When should I call the vet for sunburn or photosensitivity in a horse?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse has mild sunburn or possible photosensitivity, you may be able to keep an eye on it at home at first, but call your vet if the skin is blistered, badly swollen, very painful, crusting, or if your horse seems unwell. Photosensitivity can have several causes, so it’s worth taking it seriously without jumping to conclusions.

Things To Check

1. Check which areas are affected, especially white markings, pale skin, muzzles, ears and any clipped or sparsely haired patches.

2. Look for redness, heat, swelling, blisters, scabs, crusting or skin that looks raw.

3. Notice whether your horse is uncomfortable when you touch the area, wears a head shy expression, or is rubbing the skin.

4. Think about recent sun exposure, turnout times, clipping, washing, or any change in field access or shelter.

5. Check whether your horse has eaten any unusual plants, been on new pasture, or had access to ragwort, St John’s wort or other suspect forage.

6. Watch for other signs such as dullness, reduced appetite, raised temperature, yellow gums, colic signs or general lethargy.

7. Make a note of any new feeds, medications or topical products that were started recently.

Common Causes

Sunburn is one of the most common reasons, especially on pale or lightly pigmented skin that has had strong sun exposure.

Photosensitivity can also happen after contact with certain plants or after eating plants or feed that make the skin react more strongly to sunlight.

Less commonly, it may be linked to an underlying liver problem or another health issue, which is one reason it’s sensible to keep an eye on the whole horse as well as the skin.

What To Do

Move your horse out of direct sun if you can and provide shade or stable time during the brightest part of the day.

Keep the area clean and avoid rubbing, picking at scabs or using harsh skin products on sore skin.

Use the extra information you’ve gathered, such as turnout pattern, feed changes and any plant exposure, to help your vet if you need to call.

Monitor the skin closely over the next 24 to 48 hours, and note whether it is improving, staying the same or getting worse.

If the area is on the face or elsewhere on pale skin, be careful around fly masks, rugs and any tack that might rub the sore patch.

When To Contact A Vet

Call your vet promptly if the skin is blistered, markedly swollen, very painful, oozing, or if the affected area is spreading. You should also contact your vet if your horse seems depressed, has a fever, is off food, has yellowing of the eyes or gums, or if you suspect plant or feed-related photosensitivity.

Get veterinary advice sooner rather than later if you’re not sure whether this is simple sunburn or something more than skin irritation, especially when the horse is acting differently.

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