ABSTRACT
History The historical record should cover the clinical history of the disease process, an extensive review of the horse’s environment and feeding regimens, and should identify any outside source(s) of causal agents to eliminate these early in the course of the investigation. The use of a formulated examination sheet allows a structured and thorough approach. With long-standing cases it is helpful to list the following in chronological order: (1) notes of the disease’s progress; (2) changes in feed; (3) location; (4) events; and (5) other riders or tack that have been used. A list should also be made of all or any previous medications, not only for the skin condition itself, but also for any other medical or surgical condition that the horse has had in the past. The results of any tests and follow-up treatments should also be listed.
