What is Vitiligo in Horses?
If your horse’s skin lacks pigment, especially around the eyes, it may be suffering from a skin condition called vitiligo, also known as Arabian fading syndrome or pinkie syndrome, as it is found in several horse breeds, including Arabian horses.
The good news is that once vitiligo in horses is diagnosed, the condition is purely a cosmetic issue and does not lead to any further medical problems.
Vitiligo is not considered an emergency, but it is worth taking your pet to the vet for an examination. Rule out other skin problems.
Symptoms of vitiligo in horses
Horses with vitiligo often have “white” patches on their skin and can also affect their fur and hooves.
Hyperpigmentation most commonly occurs on the face, especially the bridge of the nose and around the eyes.
Causes of vitiligo in horses
At the time of publication, vitiligo in horses Immune-Mediated Disorders This develops as horses get older. The horse’s immune system attacks and kills melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells in the body that produce pigment for an animal’s skin. When these cells are destroyed, the skin becomes white (lacking pigment).
Although vitiligo is thought to be hereditary (passed on by genes), it is not noticeable at birth and usually appears in young adult horses (1-2 years old).
How Veterinarians Diagnose Vitiligo in Horses
Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose vitiligo by performing a physical exam and ruling out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as skin infections and external parasites.
How to Treat Vitiligo in Horses
Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for vitiligo in horses, and as it is a purely cosmetic skin condition, leaving it untreated will not harm your horse or cause further health problems. However, it is important to have your vet rule out other skin conditions.
Nutritional changes may be helpful for some horses. study Supplementation with Vitamins A, D, E and B12 has been shown to be effective, while some studies have shown improvement with excess copper supplementation. These are vitamins and minerals that are important for skin health. Supplementation as recommended by your veterinarian may eliminate concerns of vitamin/mineral deficiency.
Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if your horse needs any additional supplements, but most importantly, make sure your horse is eating a balanced diet with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Recovery and Management of Vitiligo in Horses
The good news is that although a horse with vitiligo may look different, this skin condition does not lead to any harmful illness. Changes in supplements may improve your horse’s skin, and the disease itself may go away on its own. Your veterinarian may recommend changes to your horse’s diet, adding vitamin and mineral supplements, and hoof and fur supplements.
When your horse loses pigment, he becomes more susceptible to sunburn. You may need to change his daily routine to keep him out of the sun for long periods of time. Make sure your horse wears a UV-protective face mask and sunscreen when outside.
Frequently asked questions about vitiligo in horses
What triggers vitiligo?
The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but some believe it may be related to stress, which can trigger inflammation and an abnormal immune response.
Is Vitiligo in Horses Hereditary?
Vitiligo is thought to be an inherited condition, but more research is needed to know about it in horses.
