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==Description==

==Description==

Greasy heel is not a single disease but refers to the clinical presentation of a group of inflammatory skin conditions of the distal limb of the horse. Several aetiologies have been suggested including immunodysregulation, contact dermatitis and genetic (breed) predisposition. Predisposing factors include constant wetting, non-pigmented skin and abrasions to the limb. Multiple bacteria are thought to have a role in the disease and include [[Dermatophilus congolensis]], [[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]] and  [[Staphylococcus hyicus]].

Greasy heel is not a single disease but refers to the clinical presentation of a group of inflammatory skin conditions of the distal limb of the horse. Several aetiologies have been suggested including immunodysregulation, contact dermatitis and genetic (breed) predisposition. Predisposing factors include constant wetting, non-pigmented skin and abrasions to the limb. Multiple bacteria are thought to have a role in the disease and include ''[[Dermatophilus congolensis]]'', ''[[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]]'' and  ''[[Staphylococcus hyicus]]''. See also [[Dermatophilosis - Horse|Mud Fever]].

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

A detailed history is important in order to aid in determining the underlying cause of the condition. A detailed description of the environment (bedding, quality of turnout, exposure to wet conditions) is particularly important. In order to rule out zoonotic infections such as Dermatophytosis or Cheyletiella, the owner should be questioned to determine if other in-contact animals or humans have been affected.

A detailed history is important in order to aid in determining the underlying cause of the condition. A detailed description of the environment (bedding, quality of turnout, exposure to wet conditions) is particularly important. In order to rule out zoonotic infections such as [[Dermatophytosis]] or [[Cheyletiellosis|Cheyletiella]], the owner should be questioned to determine if other in-contact animals or humans have been affected.

The seasonal nature of the condition combined with a history of continual wetting may aid in diagnosis. However, the list of differential diagnoses for this condition is lengthy and several important conditions should be ruled out. If lesions are restricted to non-pigmented skin only, liver enzymes and bile acids should be evaluated in order to rule out photosensitisation as a cause of disease. Skin scrapes should be performed in order to rule out parasites such as Chorioptes mites (especially in heavily-feathered horses). Bacterial swabs for culture and skin biopsy may be useful in refractory cases.  

The seasonal nature of the condition combined with a history of continual wetting may aid in diagnosis. However, the list of differential diagnoses for this condition is lengthy and several important conditions should be ruled out. If lesions are restricted to non-pigmented skin only, liver enzymes and bile acids should be evaluated in order to rule out [[Photosensitisation|photosensitisation]] as a cause of disease. Skin scrapes should be performed in order to rule out parasites such as [[Chorioptic Mange|Chorioptes mites]] (especially in heavily-feathered horses). Bacterial swabs for culture and skin biopsy may be useful in refractory cases.  

In chronic cases, diagnosis may be difficult and a diagnosis of idiopathic pastern dermatitis is often made.

In chronic cases, diagnosis may be difficult and a diagnosis of idiopathic pastern dermatitis is often made.

   

   

[[Category:Dermatological_Disorders_-_Horse]][[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:Dermatological_Disorders_-_Horse]][[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]] [[Category:Expert_Review]]