THE PROBLEM WITH EARS
Fortunately for our horses, issues with the ears seldom occur. The four listed here are the ones you should watch out for.
Squamous cell carcinoma
“This is a type of skin cancer, which is usually locally invasive and can present serious problems,” explains Colin. “Cancers on ears also attract flies and the ensuing fly worry can be a significant factor in the irritation the horse suffers.” Early detection is key as treatment can be tricky.
Sarcoids
The ears are a prime spot for these common skin tumours. They’re not malignant but can grow aggressively, appearing as hairless, scaly areas or warty, fleshy growths. Their cause is unknown. “If it’s particularly troublesome or bleeding, surgical excision followed by radiation, chemotherapy or other treatment may be suggested, but none are a sure bet,” says Colin. “Left alone, they invariably get worse, so seek help if you think you spot one.”
Aural plaques
It’s not uncommon to find these inside horse’s ears. “They’re thin, white, irregular plaques of a material that looks like dry, flaky skin,” explains Colin. “The exact cause is unknown, though flies may be a factor.” Plaques are usually harmless and best ignored — they look worse than they are and any attempt to remove them can cause a lot of discomfort.
Fly bites
Biting flies love horse’s ears and, when they bite, the site can become inflamed, itchy and sometimes infected. The best treatment is to prevent biting in the first place. Keep flies away by using a repellent and a fly mask with ears when the horse is turned out and consider using ear covers when riding. Not clipping the ears also offers some protection, although if your horse already has bites in his ears, you will need to clip the area so you can clean and treat them.