hair loss on face - connected to Ehrliciosis or scratches?

[LDavis104]

My horse had scratches on his front heels (about a week ago) that is for the most part healed up, and then came down with Ehrliciosis :( Temp is down and he's not lethargic anymore, and swelling of his legs seems to be down more in the morning, and then more swollen in the evening. He's been on doxy for 1 day, and got a dose of bute when first diagnosed.

Newest "symptom" is hair loss on his face. Not rain rot, but just all has these three bald patches on the left side of his face. He's a grey. Started right above the corner of his mouth (that part actually started a couple of weeks ago, but didn't seem to be getting worse, thought he just rubbed it). Now last night I noticed he has two circular bare patches about the corner of his mouth. Too low to be the noseband rubbing, and doesn't wear a halter except when being led. Not itchy, not scratching, no other spots on his body.

Any ideas :confused:

[Holyhorseshoes]

It is definitely not related to the Ehrlichia. Sounds like a fungus or little skin infection.

Make sure to wash your guys face really good with soap and towel dry it. It happens pretty easily even on parts without bridle contact. Some horses are just extremely prone to it. It happens to our horses that are in work and have sweaty faces often. If your horse was sweating badly from the fever, this would explain it.

The good news is that Doxycyline is a hell of an anti-bacterial drug. Not only does it treat all tick born bacterial infections, but is also used for acne in humans. It could be that the Doxy has cleared up whatever was going on and the hair falling out is just a result of it clearing up. Keep an eye on it, but I don't think it is anything to worry about.

[INoMrEd]

Now last night I noticed he has two circular bare patches about the corner of his mouth. Too low to be the noseband rubbing, and doesn't wear a halter except when being led. Not itchy, not scratching, no other spots on his body.

Any ideas :confused:

Ringworm?