Case report: Successful treatment of chorioptic mange in two Belgian draft horse foals with topical ivermectin.
Authors: Brys Marieke, Den Hondt Stien, Saey Veronique, Claerebout Edwin, Chiers Koen
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Topical Ivermectin for Chorioptic Mange in Draft Horse Foals Chorioptic mange presents a significant clinical challenge in heavily feathered draft breeds, causing severe pruritus, self-trauma, epidermal thickening, and hyperkeratotic crusts that substantially compromise welfare; yet licensed equine treatments remain scarce, particularly for foals. Brys and colleagues documented two Belgian draft foals with confirmed chorioptic mange that were treated with topical ivermectin applied to affected areas, monitoring clinical resolution over the treatment period. Both cases showed complete resolution of clinical signs including cessation of pruritus, hair regrowth, and skin normalisation, demonstrating that topical ivermectin offers a practical and effective off-label approach where conventional options are unavailable. For practitioners managing chorioptic mange in foals and feathered draft horses, this case report provides evidence supporting topical ivermectin as a viable alternative when standard licensed products are not suitable; however, further controlled studies establishing optimal dosing protocols, application frequency, and safety parameters would strengthen recommendations for broader clinical adoption. The findings highlight an important gap in registered therapeutics for this common parasitic condition and underscore the value of documenting successful off-label treatments to guide evidence-based practice in equine dermatology.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Topical ivermectin is an effective off-label treatment option for chorioptic mange in draft horse foals when registered products are unavailable
- •Draft horses with heavy feathering on lower limbs are at higher risk and warrant preventive management strategies
- •Early recognition of intense pruritus and skin lesions on feathered limbs should trigger investigation for chorioptic mange
Key Findings
- •Topical ivermectin successfully treated chorioptic mange in two Belgian draft horse foals, resolving pruritus and clinical signs
- •Treatment resolved intense pruritus, self-mutilation, hair loss, epidermal thickening, hyperkeratotic crusts and scabs
- •No registered equine products exist for chorioptic mange treatment, necessitating off-label or alternative therapeutic approaches