What does this look like?

Question

It looks like ringworm to me but I've never seen it in horses before.

So heres the deal. He had this before I moved but it looked more like a bite mark where the hair was growing back. He usually has a ton of bite marks so I didn't think much of it and left for about 2 1/2 months. Well, he finally joined me out here on Thurs. and still has the spot. I researched ringworm in horses and it said that it normally goes away by itself within 6-8 weeks, which his has been much longer, and that it's usually crusty or scabby, which his isn't.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29598352@N03/

So does this look like ringworm, or could it be something else? Any other suggestions for what it might be? If it is ringworm what should I expect for treating it?

Oh and I've never used flickr before so let me know if the pic doesn't come up. Thanks

Answer 1

That looks like fungus to me, not ringworm. Treat with a iodine based fungicide that you can get from your vet.

Answer 2

It may well be some type of fungus, but it's not ringworm.  BTW, ringworm does not go away by it's self.

Have the vet out and get a scraping for microscopic exam.

Answer 3

this photo is weird but gross in the same time i thing its an animal or something

Answer 4

Urgh. That is definitely not ringworm. It looks like some sort of sore from a saddle or something. I have no idea though. When was the last time you rode him and what part of the horse is that on? It is kind of hard to tell in the photo, but I would get your vet to come and check it out before you do any sort of treatment.

Answer 5

could just be a girth sore

Answer 6

It could be any number of types of skin lesion, including a variety of benign or malignant lesions that must be sampled to accurately diagnose.  It has gone on long enough that it is time to have a biopsy to find the cause.

Add....ringworm is a fungus.....not a worm.

Answer 7

it could be a bed sore. From laying down. They are mostly on their hind ends but that its what it really looks like. I really really does. I would not worry about it.  

Answer 8

It's hard to tell the photo is a little small.

And without seeing the horse and knowing for sure, its best to get a true vets opinion before you try to treat it.

I'm pretty sure it might be ringworm. Ringworm, which isn't a worm at all, can affect not only the skin, but also the nails and scalp.

Although this isn't an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care, you should inform your vet about your horse's condition. Although the lesions are probably caused by a local fungal infection, they might signify something more serious (such as a body-wide infection), requiring veterinary treatment. By calling your vet now-and providing updates throughout your home- treatment program-he or she will be able to determine whether veterinary treatment is called for.

Most likely, the lesions are caused by ringworm, a fungal dermatitis, or fungus-based skin infection. (Fungus refers to organisms whose goal is to destroy organic-or living-material.) The lesion appears to be superficial and limited to one area of your horse's body, so it should respond well to home treatment.

I suggest clipping the area to get down to the skin, then soap bathing the area to help kill the fungus. Wet the shaved area with a sponge, and apply antifungal antiseptic, such as Betadine scrub, available at pharmacies, or Novalsan scrub, available by prescription from your vet. Lather up the scrub, and let it stand for 10 minutes to give it time to thoroughly kill the fungus. Rinse, then follow with a final rinse, using 2 tablespoons white vinegar mixed in 1 quart of clean water. This solution helps cut any remaining soap and creates a slightly acidic environment unfriendly to fungi. Apply the vinegar solution to affected areas with a sponge or trigger-type spray bottle.

Keep the area clean cool and dry, and be sure to disinfect the area where the horse was and yourself, people can get ringworm too!

Good luck!

Answer 9

Im no vet or anything but it looks like some type of worm-possibly a ring worm like you said. But it could be more serious since it hasnt gone away and doesnt have the signs of doing so-I would take him to the vet.

Answer 10

It does look like ringworm but they are usaully quite small blobs - the size of  warts. It could be but im not sure, you would need to ask someone with a higher knowlege of it like a vet or your barn instructor.