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  Discussion on Rash on Nose
Author Message
Member:
andreth

Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 6:33 pm:

Day before yesterday I noticed my horse Tucker had developed a rash on the end of his nose. Now it has spread around and into his nostrils. It itches. He rubs his nose against the wood in his stall to relieve the itch. My guess is he came into contact with a plant to which he's allergic, but in that case would the rash be spreading? I've completed the medical history form in the overview of skin diseases in the hope Dr. O will know what the rash is and how it should be treated. And if others recognize this condition I would be grateful for advice. Thanks. Mary

HISTORY:
Age of animal: 14
Age when purchased: 13
Age when problem started: 14
Where on the body did the problem start:
End of nose
What did the problem look like initially:
A rash with dark bumps and reddened skin.
How has it spread: Around the nostrils
What season did it start: Summer
Is the problem seasonal or year round: N/A
If seasonal, what season: N/A
Does the horse itch: Yes
Where: On the nose where the rash is
Do any animals or people in contact with this horse have similar skin problems: No
Is fly control used: Yes. There are fly predators, and I use some roll-on repellent, but not on his nose.
Do any relatives of this horse have similar skin problems: His younger half-brother is in the same barn and doesn't have this problem.
List any medications (topical, oral, injected) or chemicals used on the horse before the problem developed: MSM, Cosequin, Fungasol spray (but not on his face), Fungasol shampoo (but not on his face). Tucker also has skin problems on his legs that the Fungasol seems to be resolving.
List any medications used after the problem developed: I dabbed on a bit of numbing cream, but Tucker did NOT like it.
Where any medications helpful: No
Where any medications harmful: That cream must have been uncomfortable.
Describe the horse�s environment and bedding: His stall bedding is sawdust, but he stays outside in a pasture most of the time. What is the animal fed: Purina Ultium, grass hay, carrots and treats.
Any additional information you feel relevant: Lately he has not wanted to go outside, even when the other horses have already gone. This is a new behavior for him and rather strange for a horse. He has warts on his genital area and a couple of bumps under the skin at the base of his throat. These bumps are loose and can be moved along with his skin.

PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS:
Distribution of lesions: End of nose, around and in the nostrils.
Primary Lesions, delete those that do not apply:
Macule, Vesicle, Nodule, Papule Even after reading the medical dictionary I'm not sure. They are small bumps, dark and scaly
Secondary Lesions, delete those that do not apply:
Scale, Fissure, Erythema, Crust
Is there pruritus (itchy): Yes
What is the skin thickness: Very thin on his nose.
How is the general hair coat condition: Now that his legs are better, his coat looks pretty good.
Are there any external parasites: I don't think so.
How is the skin tone: It seems okay
Hair Loss?: not on his nose.
FURTHER TESTS DONE: Nothing yet
Member:
erika

Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 7:17 pm:

Just a thought, Mary, does the horse have a white or pink nose normally? Could it be sunburn?
Member:
andreth

Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 7:43 pm:

Yes, it might be sunburn. Tucker wears a fly mask and fly sheet most of the time, but of course his nose is uncovered. I guess sunburn would explain why he wants to stay inside. Thanks, Erika.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 7:50 pm:

Erika's right, if he has a pink nose it could be surnburn and some plants at certain times of the year in my area make horses very photosensitive causing sores on the burned parts. Keeping them out of the sun and/or putting a thick coating of zinc oxide or generic desitin on the affected area helps--if indeed it is sunburn.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 7:54 pm:

Erika L, beat me to the question and we will add this to the list of questions. We see lots of sunburn white noses. Usually this becomes complicated with staph much like grease heel. For more on this see the sunburn subtopic Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin » Overview of Hair Loss & Irritated Skin.
DrO
Member:
andreth

Posted on Monday, Jul 16, 2007 - 10:59 pm:

Thank you very much, Dr. Oglesby, Erika and Julie. The articles and posts on sunburn are very helpful. Tucker has been eating lots of clover, thanks to me. When it's hot I hose him down after our ride then hold his lead rope while he grazes on the lawn. He like chicory too. Maybe this diet is making things worse. Anyway, I'll keep him inside during the day until his nose heals.
Member:
shanson

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 2:42 pm:

A fly mask that covers more of the face might help. I've seen folks use this one, for instance:

https://www.horsetackreview.com/article-display/588.html
Member:
andreth

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 2:59 pm:

Thanks, Sharon. Your suggestion came just as I was about to begin a search for a fly mask with nose protection. Perfect timing!
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