Cushings, a compromised immune system and mites…(pics)

Mrs B

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 May 2010
Messages
7,102
Visit site
Subject: IDxTB – grey gelding, rising 18 yo, owned for 8 years…bit lethargic but not too alarming as winter is pants, curling of leg hair noticed recently in snow, but has curly ‘foal tail’ so not too worried… but YO sensibly suggests testing for Cushings in near future…

Monday 11th Feb – normal legs if a few small scabs on hinds and a couple of odd itchy bald patches – dandruffy but not much cause for concern considering the winter we’ve had…

Tues 12th – Smallish raw patch on one hind leg – think mudfever-y type of thing and treat accordingly and with healing balm.

Wed 13th – Larger rubbed patches, bleeding/oozing… call vet who thinks it’s a reaction to mites, but takes a blood sample for Cushings, and prescribes mite treatment.

Thurs 14th – Bloods come back – early stage of Cushings, so collect Prascend . Because his immune system has been compromised by the Cushings, the mites that all horses have in small colonies have suddenly caused this reaction.

Friday 15th – Early to yard to find this (both hinds were affected, this is the worst):
picture.php

You can see a horizontal cut near his chestnut – this is where I literally brushed him by accident with my fingernail (and I have very soft, short nails) – the skin split like tissue paper.
Vet returns and gives steroid injection as poor lad doesn’t know what to do with himself… Malaseb shampoo to gently cleanse, dry carefully by patting with kitchen towel and then steroid cream applied.

Saturday 16th – Leg looks like this:
picture.php


Sunday 17th – Better again – gentle cleanse and more cream applied…so on the mend, but quite a week – shows how quickly these things can take a hold…

Hopefully, the Prascend will restore the imbalance and he can start sorting himself out again. Posted as I thought you might find it of interest.
 
Last edited:
Poor lad:( thank goodness he is on the mend. My old lad suffered from mud fever and I had the regime worked out to keep it at bay until suddenly it stopped working and he got mites to boot so the cure was double edged. A vet suggested testing for cushings and he was positive hence the compromised immune system but it really does have a major effect. My lad was full up weight , glossly normal coat and the build of a strong young horse at 30 but cushings was there all the same having an effect.
 
very interesting, your poor boys leg looked sooooo sore.....amazing how quickly ot has improved.....i also have a cushings horse and she is now on 3 prascend daily:( at least the medication improves their quality of life
 
Top