Skin Disorders in the Neonatal Foal

This chapter briefly highlights some of the reported skin disorders in foals with a slightly longer discussion of decubitus ulcers. Melanocytic tumors are typically classified as benign, malignant or metastatic. Congenital melanocytic neoplasms typically have a low mitotic rate and may occur in multiple coat colors. Melanoma of non cutaneous tissue or those with an invasive nature carry a more guarded prognosis, likely due to the inability to achieve surgical control. Decubitus ulcers also referred to as pressure ulcers, pressure sores, or bedsores, are by far the most common type of skin disorder. It is observed in the care of ill neonatal foals that are recumbent for prolonged periods. Treatment of decubitus ulcers in people involve multiple modalities, including: pressure reduction and prevention of additional ulcers, wound management, surgical intervention, and nutrition. With anagen defluxion, severe disease may cause anagen arrest in hair follicles. Diagnosis is by plucked hair examination, which shows fragmented hair shafts and absence of root.