This is usually a benign condition that does not bother the horse, but is purely a cosmetic issue. However, occasionally, a horse can develop ear sensitivity. Once aural plaque develops, it is tough to get rid of permanently.

Should I buy a horse with aural plaques?

If you find small, white, crusty spots in your horse's ears, resist the urge to pick or scrape them off. These wart-like growths are nothing to worry about and your efforts to remove them are likely to do more harm than good.

How do you treat aural plaque?

Various treatments have been anecdotally tried, with minimal to no response. A recent, open-label pilot study showed that imiquimod cream is effective in the treatment of aural plaques; however, the severe inflammation induced by the drug makes this treatment difficult to use, with most horses requiring sedation.