## Overview Cannon keratosis, commonly called stud crud or cannon crud, is a non-contagious skin condition characterized by thickened, greasy, hyperkeratotic patches on the cranial aspect of the hind cannons. It is a form of seborrheic dermatosis and is usually bilateral. The condition is cosmetic in most horses and does not cause lameness. ## Causes Excessive keratin production and sebum accumulation from local skin glands are responsible. A primary idiopathic form exists; secondary forms may follow irritation or allergic skin disease. Genetic predisposition is suspected in some lines. ## Diagnosis The appearance of well-demarcated, greasy, crusty patches on the front of the hind cannons is characteristic. Skin scrapings and cytology rule out infection or parasites if the lesion is atypical. ## Treatment Gentle cleansing with keratolytic or antiseborrheic shampoos improves appearance. Topical moisturizers or mild corticosteroid preparations may help chronic cases. Aggressive scrubbing worsens the condition. Most horses require only periodic management. ## Recovery and Prognosis The condition is chronic and often lifelong but does not affect health or performance. Cosmetic improvement is achievable with regular care. ## Prevention No specific prevention exists. Avoiding harsh grooming of the area reduces secondary irritation.
greasy, thickened, crusty patches on the front of the hind cannons; sparse hair in affected areas; bilateral distribution; no pruritus in uncomplicated cases
## Overview Cannon keratosis, commonly called stud crud or cannon crud, is a non-contagious skin condition characterized by thickened, greasy, hyperkeratotic patches on the cranial aspect of the hind cannons. It is a form of seborrheic dermatosis and is usually bilateral. The condition is cosmetic in most horses and does not cause lameness. ## Causes Excessive keratin production and sebum accumulation from local skin glands are responsible. A primary idiopathic form exists; secondary forms may follow irritation or allergic skin disease. Genetic predisposition is suspected in some lines. ## Diagnosis The appearance of well-demarcated, greasy, crusty patches on the front of the hind cannons is characteristic. Skin scrapings and cytology rule out infection or parasites if the lesion is atypical. ## Treatment Gentle cleansing with keratolytic or antiseborrheic shampoos improves appearance. Topical moisturizers or mild corticosteroid preparations may help chronic cases. Aggressive scrubbing worsens the condition. Most horses require only periodic management. ## Recovery and Prognosis The condition is chronic and often lifelong but does not affect health or performance. Cosmetic improvement is achievable with regular care. ## Prevention No specific prevention exists. Avoiding harsh grooming of the area reduces secondary irritation.
greasy, thickened, crusty patches on the front of the hind cannons; sparse hair in affected areas; bilateral distribution; no pruritus in uncomplicated cases