Sunburn and Horses

SUINBLRN AND HORSES AN INFOGRAPHIC BROUGHT TO YOU BY theHORSE Horses with pink-skinned areas on their bodies are predisposed to painful sunburns. That includes: Horses with white facial markings Bald-faced horses Paints/Pintos Appaloosas Double dilutes, such as cremellos and perlinos Melanin (pigment) helps protect skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Thus, pink skin (no melanin) is vulnerable to sunburn. Sensitive skin on the ... SUNBURN SIGNS Eyes Flanks Nose/ Muzzle * Redness * Blistering * Peeling, scaly skin * A horse that becomes head shy Lips Sheath * Skin that's extremely painful to the touch ... is most susceptible to sunburn. SUNBURNS ARE SERIOUS Horses with painful sunburn should not be ridden Sunburn can predispose a horse to developing squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive cancer. HELP SOOTHE AND HEAL AN EXISTING SUNBURN diaper сream Salve Topical wound salve Aloe Vera Diaper cream containing zinc oxide, a soothing sun protectant PREVENTION IS BEST! Full-face fly masks Sun-protecting sheets UV-resistant leg protection FUN FACT: UV-resistant materials can block up to 70% of UV radiation from reaching a horse's back and torso. SPF 30 Apply sunscreen frequently. Best on small areas and not around eyes. 1112 1 10 Keep horse inside on sunny days, particularly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2 4 7 6 5 WHEN TO CALL THE VET: Talk to your veterinarian if your horse's sunburn is severe and to make sure it's not related to a serious condition called photosensitization (UV light sensitivity). SPONSORED BY: the HORSE ®KINETICVET