Skin disease in horses are prevalent throughout the year, although some may be seasonal. They may be due to infectious agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) or environmental irritants. Once the integrity of a horse’s skin is compromised, it is not only the site of the irritation that’s a problem, but the general health of the horse since the immune barrier has been breached.
Many horse skin diseases are centered around reactions to insects and allergies, but other skin diseases can be caused by excessive sunlight and moisture but all skin conditions should be treated as soon as possible.
Rain Rot
Rain Rot is a bacterial infection and can vary from small raised bumps or can break into very open, weepy sores. The crusts form along the top-line and where rain runs off down the barrel, shoulders and hindquarters, but also on the lower legs and face. Over time the crusts peel off, leaving small, round bare spots. Some horses seem to be more susceptible than others, and the weather conditions have a bearing on how rampant rain rot is. Horses with a compromised immune system seem to be more susceptible to rain rot. A cool, dark rainy fall is the perfect condition for rain rot.
What Causes Rain Rot?
Rain Rot occurs when horses are exposed to wet weather and muddy conditions. If the horse’s skin stays damp and dirty for long periods of time it becomes infected by bacterium.
Rain Rot is uncomfortable, if not painful and can cause patches of hair loss.
Prevention
There are many ways to help improve a horses’ dermatological health.
- Feeding good quality grains and hay
- Properly grooming before and after exercise.
- Horses that live outside should be brought in often and dried and groomed and checked for any skin issues.
- Use well-fitting/comfortable saddles and pads.
- Hosing a horse down after a workout (especially the legs if the horse wore boots).
***If a skin condition doesn’t resolve within two or three day, calling the Veterinarian.****
Treatment
- Gently brush away and clip loose and long hair. (Sterilize scissors or clippers before and after use.)
- Shampoo using a ph balanced shampoo, rinse well and dry thoroughly.
- Apply ResQ Organics Manuka Honey to effected areas for several days.
- Treat with ResQ Organics Skin Treatment.
During treatment horse should be kept dry and clean. It can take several weeks for the skin to heal.
***If condition persists contact your Holistic Veterinarian***
Girth Itch
Girth Itch is caused by a fungal infection, and usually occurs behind the elbow. Without proper treatment the affected area will continue to spread causing larger areas of raw spot. The cinch rubbing the skin irritates the tender skin under the girth, then the fungal spores can enter the broken skin and the skin begins to peel. Often horses that get to Girth Itch have a compromised immune system and will get repeated cases.
Prevention
This condition usually affects horses with white markings, since pink skin is more tender and not as tough and easily nicked and scraped, allowing the fungal organism to enter. The fungus is often present in mud; where the horse is able to pick it up. This fungus remains in the mud indefinitely so it is best to have white-legged horses avoid this area if possible.
Treatment
Apply ResQ Organics Skin Treatment to affected area several times daily.
***If condition persists contact your Holistic Veterinarian***
Scratches
Scratches is a skin problem found on the lower legs, in which the affected area becomes crusted, scabby and thickened. In severe cases the skin may ooze or the whole lower leg may swell, and the horse becomes lame.
Prevention
This condition usually affects horses with white markings, since pink skin is more tender and not as tough and easily nicked and scraped, allowing the fungal organism to enter. The fungus is often present in mud; where the horse is able to pick it up. This fungus remains in the mud indefinitely so it is best to have white-legged horses avoid this area if possible.
Hives
Hives are round, raised wheals over the body that cause the hair to stand up. They can range from the size of a nickel to several inches in diameter and can cover part of most of the body. A breakout of hives is usually related to air-borne allergens (e.g., tree, bush, weed, or grass pollen; mold; dust; etc…); ingested allergens (e.g., feed ingredients); or vaccination or medication reactions. A breakout usually isn’t painful but might itch.
Treatment
Apply ResQ Organics Skin Treatment to affected area several times daily.
***If condition persists contact your Holistic Veterinarian***
