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Anhidrosis & Deficient Sweating
Anhidrosis in Horses
Introduction
Anhidrosis is a condition that develops in some horses in hot, humid climates. Anhidrosis results in an inappropriate decrease in sweating that makes it difficult for the horse to cool itself during environmentally stressful times. This article discusses the possible causes and treatments for this condition of equines.
Cause
The cause of this condition is unknown though there is a current hypothesis that continues to get more and more support. In this hypothesis climatic stress (persistent high temperature/high humidity) results in high levels of circulating adrenaline (epinephrine). The adrenalin over-stimulates the b2-receptors in the sweat glands to the point of decreasing responsiveness to stimulation. This causes a decreasing ability to sweat and in a positive feedback cycle further increases the stress level of the horse leading to the next step of this disease.
As the sweat cells become increasingly unresponsive to stimulation they begin to degenerate away. Very early in the course of the disease these effects may be reversible but with continued stress atrophy and results in a permanent inability to sweat.
Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism has often been associated with anhidrosis based on low serum thyroxine (T3/T4) levels. Serum thyroxine levels are not a accurate way to evaluate thyroid function in the horse. Recent studies using more reliable tests have not found a difference in thyroid function in normal and anhidrotic horses.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
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