How to Deal with Warts in Horses?

Warts are a fairly common condition in horses that is mostly caused by a virus known as Papilloma virus. Horses of any age can get infected with warts, but these lesions more commonly affect younger horses. While warts are not known to have any serious health issues, they tend to grow anywhere on the body (even in areas you least expect them to grow). For example, warts can grow on eyelids which will interfere with the horse’s eyesight.

Thus, keeping that in mind, warding off warts may well become your priority. Before we head into how one can deal with warts in horses, knowing a little about them is important.

Warts in Horses – Types

Warts in horses can differ in size as well as shape from one horse to another. In fact, they can differ in the same horse and as well as the same area. These cauliflower looking nodules differ in color (either grey or white) too and attach themselves to the skin of the horse. Moreover, warts can either be as small as one centimeter or several centimeters in length.

Warts in Horses – Symptoms

Equine warts can be spotted easily, but they do tend to vary from one horse to another. The following are symptoms of warts in horses.

• Tiny nodules found generally near the lips or muzzle.

• Similar blemishes can also be spotted on the legs, eyes, ears, vulva, penis as well as the nostrils.

• Body swellings.

• Uneasiness and feelings of discomfort.

• Skin turning red and oozing with pus.

• An uneven bumpy texture which may be bulging out.

Warts in Horses – Causes

Though warts are generally caused naturally, there are a few things which lead to such a disease. They have been listed below.

• Papilloma Virus
• Transmission through various parasites
• Tack sharing
•  Contact with lesions

Warts in Horses – Treatment

Generally speaking, most warts spontaneously resolve all on their own within a period between six to nine months. However, in some cases, these lesions tend to exceed the given time frame and in those cases, vets may feel the need to pursue immune deficiency illness as the sole cause. Furthermore, there are a few treatments methods to choose from on lesions, but as they get cured on their own, the available efficiency of the treatment methods are questionable as well as doubtful. The available treatment methods include cryosurgery and chemical cautery, both of which are fairly decent methods. But there is no guarantee that such methods will aid in the regression of all warts.

As you have read, warts are not a cause for concern, but they do tend to create troubles and difficulties. Therefore, if you suspect warts in your horse, immediately book an appointment with your local vet and get your pal examined.