How to Treat Ringworm in Horses

Last Updated: January 19, 2023

Ringworm is a fungal skin condition that commonly affects many species, including horses. The fungus is generally either Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Microsporum species. Unfortunately, this fungus and its spores are very hardy and can survive for weeks outside of a host, acting as a ready source of infection for any horse that comes into contact with them. Because of its infectious nature, it is important to recognize signs that your horse may have ringworm. This will allow you to begin treating the condition quickly and to take appropriate action to decrease the risk of spreading the infection further.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Identifying Ringworm

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1
Look for signs of a ringworm infection. A horse may be infected for up to three weeks before signs develop and therefore look entirely normal. Typically, the first hint of infection is patches or tufts of hair that don't lie flat and stand a little proud of the coat. This is because the ringworm fungus invades the hair shaft and weakens the hairs which makes them stand at a strange angle. These hairs are easy to pluck out because of the damage to the hair shaft.
- Areas where the skin is rubbed regularly, such as on the neck along the line of the reins, or behind the thighs where the rug string rubs, are more vulnerable to infection. The skin in these areas is slightly worn away and weakened by the friction. Also areas such as the nose and muzzle are at increased risk, as the horse explores water and feed bowls used by other (possibly infected) horses.
- Ringworm lives off superficial, dead skin cells and hair, so lesions appear on the skin's surface. As the infection progresses the damaged hairs are shed, leading to small bald patches. Often there are multiple patches that have the appearance of round, bald, scaly areas. These are often grouped together on the neck, withers, or behind the thighs, although any area can be affected.
- As the infection becomes mature, the bald areas may coalesce together to form larger bald areas. These patches are often scaly and may have a grey, 'cigarette ash" tinge to them. Crusts may form over the bald area, but these are not a sign of healing, indeed the crusts can protect the fungi and make it more difficult to treat.
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2
Keep a close eye on horses at high risk of infection. Young horses and horses who have come into contact with an infected horse are at high risk of infection. Young horses are at great risk because their immune systems have not met the fungus before and so don't know how to fight it off. Older horses, especially those who have had infection in the past, may develop a degree of immunity that lessens the effects of ringworm in the future.
- Unfortunately, a common way to catch ringworm is from other infected horses. This can happen simply by rubbing against a fence or stable touched by another infected horse. Indeed, tack such as reins, girths, or saddles, or equipment such as riding boots can become infected and act as a source of transmission from one animal to another.
- Another problem is that it can take up to three weeks before an infected horse shows signs of the infection. During this time the horse may be in contact with other horses or be transported in a trailer and rub against the walls, which acts as a source of infection for others.
- However, remember that the fungus that causes ringworm occurs naturally in the environment and in the soil. Contact of the skin with the fungus can lead to colonization of the skin and an infection developing.
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You want to get a professional diagnosis in order to verify that your horse is indeed infected. Your vet will diagnose ringworm either by examining samples of plucked hairs under the microscope to look for the fungus or fungal spores, or by placing pieces of hair onto a special nutrient plate that changes color in the presence of ringworm.