Often when horses have sunburn, it is related to photosensitization. Horses that have white hair and pink skin are more affected than if the skin is dark. The photosensitization may be either primary (due to something she is eating) or secondary (due to underlying liver disease). If your veterinarians have not already done so, have routine blood work done to check for underlying disease. If the blood work is normal, a skin biopsy may provide additional insight into the origin of the hair loss and sunburn. In the interim, it is essential that the mare be kept out of the direct sunlight. She needs to be stabled during the day and turned out in the evening until her sunburn has resolved. Finally, if the problem is not improving, consult a veterinary dermatologist. Veterinary schools and large referral practices will likely have a veterinary dermatologist on staff.

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