The skin and coat of a horse is regularly exposed to a variety of ubiquitous fungal organisms through the air and soil. Like bacterial and viral infections, horses can fall prey to fungal infection when they are immunocompromised by stress or other infections. Once established, some fungal organisms can produce significant infection under these conditions. Some, like ringworm, are more or less a nuisance, while others can range from irritating to life-threatening. 

In addition to horses suffering from immune suppression, those which have been glucocorticoids for other conditions tend to be prone to the establishment of fungal infection.1 Horses suffering from other skin conditions, like lice or those in an environment with biting flies are also at risk for fungal infections, as well as horses housed in crowded, moist or unsanitary conditions. Skin abrasions, wounds, and even the friction of bridle irritation can place a horse at risk for mycotic (fungal) infection.1,2 

Fungal Diseases of the Horse

The causes of fungal infections in horses can be attributed to about 50 different species, hundreds of types, and thousands of subtypes of fungi.2 The respiratory system, surface of the skin and deep tissue can be targets of mycotic infection, as can the hair. While subcutaneous (e.g., pythiosis, mycetoma) and deep mycoses (e.g., blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis) are considered rare and limited to restricted geographical areas, dermatophytosis, cryptococcosis and aspergillosis are of wider concern due their worldwide diffusion and (in some cases) their zoonotic potential.3 Subcutaneous and deep mycoses tend to be chronic, progressive diseases.1 Their clinical signs include extensive, painful lesions which can resemble other types of infection. Respiratory disease caused by fungal organisms is considered rare in horses however, there is a geographic correlation for disease development, with fungal respiratory infections seen more commonly by veterinarians working in tropical or subtropical environments.1,3

Where to buy Fluconazole 

Fluconazole is available in the U.S. through several pharmaceutical manufacturers and through veterinary custom compounding companies. 

Fluconazole carries numerous potential drug interactions. Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

1dvm360.com.

2wagwalking.com.

3Cafarchia C., et. al. Fungal diseases of horses. Vet Microbiol. 2013 Nov 29;167(1-2):215-34. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.01.015. Epub 2013 Jan 29. PMID: 23428378.

5vetfolio.com.