HorseAdvice.com Equine & Horse Advice: Hair Loss Surrounding Abscess

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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin » Overview of Hair Loss & Irritated Skin » Hair Loss Surrounding Abscess

Discussion on Hair Loss Surrounding Abscess

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Natalie Sorscher
New Member
Username: sorscher

Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2007

Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 12:09 am:

Hi Dr. Oglesby,

My gelding had a submandibular abscess from a Staph infection. It opened about a week ago. It's pretty circular and large - about three inches in diameter. The wound seems to be healing well so far. Since the abscess opened, he has lost all the hair within two to three inches of the wound. Is this par for the course? What could be causing the hair loss? Following my vet's advice, I'm washing the wound with water and gentle soap and using a spray he gave me two to three times daily.

Thank you!

Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro

Post Number: 19818
Registered: 1-1997

Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 6:32 am:

Hello Natalie,
It is normal to lose the hair several inches around an abscess. It is the contained inflammation of the puss before the abscess ruptured that causes it.
DrO

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