At Carter Veterinary Services, we often see horse owners puzzled when their horse struggles in the heat. The horse sweats little or not at all, pants excessively, and tires quickly. These are early hints of a condition called anhidrosis—a problem where a horse’s ability to sweat breaks down. And since sweating is how horses cool themselves, this can quickly become serious.
What is Anhidrosis?
What is Anhidrosis?
Understanding Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis simply means the horse’s sweat glands stop responding like they should. When that happens, body heat can’t escape efficiently. The horse’s temperature rises faster than normal, especially during exercise or on hot, humid days. It can happen gradually or seem to appear overnight.
Common Signs and Symptoms
A horse with anhidrosis might seem fine at rest but struggles once the work starts. Some common signs include:
Little to no sweat, even when the horse is worked hard
Heavy breathing or panting
Rapid heart rate
Fatigue and sluggishness
Dry or flaky skin
Elevated body temperature
Sometimes owners notice their horse sweating in small patches—under the saddle pad or behind the ears—while the rest of the body stays dry. That uneven sweating pattern is another telltale clue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing anhidrosis usually starts with observation and a detailed conversation about the horse’s history. A veterinarian may also run a “sweat test,” which involves applying a small amount of medication to stimulate sweat glands. This helps determine how much function the glands still have. Blood work can rule out other conditions that mimic overheating.
Treatment Options
There’s no quick fix for anhidrosis, but there are several ways to help the horse cope. Some veterinarians recommend electrolyte support or supplements containing ingredients like Vitamin E, C, or specific minerals. Others focus on managing the environment. A key part of equine care here is adjusting routines to reduce stress on the horse’s cooling system.
Management Strategies
Managing anhidrosis often comes down to practical adjustments:
Ride during cooler times of the day
Provide shaded turnout or fans in stalls
Keep plenty of fresh water available
Hose the horse off frequently during heat waves
Monitor body temperature after exercise
These simple changes can prevent dangerous spikes in body heat and make daily care more manageable.
Long-Term Outlook
Some horses improve when the weather cools, while others continue to struggle year-round. Over time, the body may partially regain its sweating function, but not always completely. The goal of treatment is to keep the horse comfortable and prevent overheating rather than cure the condition outright.
Preventing anhidrosis isn’t always possible, but regular monitoring helps. Pay attention to how your horse handles heat and exertion. Keep up with routine equine veterinary services to catch early signs before the condition worsens. Consistent care and observation often make the biggest difference.
Get Support for Equine Health During Fall
Anhidrosis might sound complicated, but it boils down to a horse losing its natural way to cool down. With attentive management and ongoing veterinary support, horses with this condition can still live healthy, active lives.
For help diagnosing and managing anhidrosis, contact Carter Veterinary Services. Our team provides dedicated equine care to keep your horse comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever the season brings.