Sunburn and Photosensitivity in Horses
- Keep horses stalled during the hours of most intense sun, and avoid turning horses out without access to shade.
- Use a child-safe human sunblock preparation on areas that are likely to burn.
- Reapply sunblock regularly.
What weeds cause photosensitivity in horses?
Clover, St. John’s Wort, Rye, and other weeds and grasses are digested by the horse to produce substances that reach the skin and cause sensitivity to sunlight. Secondary photosensitivity occurs when the horse has underlying liver disease that allows photosensitive pigments to accumulate in the body.
What causes photosensitization in horses?
Photosensitization occurs when certain compounds, which are activated by light, are present in skin that is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The photodynamic compounds are energized by the UV light and cause chemical reactions that damage cells in the skin and lead to ulceration and fluid accumulation.
Can you use sunscreen on horses?
It’s safe for horses and helps heal any skin irritation or blistering. You can generally also use any sunscreen product on the market for people, such as those containing PABA, on your horse. However, some horses can have allergic/sensitivity reactions to these products or to fragrances in them.
Can horses be allergic to sunlight?
True allergy, or hypersensitivity, to the sun is rare in horses. More common is “photosensitivity,” sun-related skin injury that’s triggered by chemical imbalances in the body. Forage plants are one possible culprit in the process but certain drugs or underlying liver disease may also be factors.
What is the difference between photosensitivity and sunburn?
Photosensitivity is an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other light sources. Most people are at risk of developing sunburn during long exposure to sunlight. Exposure to UV rays can also lead to skin damage and skin cancer.
How can you prevent Photodermatitis?
These measures may help prevent photodermatitis:
- Limit sun exposure, especially intense midday sun.
- Use PABA-free sunscreens that protect against UVA and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 to 50.
- Cover up with a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and a wide brimmed hat.
How do I stop my horse head shaking?
Table 1: Treatments used for the management of horses with idiopathic headshaking. Nose nets are readily available and have been shown to improve the clinical signs in 25% cases. Similarly full-face masks or fly masks that protect from UV light may also help.
Is it bad for horses to be in the sun?
Too much sun exposure can put your horse at risk of skin and eye damage, as well as cancer. During the summer, the glorious rays of the sun shine much stronger and longer. Although some sun is beneficial and necessary, a horse’s health can suffer negative effects when he’s exposed too long to the sun’s rays.
What do you need to know about photosensitization in horses?
“The important thing in understanding photosensitivity is realizing there are two types–the primary versus the secondary,” says Talcott. “When you see it (in the non-pigmented areas of skin), you need to have your veterinarian perform a thorough work-up, which includes blood testing to assess whether there is liver impairment.
What makes a horse more sensitive to the Sun?
Many horses with lightly pigmented skin can get sunburn, but some horses will suffer from a severe skin reaction to the sun when they have ingested certain plants or been given specific drugs, including some antibiotics. Liver problems also can make horses more sensitive to sunlight.
What foods can cause photosensitivity in a horse?
Photosensitivity of uncertain etiology includes many forage-related photosensitivities. It has been reported in cattle, sheep and horses grazing lush pasture (3). Alfalfa has been incriminated in cases of secondary photosensitization in cattle, where compromised hepatic function is not necessarily the prerequisite for the photosensitization (3).
What can I give my Horse for EPM?
Then, in supplement, some vets recommend the use of Vitamin E tablets or powders. These are more of an afterthought after the prescribed medicines are used. Vitamin E is high in antioxidants, and it can assist the horse’s system in cleansing itself from the “bacteria.”
