🪳 Vet Strategies 2025: Preventing and Controlling Mange in Horses for Healthy Skin and Comfort 🐴🧴

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Though mange is more often associated with dogs, horses are also susceptible to this highly irritating, contagious skin disease caused by mites. If left untreated, mange can cause serious discomfort, secondary infections, and even systemic weakness in horses. Fortunately, with early detection and modern 2025 veterinary approaches, mange can be effectively managed and prevented. 🧠🐎

🔬 What Is Mange in Horses?

Mange refers to a range of skin diseases caused by different species of mites. These microscopic parasites burrow into or irritate the skin, leading to severe itching, inflammation, and hair loss. In horses, mange is less common than in dogs but just as impactful when it strikes. 🚨🦠

🧪 Types of Mange in Horses

1️⃣ Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)

The most severe type, sarcoptic mange is intensely itchy and highly contagious—even to humans. 🧤

• 🟣 Lesions appear first on the head, neck, and shoulders
• 🔁 Leads to constant rubbing on fences or stall walls
• 🧱 Causes hair loss, crusts, and eventually thickened, damaged skin
• ⚠️ Can spread across the entire body if untreated

2️⃣ Psoroptic Mange

This type often affects specific body regions and is less intense but still serious:

• 📍 Lesions on the mane, tail, ears, between hind legs, and under forelegs
• 🔄 Causes chronic skin irritation and discomfort

3️⃣ Chorioptic Mange (Leg Mange)

Common in draft horses and breeds with heavy feathering on the legs. 🐾

• 📌 Affects the lower legs, especially fetlocks
• 🧬 Leads to secondary bacterial infections
• 🧽 Often confused with pastern dermatitis

🔍 Diagnosis of Mange

Proper diagnosis involves a veterinary exam, including:

• 🔬 Skin scrapings viewed under a microscope
• 📋 Differential diagnosis from other skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis, fungal infections)

Never assume itching is minor—mange requires specific treatment. 🧪

🛠️ Treatment Protocols in 2025

The key to controlling mange is targeted treatment for both the mites and secondary infections. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1️⃣ Isolate and Clip Affected Horses

• 🐾 Clip feathers and excess hair to allow medication to reach the skin
• 🧼 Isolate the horse to prevent spreading mites to others

2️⃣ Apply Topical Insecticides

• 🧴 Lime sulfur dips: Highly effective and safe for horses
• 🔁 Reapply every 5–7 days for 2–3 weeks
• 🧪 Permethrin or fipronil sprays (vet-prescribed)

3️⃣ Administer Systemic Medications

• 💊 Oral ivermectin: 2–3 doses spaced 7–14 days apart
• 📈 Effectiveness increases when combined with topical treatments

4️⃣ Treat Secondary Infections

• 🧫 Topical or oral antibiotics may be needed for infected skin
• 💨 Anti-inflammatory creams can reduce discomfort

5️⃣ Disinfect Environment

• 🧽 Clean stalls, brushes, tack, and grooming tools
• 🔥 Wash all fabric items like blankets in hot water
• 🐴 Treat all in-contact horses, even if asymptomatic

❌ What to Avoid

• ❌ Don’t use canine mange products—they may be toxic to horses
• ❌ Don’t delay treatment—mange spreads fast
• ❌ Avoid over-the-counter “natural” sprays without veterinary approval

📋 Prevention Tips for 2025

• 🌿 Maintain clean, dry stalls and paddocks
• 🐴 Clip feathered legs during warm seasons or muddy weather
• 🧤 Regularly disinfect grooming tools and shared equipment
• 🔍 Monitor herd for signs of rubbing, scratching, or unexplained hair loss

🧠 Expert Insight from Dr Duncan Houston

"Mange is rare but serious in horses. Early intervention, environmental management, and treating every exposed horse is key to stopping its spread." 🐎🔬

🔚 Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Mange Take Hold

Mange may start with an itch, but it can end in widespread skin damage, infection, and suffering. Know the signs, act quickly, and apply comprehensive 2025 treatment strategies to keep your horses itch-free and healthy. 🐴🛡️

Need help identifying or treating a skin condition? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for immediate veterinary support. Your horse’s skin health is just a click away! 📱🧴