We need to be aware of tick borne illnesses in horses. There are numerous illnesses spread by ticks with Lyme’s Disease being one of them. Horses should be checked daily for ticks. There are numerous tick repellants on the market and should be used to keep your horse tick free. The following photo is of a small egg size swelling on the inside of the hind leg of a gelding. There was edema and heat in the leg from the base of the scrotum down the leg to just above the stifle joint. This case originated from a tick bite. The horse was positive for Lyme’s Disease. The horse responded with 7 days of IV antibiotics to eliminate the swelling, heat and discomfort in the leg. We were able to eliminate the infection before allowing the Lyme’s Disease into the joints.
