ANHIDROSIS IN HORSES

Anhidrosis is a condition in which the horse is unable to produce sweat.This is also called as Dry coat or Equine anhidrotic syndrome.

certain indiduals have a poor response to sweat stimulation by adrenalin.

Horses reared in temperate climates and transported to region of high huminity and temperature may fail to acclimatize.

Horses that sweat lightly or only in patches such as under the mane, in the saddle area, and on the chest are known as shy sweaters.

Signs

Acute sweating is much reduced or absent ,this is accompanied by respiratory distress,labored breathing,fever,collapse and occasionally death.

Chronic is characterized by dry coat, seborrhea and alopecia particularly face and neck.

Horse shows poor exercise tolerance.

Treatments

Application of cold water to reduce body temperature.

Air conditioned stable should be provided for affected horses.

Electrolyte supplementation seems to trigger a return to normal sweat

Management practices to help an anhidrotic horse include:

• Moving the horse to a cooler climate.
• Hosing with cold water as needed after exercise or periodically during hot weather.
• Limiting training and exercise to the coolest part of the day.
• At competitions, requesting that the horse be scheduled to perform early in the morning.
• Installing stall fans, misting machines, or air-conditioning in stables.
• Giving pasture-kept horses access to shady areas, ponds, or streams.

Reference

The Equine manual

by Andrew J.Higgins and Jack R.Snyder