Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ponies with itching and skin lesions from lice - how to treat
By Sorrell, Melanie S et al.·Published in Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS·2010·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pediculosis in two research ponies (Equus caballus).
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two ponies developed severe itching and skin lesions after being moved indoors from pasture. The ponies were diagnosed with a louse infestation caused by Bovicola equi, which became noticeable after they were housed inside. To treat the problem, the veterinarian used standard wound care along with a spray containing permethrin and pyriproxyfen. Both ponies responded well to the treatment and their symptoms improved.
People also search for: pony itching treatment · louse infestation in horses · pony skin problems · how to treat horse lice
Abstract
Horses and ponies are used infrequently in research but may be valuable animal models for studying both equine-specific diseases and biomedical applications. We report here 2 cases of pediculosis in random-source ponies. Infestation and clinical signs were not present during a 4-wk quarantine period or for 3 to 9 mo thereafter but became apparent coincident with the ponies' movement from pasture to indoor housing. These 2 geldings presented with pruritus associated with excoriating lesions on the neck, and infestation with Bovicola (Werneckiella) equi Denny, 1842 was diagnosed. Ponies were treated successfully with standard wound care and a spray containing 2.0% permethrin and 0.05% pyriproxyfen. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing the possibility of louse infestation, even in healthy, well-cared-for animals, and the need for personnel to be aware of early behavioral signs of infestation, such as rubbing and agitation.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20819398/