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Discussion on Hair and pigment loss inside ears and other skin problems
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New Member:
kpuckett
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 29, 2011 - 2:17 pm:
A few months ago, I noticed that my Arab gelding started losing the hair inside his ears, accompanied by pigment changes (black skin has turned pink). Just wondering what could be the cause of this, and is it permanent. I'll try to get a picture next time I go to the barn.
I also notice some round patches of depigmented skin around the backs of his ears (picture attached), and sporadic round pink spots on his face. Is this fungus? Could it be related to the problem inside his ears?
Thanks in advance!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 - 12:44 pm:
The areas of depigmentation without signs of irritation and hair loss are not a infection and such depigmentation has occurred in healthy arabs, though usually associated with grey coloration. You might review the horses diet as some vitamin (vitamin A) and mineral (copper) deficiencies are supposed to result in depigmentation but I have seen many mighty poor starved horses and never noticed areas of depigmentation.
I am a little less certain what is going on in the ears but chronic irritation from fly bits and a type of papilloma (wart) virus have been associated with loss of pigment, loss of hair and a hyperkeratosis (scaling).
DrO
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New Member:
kpuckett
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 - 1:37 pm:
Thanks, Dr. O!
It is possible that the ear problem was caused by fly bites last summer. Any chance at all that either the pigment will return or the hair will grow back?
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Member:
lynnland
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Posted on Thursday, Mar 31, 2011 - 3:36 pm:
Hi Kristie,
My horse has permanent pigmentation loss in his ears. I assume it was from fly bites prior to my purchasing him. Some people do notice it, as he is black. He also has a few (~3?) spots on his shoulders and side where there are little circles of white hair, which might suggest depigmentation there also.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Apr 1, 2011 - 6:34 am:
Without knowing what is wrong, I cannot say Kristie. There is one report where copper supplementation caused the pigment to return but it is unclear whether this was incidental or not.
DrO
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