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This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin » Overview of Hair Loss & Irritated Skin »
  Discussion on Re-Growing Hair After Surgery
Author Message
Member:
kab3

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 22, 2009 - 2:46 pm:

Hello,
My 4 year old had bilateral OCD surgery on his hocks in December'08. His legs were completely shaved for the procedure and they seem to be taking forever to grow hair back. From behind he looks like he is wearing biker shorts! We are in mid-April now, how long does it generally take for it to come back? He is a little slow to shed out his coat, but I'm in Upstate New York.
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 22, 2009 - 5:06 pm:

Kim,

I would have expected the hair to be grown back by now based upon my experience.

Maybe others have had differing results.

Perhaps it is delayed due to cooler weather where you are located and he won't grow the new hair until he sheds out first?
Member:
canter

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 - 7:30 am:

Hi Kim, my guess is that by the end of this month or early May, the summer coat will have come in and he will no longer look like he's wearing shorts. I give a partial body clip to my mare every year in early October. For the most part, her front half (shoulders, chest & neck) has grown in and "blended" as she has shed out. However, towards the back half and where she was clipped on her belly, there is still a difference in the length of the hair so you can still see the line.

This is pretty much a consistent pattern I see every year with her. So, I would think your horse just needs a little more time to fully shed out and for the summer coat to come in. I wouldn't be worried at this point.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 - 7:33 am:

Kim,
Unlike humans, horses grow their hair seasonally. If the hair is cut just after a seasonal growths is done like December, it will not come back in until the summer coat starts back. Combine this with a late shedder and your results are not surprising and it will not be long before it starts back.
DrO
Member:
kab3

Posted on Thursday, Apr 23, 2009 - 10:24 am:

Thanks to all for the info. Sounds like his legs should be fluffing up soon enough! He is doing great after his surgery and we are starting back to riding...he just looks silly! Although if you knew him that is fitting...he is quite the clown.

Kim
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