Equine Ringworm: Fungus Among Us
Written by: Moira Clune
What is it?
Oddly enough, equine ringworm isn't a worm. It's a fungus. It affects horses and other animals, including people.
What are the symptoms?
Initially you'll see small, circular patches of hair loss with scabbed or flaky skin beneath. If left untreated, these circular lesions will grow into large, irregular areas of broken hairs and blisters with scabs.
The lesions are usually seen around your horse's girth and saddle areas, on the face and around the eyes, and on the legs. Sometimes the lesions are extremely itchy.
Where does it come from?
It spreads between horses thorough the use of common grooming tools, saddle pads, or harnesses. Fungi being fungi, also thrive in damp, dark, and crowded conditions (such as horses confined to their stable during the winter and fall). They are also very hardy and can remain on fence railings and wood structures for long periods. Younger animals or those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable.
How is it diagnosed?
Skin scrapings are analyzed under a microscope. But the fungi grow very slowly in the lab, and the condition is often treated before the results of the culture are known.
How is it treated?
If you suspect equine ringworm, contact your vet and begin treatment right away. The infected horse should be isolated from others, and all tack and grooming equipment should be disinfected. This can be done with a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water.
To treat equine ringworm, clip the hair away from the affected areas. Use electric clippers and a #40 (surgical) blade to create a 1/2" margin around each lesion.
Wet the shaved area with a sponge, and apply antifungal antiseptic, such as Betadine(R) scrub or Novalsan (R). Lather up the scrub, and let it stand for 10 minutes to give it time to kill the fungus. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Follow with a final rinse, using 2 tablespoons white vinegar mixed in 1 quart of clean water. This solution helps cut any remaining soap and creates a slightly acidic environment unfriendly to fungi. Apply the vinegar solution to affected areas with a sponge or trigger-type spray bottle. Dry thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of antifungal ointment or spray, such as Betadine ointment or an over-the-counter human product for athlete's foot. Repeat daily for 7 days, then reduce to twice a week until the lesions appear to be shrinking and new hair growth is visible in their centers (about 1 to 2 weeks).
How is it prevented?
If possible, new horses should be kept in isolation for 2-3 weeks and monitored for signs of ringworm and other contagious diseases. Don't share tack or grooming supplies with other horses during this period.
If you're treating a horse with ringworm, wear gloves at all times. And wash, wash, wash after handling. It's rare but not impossible to contract ringworm from your horse.
Let Practical Horsekeeping show you how to become an efficient, effective equine expert! Moira Clune and Noreen Girao provide helpful horse care information with a practical twist. Their free horse care ezine shows you the fastest, safest, smartest ways to care for your horse. Sign up today and get their free, veterinarian approved Colic Preparedness Report that shows you exactly what to do in a horse colic emergency. And be sure to visit their racehorse rehabilitation blog to follow the retraining progress of Bayrod, a thoroughbred racehorse with an impressive lineage and a dismal track record.
