Anyone have experience of anhidrosis (dry coat) and / or equiwinner patches?

[j1ffy]

I know this is a long-shot as anhidrosis is almost unheard of in the UK but I know many of you are well-travelled!!

My Hong Kong loan horse doesn't sweat from around the wither backwards and as a result gets over-heated easily in hot and humid weather, he will literally start to pant (respiratory rate of well over 60) in an attempt to cool down. He's a 9yo ex-racehorse, stable kept with a large fan going 24/7 (unfortunately no aircon) and has been in HK since he was 3.

Obviously I'm keeping the work down when it is hot and working him in the cooler hours when I can, however when it's very humid it's only marginally cooler at 6.30am. Not working isn't an option as turnout is too limited so I've been looking at possible treatments for the problem. The best treatment is to move him to a less hot and damp area but obviously that's impractical! Acupuncture seems to have had some success according to anecdotal studies (and feeding Guinness!) so I've booked in a session for tomorrow morning, but I wondered if anyone on here has any other tips or advice?

I've also read about Equiwinner patches but only on their website (http://www.equiwinner.com/sweating.htm) - none of the medical studies I found mentioned them and views on electrolytes were mixed. Has anyone here used Equiwinner patches and what was the result?

 

[j1ffy]

I've had one PM (and thank you to the user who sent it ) - anyone else have any experience of the issue or the patches?

 

[Dab]

No expreience with the ptaches i'm affraid but what advice have the vets given you??? and if nothing push them and the jockey club to find a solution or some assistance.

Also do you know how long he has been dry coated? Some do recover even in that climate.

 

[j1ffy]

No expreience with the ptaches i'm affraid but what advice have the vets given you??? and if nothing push them and the jockey club to find a solution or some assistance.

Also do you know how long he has been dry coated? Some do recover even in that climate.

Hi Dab
I'm requesting his vet history from his racing days - looking at his race record it suggests there was some sort of issue even then. I've spoken with his previous livery owner and he didn't have much to say, he said that he'd make sure he groomed him well and would put emollient cream on the affected skin, however he was quite imprecise and I wonder if he paid much attention to it.

The official advice has been to exercise at cooler times and ensure he's well-groomed rather than washed. I'll push the vets more though, however I don't think there's a definite treatment for it.