Lice

Symptoms

The condition of the coat deteriorates and looks dull with areas that have lost hair especially around the neck and shoulders. The tail becomes clumped and matted and the horse rubs and bites itself to relieve the itching.

Cause

Small, biting or sucking insects which live in the coat and feed on the dead skin, debris and body fluids. Biting lice live mainly in the skin and will affect the coat whereas sucking lice usually live in the mane and tail and affect those areas. The numbers of lice build up over the winter and are the highest in spring. The most effects can be seen from January onwards fading as it approaches the summer months when the coat is short. Horses in large herds are more susceptible as well as horses which are already ill or in poor condition. Heavy infestations can cause anaemia and loss of condition.

Treatment

The horse should be clipped if possible which will take away some of the warmth for the lice. Louse powder or shampoo can be used at two weekly intervals to break the life cycle of the lice and try to eradicate them. Anthelmintic drugs can also be administered such as ivermectin, which as a side action kills lice.

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