Broodmare found with skin peeling off

A broodmare who was found was in a state of suffering, with her skin peeling off, has been taken in by the ISPCA.

Photosensitization

The mare – who was rescued along with her three-week-old foal – was in lots of pain, with her skin falling away from her body and face as a result of severe photosensitivity.

The serious skin condition known as ‘Photosensitization’ is normally a reaction to something the horse has eaten, with becomes a skin problem when the horse is exposed to sunlight.

ISPCA Inspector was called to a field in East Cork where she discovered the mare with lacerations to the skin.

“We are still unsure of the severity of the damage to her body, but we are thankful that both her foal and herself are safe and kept in a cool UV free environment” she said.

Tests

Blood tests are being carried out to determine the harm that may have been caused to the horse’s liver.

The mare who is not micro-chipped, is being kept stabled and under close monitoring by the ISPCA where the search is still ongoing to trace her owner.

This is the second case of photosensitivity that Inspector O’Donovan has seen and she wants to highlight the importance to regularly check for any abrasions or skin abnormalities on these animals.