines League of Nations third leg in Rotterdam appeared first on .

Wherever you live in the world, preventing our horses from overheating in hot weather is a big concern and we need to adapt how we take care of them accordingly.Horses normally cool themselves by sweating. Sweat evaporates from the skin surface, causing a cooling effect. However, sweating alone isnt always enough to bring their body temperature down quickly, and temperatures can climb to dangerous levels, causing heat exhaustion.This can lead to brain damage, organ failure and other serious, potentially fatal problems.Signs of a hot horseWe often associate hot horses with sweating alone, but their breathing can also indicate their temperature.There is a misconception that when horses blow hard after exercise, they are struggling to get enough oxygen, but theyre not. By the time a racehorse pulls up from a race, their blood oxygen will be back to normal levels, says equine scientist Dr David Marlin.What drives their breathing is their temperature, so blowing is an indication of high body temperature.Other signs of high body temperature are ataxia (wobbling), being hot to touch, excited, stressed or depressed and lethargic/uninterested in surroundings.It isnt just exercise that can cause horses to overheat. They can get very hot in situations such as when stuck in a horsebox or a hot stable on a very warm day, adds David.Cooling downAccording to David, the quickest way to cool horses is to continually pour cold water on them. Whether from a hose or a river or pond, its about the volume of water you can get on them.Horses that have just finished a race or cross-country round or even dressage test can be very hot, and regardless of the time of year, you will see horses being cooled quite aggressively with water after racing, says David.It is by far the most effective and quickest way of bringing a horses temperature back down to normal.Water temperatureDavid explains that its not so much about the temperature of the water (10-25C is fine) you apply, but more about the amount you put on.Studies show that continuous application of water removes heat through conduction the direct movement of heat from the horse into the water.This happens due to the big difference in temperature between the horse (surface temperature 40C or higher) and the water, he says.If the temperature of the water is the same as that of the horse, it will only cool the horse by evaporation, which takes much longer than conduction.Dont scrape water offIts an age-old debate and no doubt youll hear it asked on the yard or discussed on social media again this summer too. Most people have a sweat scraper in their grooming kit, but scraping water off your horse will not help to cool it down.It is far more effective to leave the water on the horse, says David.Conduction removes heat significantly faster than evaporation, he explains. When you scrape the water off your horse, you reduce the capacity for conductive heat transfer.Leave the water on your horse on hot days and it will help it to stay cooler for longer.Recovery signsSpraying horses with the hose briefly or pouring a bucket of water over them before they get turned out will help to keep the horse cool for a while on a hot day through evaporation, but it is not effective at cooling a hot horse quickly.David says to keep cooling until you start to see recovery signs in your horse.The best way to tell if your horse has lowered its temperature is to check if their breathing has returned to a normal rate, he advises.You can also check their other vital signs, such as heart rate and temperature using a thermometer, although rectal temperature often lags behind other signs of recovery.This is why it is important to know what your horses normal vitals are so you know when they are higher or lower than usual.As David explains, there are no downsides to cooling a horse in this way, so you cant over-water.Obviously, if your horse starts shivering, youve possibly made him a bit too cold, but you cant really overcool, he says.Let a hot horse drinkAs part of your cooling process, its also important to allow the horse to drink, advises David.They will have a strong will to drink as soon as they have finished exercise.Dont offer them water that is really cold (below 10C) or really warm (above 35C). Horses prefer to drink water at around 25C.It wont hurt them to drink cold or warm water, its just that they prefer to drink normal temperature water, and will drink more of it.Heat stressHeatstroke can happen in horses, and high temperatures and hot weather are key triggers.Symptoms to look out for in your horse include:Restlessness/lethargyRapid pulse and breathingIncreased sweatingExcessive salivationRedness of the tongue and oral areaHigh body temperatureErratic heart beatMuscle spasmsStumbling gait and, in extreme situations, collapseIf you see these signs, or are in any doubt, call your vet