The Horse

JUN 2017

The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.

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18 TheHorse.com THE HORSE June 2017 Putting Your Best Follicle Forward Minimizing bathing frequency and the use of soaps and potentially harmful chemicals can help improve the overall quality and health of your horse's skin and hair coat. "We absolutely witness a vicious cycle," says Bidwell. "Horses are overwashed, develop skin problems, and then get washed more to try to resolve the skin is- sues caused by washing them in the first place. These cases often require systemic antibiotics and minimizing water contact completely to remedy the problem. "Instituting simple management changes like replacing regular shampoos with a very mild oatmeal aloe shampoo or eliminating shampoos altogether (or switching to a medicated shampoo if battling a skin infection), drying horses completely in the sun after bathing, avoiding topical alcohol to expedite dry- ing following a bath, and minimizing the administration of medications that stunt the immune system, like systemic corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, can resolve these problems quickly." Take-Home Message One of the signs of a healthy horse is a lustrous, gleaming coat. But remember that beauty comes from the inside. Focus on supporting a healthy integumentary system, rather than reaching for fancy bottles of shampoos and conditioners. When you do need to wash or whiten, use soaps sparingly, and keep an eye out for signs of skin issues related to overbathing. h When you bathe your horse, allow him to dry completely in the sun before putting him up. BIANCA MCCARTY To Bathe or Not To Bathe?

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