Have you ever seen a few or lots of warts on a young horses face? There are a few skin diseases that can cause warts on horses, but a very common cause of multiple warts is Equine Papilloma Virus.
This virus causes warts on horses ONLY and cannot be transferred to humans (it is not a ZOONOSES).
A papilloma is a small greyish irregular lump. These warts occur most commonly on the muzzle and thin skinned areas of the face, but can be found inside the mouth also.
They can be greyish or or skin-coloured.
These warts are a sightly hazard but rarely cause the horse any discomfort. They can crack and bleed over mobile areas of the skin.
PLEASE NOTE they are contagious to other young horses. They can be spread from direct contact or contact through contaminated buckets/grooming gear.
Diagnosis:
Usually the appearance is diagnostic.
Sometimes where only one or two warts are found, diagnosis is required with a biopsy to rule out a Verucosse Sarcoid (see my photograph).
Treatment:
These self resolve in 1-9 months.
Treat any bleeding warts topically to prevent infection and fly strike.
For my GEEKY CLEINTS:
Why do the warts not come back in older horses?
The horse develops its own immunity to the virus. This virus hangs around even when the warts are gone, and it survives really well in the environment. The horses immune system is therefore constantly exposed to this virus and antibodies are constantly produced. This means the warts are rarely seen again.
Every wondered what the lumps are on the tips of your horses ears….. stay tuned ☺️
See you all at the Salmon and Wine festival.