Habronemiasis

Symptoms

Sores are found on the lower limbs, eyes and penis in the male horse.  They may develop into large masses.

Cause

The worm larvae of Habronema cause habronemiasis. They usually develop in the stable fly and are then found in the stomach of the horse, although occasionally they are deposited onto wounds or mucous membranes where they irritate the area, causing sores to develop.

Treatment

Anthelmintic drugs such as ivermectin can be used to kill the larvae and the sores can then be cleaned, and usually heal rapidly. If they have developed into large masses surgery may be required to remove them.

Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.