General FAQs not specific to a topic, category, or tag.
Some horses will require ongoing management, while others may experience various periods of improvement. PetDerm will work closely with your primary veterinarian to create a responsive and malluable treatment plan to match your horse’s current symptoms.
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Autoimmune skin conditions are usually managed rather than cured. With the right treatment plan, many horses can remain comfortable, and active. Early detection can help slow the progression of the disease.
They can be uncomfortable or painful, especially when lesions are inflamed or slow to heal. Proper management focuses on reducing discomfort and preventing complications. PetDerm’s dermatological veterinarian provides an individualized management plan to improve the overall quality of life for your horse.
Yes! Reducing exposure to dust, mold, and airborne irritants in barns and stables is one of the most effective ways to manage equine asthma. Especially in Alberta’s harsh climate where horses spend more time indoors during the winter months.
Equine asthma is often managed long-term rather than a curable disease. With appropriate environmental control and allergy management, many horses can have a comfortable and improved quality of life. PetDerm’s goal is the provide you and your primary veterinarian with a sustainable long-term management plan.
No. Equine asthma is not caused by bacteria or viruses. It is an inflammatory condition often linked to allergies and environmental exposure, which is why antibiotics are not typically effective. A dermatologic assessment may be necessary to evaluate the underlying cause and early on intervention to slow the progression of the disease.
Early signs may include occasional coughing, reduced stamina, slower recovery after exercise, or subtle breathing changes. These signs can be easy to miss at first but may worsen over time without medical intervention. If you suspect that your horse has enviornmental allergies, ask your primary veterinarian for a referral today!
In many horses, equine asthma is part of a broader allergic response. The same allergens that cause skin problems can also affect the airways, which is why some horses experience both skin and respiratory symptoms. Learn more about PetDerm’s intradermal allergy testing.
Yes. Adjustments such as improving regular hygiene, reducing moisture exposure, managing insects, or modifying stable conditions can play an important role in preventing flare-ups and supporting treatment success.
Some equine skin conditions can be ongoing and require long-term management rather than a one-time treatment. With proper care, many horses can remain comfortable and active even with chronic skin disease.
They can. Skin pain, irritation, or lesions—especially in areas under tack or around the legs—can cause discomfort, behavioral changes, and reduced willingness to work. Managing skin disease helps support both comfort and performance.
You should consider a dermatology veterinary evaluation if a skin problem: Persists longer than expected Keeps returning after treatment Causes significant itching or discomfort Spreads or worsens over time Interferes with riding, training, or daily comfort. Early assessment can help prevent minor issues from becoming chronic.
Horses are constantly exposed to moisture, insects, dirt, allergens, and changing weather conditions. These factors can contribute to weakening the skin’s natural barrier and making it easier for irritation, infection, or allergic reactions to develop. Most frequently seen on the body like the legs, mane, tail, and face.
It is case dependent on your horse. In some cases, pasture access may need to be modified or changed, as grasses can act as dietary triggers for certain horses. This will depend on your horse’s history and symptoms. PetDerm’s team will review in your consultation what is resonable and accessible for you and your horse, […]
Currently, there is no single blood or skin test that can reliably diagnose food allergies in horses. The most accurate method is a carefully managed elimination diet followed by controlled reintroduction of foods to identify the trigger. The PetDerm can provide guidance on an elimination trial while providing immediate support to your horse’s gut health.
Yes. A horse can develop a reaction to a food they have previously tolerated well. Over time, the immune system may begin reacting differently to certain ingredients, leading to new or worsening symptoms.
Immunotherapy works by gradually desensitizing the immune system to identified allergens, helping reduce the severity of allergic symptoms over time. Long-term control of allergic skin disease Reduced reliance on symptomatic medications Improved comfort and quality of life Management tailored to Alberta’s environmental allergens Immunotherapy is particularly beneficial for horses requiring ongoing allergy management and those […]
Horses with environmental allergies may show a wide range of symptoms, including: Persistent or seasonal itching Hair loss or broken hair coat Skin thickening or pigment changes Recurrent hives (urticaria) Crusting, scabbing, or oozing lesions Secondary bacterial or fungal infections Because these signs can overlap with other skin conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential before initiating […]
Calgary’s PetDerm internal medicine vet is a board-certified Veterinary Internist. They complete an additional 4 years of dermatology or internal medicine residency before they become board-certified. The residency program involves extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical diagnosis, research, and more. A board-certified veterinarian dedicates at least 10 years to education and residency, similar to a doctor in human […]
It’s easy to assume snoring or noisy breathing is “normal” for short-nosed dogs, and BOAS is often missed until it becomes advanced. The RFGS provides: An objective way to classify breathing ability Early detection of airway obstruction A clear guide for whether surgery would help A baseline to track improvement after treatment Clinics using RFGS […]
The RFGS is a standardized way to measure how well a brachycephalic dog can breathe. It was developed by experts at the University of Cambridge to provide a consistent, objective way to diagnose BOAS and determine how severe it is. It helps identify dogs who need treatment before they reach a crisis stage.
The RFGS includes two main parts: Listening to breathing at restThe veterinarian listens for signs like snoring, wheezing, stridor (high-pitched breathing), or excessive panting. A short, controlled exercise testYour dog walks or trots on a lead for a few minutes (usually around 3 minutes).After the walk, the veterinarian evaluates your dog’s breathing again — checking […]
After surgery, rest and limited activity are essential. Monitor your pet’s breathing, attend follow-up visits, and follow all post-operative care instructions. Dogs often experience less pain and recover faster after laser surgery. Post-surgery Phovia Treatment may be offered to further expedite safe, bacteria-free healing.
Only Grade 0 dogs are considered BOAS-negative. Grades 1–3 are BOAS-positive with increasing severity.