'Sunscreen is for your horses too!'

Sunscreen is for your horses too!

Usually, you do not hear of horses getting skin cancer. It is actually the most common type of cancer found in horses. They can get it on their faces, genitals or really anywhere that is exposed to the sun. If you notice a strange bump on your horse have a veterinarian check it out. The tests to determine if it is cancer are actually very similar to those used in cases of human skin cancer. The lump will be biopsied to see how severe the cancer is (as there are different types of skin cancer). The next step is usually surgery to remove the lump. The treatments for equine skin cancers are the same as those used on humans: immunotherapy, laser therapy, chemotherapy or even cryotherapy.

So, if you own a horse, there are things you can do to prevent skin cancer. If your horse is light colored (white or gray) or has white markings, it is at a higher risk than the darker pigmented horses. One thing you can do is put sunscreen on your horse. Use at least a 30 SPF to ensure protection. Think maybe of types you would put on your children. Another good idea would be to buy the colored sunblock that they have out nowadays. The colors will help you know where you have applied the sunscreen to your horse. It will also help you know for sure when the sunblock has rubbed or rinsed off. Some products, like fly spray, also have sunscreen in them but they usually do not have a very high SPF. The ultimate prevention would be to limit sun exposure in the peak hours of sunlight. Try pasturing you horse at night or maybe using a fly sheet or mask. If they do have to be out during the day make sure the pasture has some shady areas. Remember prevention is the best medicine!

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