Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) in Horses

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)

Overview

Abnormally excessive sweating may be localized or generalized. Causes include pain (colic, laminitis), fever, neurological disease (equine dysautonomia/grass sickness), pheochromocytoma, PPID (Cushing's), hyperthyroidism, toxicosis, and anxiety. Localized sweating may indicate nerve damage (Horner's syndrome causes ipsilateral facial sweating).

Signs & Symptoms

Excessive sweating disproportionate to ambient temperature or exercise level; may be patchy or generalized; if associated with grass sickness: sweating with colic signs, dysphagia, muscle tremors; if Horner's syndrome: unilateral facial sweating with miosis and ptosis; persistent sweating at rest warrants veterinary investigation

Affected Structures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) in horses?

Abnormally excessive sweating may be localized or generalized. Causes include pain (colic, laminitis), fever, neurological disease (equine dysautonomia/grass sickness), pheochromocytoma, PPID (Cushing's), hyperthyroidism, toxicosis, and anxiety. Localized sweating may indicate nerve damage (Horner's syndrome causes ipsilateral facial sweating).

What are the signs of Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)?

Excessive sweating disproportionate to ambient temperature or exercise level; may be patchy or generalized; if associated with grass sickness: sweating with colic signs, dysphagia, muscle tremors; if Horner's syndrome: unilateral facial sweating with miosis and ptosis; persistent sweating at rest warrants veterinary investigation