How to Cure Horse Warts

Equine warts are a virus and can be easily transmitted among horses.

Horse or equine warts are small grey or pink growths typically found on the muzzle of young horses. Caused by the equine papillomavirus, these warts are contagious and can be transmitted from horse to horse through direct contact as well as indirectly. To prevent the spread of the virus, the effected horse may be quarantined and common feed and water buckets sterilized. Treatment for the warts are not generally required or recommended because the warts typically go away on their own within a few months. However, if a cure is required due to issues with using a bit or other tack, or the desires of the owner, a vet can be brought in or a simple home remedy can be applied.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 8 medium garlic cloves
• Jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions

Removal by Veterinarian

1. Contact a licensed large animal vet and make arrangements for the vet to visit the farm or stable or to take the horse to the vet's office to remove the warts.

2. Make sure the veterinarian has all the information for the horse, including age, height, approximate weight, health history, when the warts first appeared and the reason for needing to remove them.

3. Follow the vet's instructions for caring for the area where the warts were removed, either by freezing or cauterizing. After the removal procedure, ensure that the area remains clean and free of infection.

Home Remedy

1. Crush eight medium-sized garlic cloves and add to 1/2 cup of olive oil in a jar with a securely fitting lid.

2. Shake well before applying to the warts. According to the Horse Protection Society of North Carolina, this ointment should be applied three to four times per day to get warts to clear up within 10 to 14 days.

3. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.

Tips & Warnings

• Other treatments include ointments that can be obtained from the veterinarian.

• Reappearance of equine warts is common.

• Horses afflicted with equine warts for more than two years may have an immune deficiency and should be checked by a veterinarian.

References

• Horse Protection Society of North Carolina: Cure for Equine Warts
• Indiana State Board of Animal Health: Preventing Animal Warts
• Veterinary Corner: Warts and Aural Plaques