BY MEREL SLANNINCK, DVM / EQUITOM
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY EQUITOM
Eighteen years have passed since Diarado was crowned the undisputed Holsteiner Champion Stallion. Now his son, Dark Zuccero, has followed in his footsteps. The dark bay left the Fritz-Thiedemann-Halle as the radiant winner.
A multifactorial and complex dermatological condition, Equine pastern dermatitis (EPD) is a collective term describing a group of inflammatory and infectious skin disorders that primarily affect the pastern and heel regions of the horse’s limbs. It is a common clinical problem in equine practice, yet it is frequently misunderstood and often challenging to manage. Successful resolution requires careful diagnostic evaluation, identification of predisposing and perpetuating factors, and a combination of appropriate medical treatment and long-term management adjustments.
EPD is broadly categorized into infectious and non-infectious causes. Infectious causes include bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and, less commonly, viral agents. Non-infectious causes encompass immune-mediated disease, trauma, toxic or irritant exposure, photosensitization, vascular or lymphatic disorders, and idiopathic conditions. In many cases, several contributing factors are present simultaneously, which explains why a single treatment approach is often unsuccessful. In chronic or complex cases, a definitive diagnosis may not always be achievable.
Common predisposing factors include prolonged moisture exposure, impaired skin barrier function, mechanical irritation, secondary bacterial overgrowth, and photosensitization. Certain plants, such as ragwort, may induce secondary photosensitization through liver damage. Breed predisposition, environmental conditions, and management practices play a significant role in the development and persistence of disease.
Bacterial pastern dermatitis
Bacterial pastern dermatitis is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of EPD. It typically involves infection of the epidermis and hair follicles and may progress if inadequately treated.
Clinical features:
• Folliculitis with inflammation and degeneration of hair follicles
• Possible secondary fungal involvement
• Complications such as cellulitis or lymphangitis in more severe cases
• Pain, swelling, and sensitivity, which may result in lameness
• Lesions usually localized to the pastern and heel bulbs
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination supported by appropriate diagnostic testing performed by a veterinarian. Diagnostic procedures may include:
• Skin smears, which can provide supportive evidence of bacterial or mixed infections
• Bacterial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing
• Skin biopsy in chronic, atypical, or treatment-resistant cases
Treatment should be tailored to the individual horse and may include:
• Sedation and/or local pain control to allow safe and thorough handling
• Careful clipping of the affected area to improve access and aeration
• Gentle washing with lukewarm water and an appropriate antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine); often a single thorough wash is sufficient
• Meticulous drying of the skin to restore the skin barrier and reduce moisture retention
• Light controlled exercise, such as hand-walking, to promote circulation
• Avoidance of inappropriate or occlusive topical products, which may exacerbate inflammation or moisture accumulation
• Long-term and consistent monitoring and follow-up
• Systemic antibiotics only when indicated and guided by diagnostic results...
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