It can be challenging to determine whether bacteria or fungi are to blame for equine skin problems, but finding the cause is crucial to developing an effective management plan. Rosanna Marsella, DVM, Dipl. ACVD, of the University of Florida, in Gainesville, describes the difference between these two infections and how to effectively treat each.

This podcast is an excerpt of our Ask TheHorse Live Q&A, “Navigating Skin Problems in Horses.” Listen to the full recording here.

About the Expert

Rosanna Marsella, DVM, Dipl. ACVD

Dr. Marsella is a veterinary dermatologist and a full Professor at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Marsella has a special interest in equine dermatology. She has led the International Committee which has published the Clinical Consensus Guidelines on Equine Allergic Skin Diseases published in 2023. She has also authored a book on equine dermatology which is geared toward equine clinicians that have a special interest in dermatology. She has devoted the last few years working on mechanisms of pruritus in horses and has worked on the identification of alternative treatments to provide relief to itchy horses. She has also tested topical bacteriophages for the treatment of equine pyoderma in the attempt to identify antibiotic free alternative treatments for equine infections. She has published on the trends of antibiotic resistance at her referral institution, the University of Florida. Dr. Marsella is an avid equestrian, rider and owner.