immediately.Most horses will cope fine with our hot weather in the UK, but older horses, young horses, horses with health issues such as heart disease, equine asthma, Cushings and laminitis, or colic-prone and overweight horses, may not cope so well, says David.In the UK, we dont have to worry too much about very hot and humid temperatures, and during the cooler months, horses can get hot after strenuous work but will cool quickly as the ambient temperature is low.Where it becomes crucial is when you have a very hot horse and the temperature is hot too.Humidity and electrolytesHumidity can play a big role in the cooling of horses, as David explains.The higher the humidity, the less evaporation of sweat there is. Cooling by continuously applying water becomes more important in hot and humid climates because the horse can only cool itself to some degree by evaporation.In the UK, we typically have cooling when the horse loses heat by convection because the air temperature is lower than its skin temperature.But when we put cold water on, we are also removing heat by conduction.Horses in humid conditions will be uncomfortable for a longer period of time, will recover much slower, and will have an increased risk of heat-related illness if left to cool naturally when hot.In hot weather, horses will sweat more and lose more electrolytes.It is important to replace electrolytes as most horse diets are deficient in sodium, states David.So for a 500kg horse I would add 25ml of salt a day, and, according to the level of work, a balanced electrolyte.You want to provide electrolytes in a balance that they are lost in the sweat. Its better to give in slight excess than to not have enough, as the horses kidney will sort out any excess.Top tips for a hot dayHelp keep your horse comfortable in hot weather by doing the followingIf you have brick stables with ventilation, then horses may be better in than out. Wooden stables can get very hot in the day.If you have paddocks with tree shelter or open field shelters, then horses may be more comfortable out although many horses dont use them.Unless you are specifically trying to acclimatise to heat, avoid riding in the hottest parts of the day during the summer around 10am to 8pm in the UK. Horses in the UK are not currently acclimatised to temperatures above 30C.Clean water with no additives must always be available. There is an increased risk of impaction colic if water intake is reduced.If your horse is a poor drinker then adding in 1 x 25ml salt should help encourage increased drinking. A soaked feed in their bucket can help boost hydration levels too.If your horse or pony seems uncomfortable in hot weather, hose them off and allow them to dry naturally. Dont scrape the water off. You can do this three to four times a day.If you see a horse or person or dog with heatstroke, cool them down by hosing/spraying water from the outside or house water supply (usually 10-20C), or from a river or pond or even cold bottled water. It doesnt have to be ice cold to be effective, as long as you put a lot on.Cold weatherEven if were not experiencing a heatwave, horses can still get hot through exercise, including in winter, so if your horse is covered in sweat, feels hot and is blowing hard, they need cooling.Apply the same principles of covering the horse with water until it starts to feel cool again, says David.It will cool down quicker in winter than in summer, and once the horse has cooled down, you can then consider rugging to prevent your horse getting too cold.Cooling mythsFrom giving horses heart attacks to making them hotter by leaving water on them, there are many myths circulating about cooling horses. Here, David clarifies fact from fictionCooling hot horses with cold water does NOTCause muscle damageCause laminitisInduce shockGive horses heart attacksPrevent them from cooling by constriction of skin blood flowWater left on horses does NOTInsulate and prevent heat lossIt is NOT more effective toStart at the feet and work upScrape water off while cooling (it actually causes horses to Focus on large blood vesselsCover the horse with wet towelsDr David MarlinThe members area on his website provides access to science-backed information spanning a wide range of horse-related matters, including webinars, latest research findings, independent product trials and celebrity interviews, with the additional opportunity to join a friendly, supportive private community of fellow horse lovers. Pay-monthly membership is 8. Find out more and join here.Main image ShutterstockRelated contentHow to keep a horse hydrated when its hotWhy every horse will benefit from eating a soaked feedFly rugs tried and tested to find which work best Best fly sprays for horses as tested by owners and ridersThe post How to cool a horse down quickly in hot weather no sweat scraper required! appeared first on Your Horse.

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