Hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis

First things first – I do not subscribe to the now infamous internet myth that horses with hyperkeratosis must be deprived of vitamin B7 (biotin). The post below by Vikki Fowler explains why.

Hyperkeratosis is simply the over production of keratin, it is an inherent problem in hairy and feathered horses – more hair (keratin) = more skin (keratin) too. You will probably also see it in the mane and tail.

Not entirely problematic on it’s own, it becomes more of a concern when the horse has CPL because the disease itself also causes further hyperkeratosis.

Commonly recognised as “mallenders” when affecting the area behind the knee and “sallenders” when infront of the hock, hyperkeratosis when untreated can cause the layers of dry skin to build up instead of shedding and in areas of high mobility, it will crack and may become sore or infected. In many horses and CPL/CPPD horses specifically, it will affect the whole limb with crusty, flaky skin.

The best way to manage hyperkeratosis is with good hygiene and emollient. No fancy equestrian products needed, no expensive labels, not even essential oils (which may actually cause a reaction on sore skin and are not recommended for use in lymphatic patients). It’s a revelation when you realise that your standard healthcare emollient from the supermarket or pharmacy will do the job.

For stubborn, crusted-on hyperkeratosis, try a salicylic acid/urea cream for the first few days (no more than seven days), such as those designed for human foot calluses.

Some brand names of emollients are listed below, but any pharmacist should be able to supply it (regardless of which country you live in, just ask for a cream emollient for dry skin): – Diprobase, Doublebase, Zerobase, Cetraben, CeraVe.

You can also use emollient lotion instead of soap or shampoo, which is especially useful for very dry, sensitive skin and for removing mud in winter so we don’t dry the skin out too much. It is really important when washing the legs of horses with CPL or hyperkeratosis, to dry the skin gently and carefully afterwards. Microfibre towels are great for this, or a dog blow-dryer if your horse is brave enough!

If the area is hot, swollen or exudative, you might need to get some antibiotics from the vet. Practice good woundcare hygiene by always spot-cleaning the area and drying carefully before applying a cream, wear gloves if necessary and apply the cream only in a very thin layer and allow it to absorb. It can be tempted to dollop on a lot of cream but in reality the result of that would likely be maceration of the skin/wound base and that will be harder to heal and uncomfortable for your horse.

Recently confirmed by personal experience with her own horse, Dr Marieke Brys agrees that diet is an important aspect of managing hyperkeratosis. So as with CPL, keep the diet species-appropriate and forage-focussed. No grain or high sugars/starches (best to keep below 10% combined). DO NOT use the cream in the below image for any purpose other than dissolving thick, stubborn hyperkeratosis that sits on top of the skin. SVR Xerial 50 is NOT an emollient or appropriate for sore/inflammed skin.