Bald patches and dandruff?

[RJ W]

Hi guys, not sure if im posting in the right forum sorry!

BUT....

I'm confused and worried about my horse...

He is a chestnut which I know are famous for their thin sensitive skin but within the past month or so he has started to get patches of very dry and flaky skin giving the appearance of dandruff on his chest area mainly and patches on his neck. He is not wearing rugs so it cant be rubs from that and I have been washing it more than usual to see if that helps but its still there and if anything getting worse.

He always has some bald patches on his face which he has had for more like 3 months but have worsened with time.

I also noticed today that at the heel of his hoof (just under the fetlock area) its started to look funny and scabby.

Apart from this skin issue his behaviour is normal and he appears in a good healthy condition.

I have asked some advice from my YO etc but they all seem to think it will go away if i just keep washing it and its nothing to worry about but 4 weeks down the line and its still prominent!

Any help and ideas would be much appreciated... am I over reacting or should i be getting the vet out?

Thank you in advance xx

 

[Dry Rot]

I'd check for mites or other external parasites as a first call. Press some Cellotape on a bald/dandruffy area and ask your vet to have a look at it under a microscope. That will keep your costs to a minimum as it should take him less than 5 minutes, without a call out. If that is negative, further research is needed.

 

[amandap]

I'd check for mites or other external parasites as a first call. Press some Cellotape on a bald/dandruffy area and ask your vet to have a look at it under a microscope. That will keep your costs to a minimum as it should take him less than 5 minutes, without a call out. If that is negative, further research is needed.

Ditto this and also low sugar diet with high spec balancer and micronised linseed, all for skin health.

Also look at possible allergy causing feed contents such as alfalfa and any products you use on his coat.