Sun Damage in Horses
Image credit: AAEP
From the American Association of Equine Practitioners:
As the temperatures rise and the sun stays out longer, make sure your equine friends are adequately protected from harmful UV rays.
Hot summer weather puts horses at risk not only for dehydration and heat stress but also the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn— just like humans.
A lot of equestrians love some chrome on a horse, but it’s important to remember that those beautiful white markings and the non-pigmented pink skin underneath are more likely to suffer from sunburn, especially in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and the nostrils.
In addition to the pain and discomfort, horses that are prone to recurrent sunburn may also face other long-term consequences, like the increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).
If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your equine protected this summer.
Find more helpful resources for horse owners from the AAEP:
