Aural plaques

Veterinary advice should be sought before applying any treatment or vaccine.

Aural Plaques

Aural Hyperkeratosis, Pinnal Acanthosis, Hyperplastic Aural Dermatitis

Aural plaques are characterized by the development of small areas of round to oval, white raised, papillomatous, depigmented skin lesions that appear on the inside surface of the horse's ear. Although infectious, the skin lesions are not of any concern as they are benign.

What Causes Aural Plaques


Aural plaques are caused by a papillomavirus infection with the Equus caballus papillomavirus (EcPV). The virus is spread by black flies (Simulium species). The geographical reach of aural plaques is generally limited to horses in North America, however it has been recently introduced to New Zealand from horses imported from the United States and Canada.

Signs of Aural Plaques


Horses with aural plaques tend to be very sensitive about people touching their ears, which may cause them to act up when trying to put on or take off a halter or bridle.
Aural Plaque location on horses
Horses with aural plaques will often raise their head or quickly pull away if someone even gently touches their ear.

Symptoms

Raised, white-colored plaques in the inner ear
Ear and head hypersensitivity
Difficulty getting halter on and off
Thickened hyperkeratotic skin

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Biopsy
  • PCR

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Imiquimod treatment
Topical cream
Management - applying fly repellent, stabling the horse during fly feeding times, turning out with a break-away halter to minimize ear contact

Prevention

  • Insect control
  • Fly masks which include ear coverage

Scientific Research

General Overviews

  • plaques ear icon
  • plaques icon

Risk Factors

  • High insect populations