What is Anhidrosis in Horses?
Anhidrosis in horses can be described as the inability or reduced capacity to sweat. Horses regulate their body temperature, much like we do, primarily through the evaporation of sweat. Anhidrosis can tremendously affect the horse’s ability to work, perform, and function. Without the full capacity to sweat, the horse is in danger of:
- Overheating and having a heat stroke
- Organ and muscle damage
- Death
Is Your Horse at Risk?
The prevalence of anhidrosis in horses has been estimated to be between 2% to 6% of horses. All breeds, ages, sexes and coat colors are at risk. Interestingly, the birth and growth of a foal in a hot and humid climate does not reduce the risk of developing anhidrosis.
Due to varying degrees of sweating between affected horses, anhidrosis can be difficult to recognize by the horse owner or veterinarian. The incidence and potential severity of anhidrosis are higher in hot and humid climates, although anhidrosis can also be an issue in cooler dry areas. Chronic anhidrosis has been linked to atrophy of the sweat glands leading to a permanent loss of sweating ability.
Recognizing Equine Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis affects horses in different degrees, making recognizing and diagnosing the problem more difficult. For example, one horse may completely stop while other horses might only have a slight reduction in sweating capacity. Only certain body areas of the horse may sweat while others are dry – the horse may still sweat under the mane and under the saddle pad.
Here are a few key symptoms of equine anhidrosis:
- Heavy or labored breathing
- Flared nostrils
- Horse begins to pant with an open mouth
- Body temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Noticeable lack of sweat – other horses may be sweating profusely
- Lack of energy
- Refusal to work
- Desire to seek and remain in the shade
- Coat is dry to the touch
- Dry or itchy skin (chronic anhidrosis)
What Causes Anhidrosis in Horses?
Unfortunately, the mechanisms are unknown, and research into the cause continues. Many researchers and veterinarians believe the cause is attributed to:
- Genetics
- A genetic condition has been implicated – research is currently in progress at the University of Florida Large Animal Hospital
- Some horses may be born with a reduced number of functional sweat glands
- Nutrition and Diet
- Excesses and deficiencies of nutrients can affect the skin and hair coat. Many of these nutritional-related issues may also contribute to anhidrosis.
Treating Equine Anhidrosis
If your horse is becoming overheated or exhausted, there are short-term steps you can immediately take to help cool down the body temperature:
- Move horse to a shady area or ventilated stall
- Use portable fans or air conditioning
- Hose down horse with cold water
- Provide plenty of cold water to drink
No cure has been discovered for anhidrosis. Products available on the market may help enhance the horse’s ability to sweat. Life Data® Sweat Formula contains active ingredients that have produced positive results in most horses with anhidrosis.
Life Data® Anhidrosis Research
Life Data® Sweat Formula is a new product developed from several years of anhidrosis research at Life Data Labs, Inc. The in-house Life Data® research lab utilizes blood tests and a sophisticated software program to determine the relationship between blood work results and specific conditions in horses. Equipment in the lab analyzes macro and trace mineral content of whole blood in horses to discover any correlations between certain minerals and specific conditions. Through this current research, Life Data® has discovered several consistent correlations between blood test deficiencies and excesses within a group of horses diagnosed with anhidrosis.
Life Data® Sweat Formula
Life Data® used this research to develop an anhidrosis formula for non-sweating horses. This formula delivers a combination of essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to balance the deficiencies and excesses in the typical anhidrotic horse. The active ingredients will help improve skin and sweat gland condition to help regenerate the horse’s ability to sweat. For example, the fatty acids delivered in Life Data® Sweat Formula helps restore the lipids of the sweat gland membranes, which may help the transfer of fluids out of the sweat glands.
Depending on the individual horse the product may require daily administration for a period of several weeks prior to achieving the desired results.
If you believe your horse has anhidrosis it is important to consult with your veterinarian and regulate your horse’s activities. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at cservice@lifedatalabs.com or telephone at 256-370-7555.
