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==Signalment==
==Signalment==
Greasy heel has no sex predilection in the adult horse. Although all breeds are affected, draft horses such as Shires and Clydesdales are more prone to developing the condition. It has been hypothesised that these breeds are particularly affected due to underlying immune-mediated vasculitis.
Greasy heel has no sex predilection in the adult horse. Although all breeds are affected, draft horses such as Shires and Clydesdales are more prone to developing the condition; this is thought to be due to an underlying immune-mediated vasculitis.
==Clinical signs==
==Clinical signs==
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause but includes removal of environmental triggers and alterations in husbandry. The horse should be removed from wet, muddy conditions and stabled on clean, dry bedding. The affected area should be gently clipped and cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution (e.g. Hibiscrub). Horses that are severely painful may require sedation for this to be performed. The necrotic and exudative skin should be gently debrided away and then dried thoroughly. Once debridement is complete, topical antibiotic creams may be applied in order to aid healing.
Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause but includes removal of environmental triggers and alterations in husbandry. The horse should be removed from wet, muddy conditions and stabled on clean, dry bedding. The affected area should be gently clipped and cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution (e.g. Hibiscrub). Horses that are severely painful may require sedation for this to be performed. The necrotic and exudative skin should be gently debrided away and the area should then be dried thoroughly. Once debridement is complete, topical antibiotic creams may be applied in order to aid healing.
In chronic cases, treatment may be difficult or impossible and may require surgical excision of affected tissue.
In chronic cases, treatment may be difficult or impossible and may require surgical excision of affected tissue.