Anhydrosis

What is anhydrosis? Have you ever heard of a horse who could not sweat? I have never come across this condition, however, a friend who lives in Colorado asked me if I knew anything about this problem. There is a horse at her barn that has this problem. My answer was that I did not, however, I had just read an article about it.

"Anhydrosis is a major problem to horses in the Gulf Coast area and also affects some horses in other areas. Horses that develop the problem require special management to help them cope with the reduced ability to cool their body." The following web site is an excellent informational site dealing with this condition: Anhydrosis (Horses who do not sweat)

• Inability to sweat.
• Increased heart rate.
• Increased respiratory rate.
• Higher body temperature (as high as 108 degrees F.
• Decreased tolerance for exercise.
• Panting is also a common sign.
• Hair loss.
• Dull, rough hair coat.
• Skin becomes dry, flaky, and itchy.

What Is In Horse Sweat?

Latherin: A surfactant protein of horse sweat and saliva.