What Causes Delayed Shedding In Horses?

One of the most prevalent reasons for failure to shed or inappropriate shedding, particularly in older horses, is equine Cushing’s disease, also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). This is a hormonal imbalance common in older horses.

How can I get my horse to shed faster?

If you are looking to speed up the shedding process, adding light and vigorous grooming can help. First, by adding artificial light to a horse’s environment, likely their stall, you can fool the horse’s body into thinking it’s closer to springtime than it actually is.

Why is my horse shedding in December?

Shedding is not triggered by temperature. It’s linked to photoperiods. As the hours of daylight increase, a horse’s winter coat begins to loosen and shed. This process started way back in late December, but you usually won’t see the obvious, hairy results until now.

What triggers shedding in horses?

Essentially, the pineal gland controls melatonin (a hormone) production during nighttime hours, which triggers a whole slew of other reactions in the body, causing hair to grow or shed. When less melatonin is secreted from the pineal gland (spring time, because of less dark hours) the horse will shed its winter coat.

Why won’t my horse lose his winter coat?

It is worrisome, however, if a horse isn’t shedding out as he usually would. If your normally punctual shedder is holding on to his coat longer than usual this year, it could be a sign of Cushing’s disease, particularly if he is older.

What is Cushing’s disease in horses?

Equine Cushing’s disease (ECD) is a chronic progressive disease of the intermediate pituitary gland of older horses. Horses with Cushing’s disease often have other health problems, such as laminitis, chronic infections, pseudolactation, and other issues.

Do horses need a run-in shed?

Horses do not necessarily need a run-in shed, but it is important that they have adequate shelter in case of rain and wind and shade for those hot sunny afternoons. So if you don’t have a barn or stall otherwise, then a horse loafing shed is a great alternative.

Does Cushing’s cause hair loss in horses?

The most common signs observed in horses with Cushing’s disease/PPID include: Failure to shed winter coat fully, or patchy shedding. Long and/or curly coat.

Does blanketing a horse stop hair growth?

Blanketing won’t prevent the growth of the winter coat, but it does cause the hair to grow in shorter because the environment beneath the blanket is warmer.

Can horses get laminitis in December?

Many horses seem to struggle with laminitis during the winter months. Cold weather can cause winter laminitis in horses.

Why doesn’t my horse grow a winter coat?

Environmental temperatures also affect this cycle. Warmer than normal temperatures slow or halt the growth of the winter coat. Other less critical but still important factors influencing hair growth include the individual’s nutritional status, overall health and genetics.

Why is my horse shedding in October?

Fall shedding season happens as the daylight decreases, triggering the fuzzy winter coat. There are other minor influencing factors, but light is the big one. The same is true in the spring. More daylight tells your horse to ditch his winter coat for something more comfortable!

What happens if Cushing’s is left untreated in horses?

If a horse has untreated Cushing’s Disease, it is more likely to develop laminitis and the laminitis will be more difficult to control. If an equine has any of the clinical signs suggestive of Cushing’s, a blood sample can be taken to check ACTH levels in the blood.

What is the rarest horse coat color?

Among racehorses, there are many successful colors: bay, chestnut, and brown horses win a lot of races. Pure white is the rarest horse color.

How do you get a horse to drop its coat?

How to Speed Up Your Horse’s Shedding

1. Give a late-season full-body clip. Shear off the shaggy coat a month before shedding season begins; the shorter hair will be less of a torment when it does fall out.
2. Apply some old-fashioned elbows grease.
3. Pour on the oil.

How long does it take a horse to shed out?

about 60 days
Exposure to at least 16 hours of natural or artificial sunlight daily triggers a horse to start shedding its thick winter coat in about 60 days. The shedding season typically occurs in the spring. Southern climates naturally have more sunlight and trigger earlier shedding.

What are the first signs of Cushings disease in horses?

Clinical signs include increased coat length and delayed shedding of the winter coat, laminitis, lethargy, increased sweating, weight loss and excessive drinking and urinating. The disease primarily affects those over the age of 10, with 19 being the average age at diagnosis.

Is alfalfa good for horses with Cushings?

Alfalfa can be a good option for a horse with Cushings if they are a hard time holding their weight because it is more calorie-dense than grass hay.

What is the life expectancy of a horse with Cushings?

Vets encourage owners of Cushing’s horses to decrease the amount of carbohydrates they feed (e.g., grains or other concentrates), maintain the horse at a healthy body condition score, and ensure his diet is properly balanced. Well-managed horses should live about five to seven years or more past diagnosis.

Should horses be stabled at night?

Horses are all different, so some may prefer stabling more than others. However, whatever your horse likes, or dislikes are, stabling is a requirement – particularly during the night. Horses need stables during the night to protect them from bad weather such as rain and snow.

Should you put horses in barn at night?

While the individual horse’s personality should be considered, it isn’t as important as a few other factors. Older horses and those who are ill are likely to need to be in a stable at night, especially if the weather is terrible.