Last year, Gracie managed to contract Rain Scald, or Rain Rot. She wasnt rugged last year, as she never is anyway. However this year, I rugged her, there has been hardly any rain since the start of the cold weather, but it has been way below zero on a regular basis.
Today, I checked them all over as usual, and I have found several tiny patches of the Rot on Gracie. Not as bad as last year, but there non the less. The rug was brand new, un used and spotless, as was she. I just dont know what to do this time round. If any of you Brilliant horse people have any ideas???????? I would be extremely grateful!
The other two horses have no signs of any Rot, and they too had new rugs put on. All I do know is that Gracie will not be able to be ridden for some months. I really am pissed off with this. Help!!
If it isn't bad yet - no open or weeping sores - the best treatment is making sure to remove the rug at least once a day and vigorous currying (making sure not to share brushes with other horses in case there's a fungal/bacterial component. You can also use something like Listerine (mouthwash) or a medicated spray (we have one over here called EqySS that is good), but the horse has to be be completely dry before rerugging.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the rub needs to be breathable - manufacturer's info should say so - so moisture (the culprit) isn't trapped next to the horse's skin. Also, if the rug is putting on pressure somewhere, that will make things worse.
Grooming and airing out seem to work best - good luck!
I wish I could help but I don't have any experience with this. I live in rainy Oregon and blanket the horses lightly. No fill in the blankets at all. They are waterproof and breatheable. I've never had a problem with rain rot.
ReplyDeleteI've been in your shoes, sure pisses one off doesn't it!? Anyway when Sweet Cheeks had rain scald the vet gave me an antibiotic to give him. I was also in a barn where I could give him a bath, I bathed him with a shampoo that was anti bactreial I believe it had Betadine in it. I didn't blanket him because I was told ventilation was best, however if she is out in the rain blanketing might be best. Sorry I wasn't more help.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! We have one horse that gets it too -- the others don't, same management. We've used the medicated scrubs, etc - which help - but what a royal pain in the butt. I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteMy time to learn something. Thanks. Do horses develop immune deficiency?
ReplyDeleteDon't know if this is any help?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.equusite.com/articles/health/healthRainRot.shtml
Go to a health food store and get some colloidal silver. Spray on the affected spots (soak them good) and I guarantee it will take care of the problem. It's the only thing we use for any kind of infection, internal or external, on us or our animals.
ReplyDeleteI've only ever had to deal with mild cases. Uhh, I know this makes me sound like a horrible redneck, but I just picked the scabs off and rode anyway - they were on the back, not the girth area. Anyway, my horses survived my callous mistreatment of them ;)
ReplyDeleteMy vet recommends Hibitane, don't know if it's available in the UK. I have used Betadine too. If you can get some Tea Tree oil, it is a good anti-fungal, but if you get the pure essential oil be sure to dilute it with a neutral oil like olive or almond, 50-50. Put it on each and every spot; and scrape the spots down to bare skin before you treat them.
ReplyDeleteBe interested to see if Kate's suggestions could help her. Let us all know what you do.
ReplyDeleteI am reading all these wonderful replies! I shall get back to you all with the results, but thank you all for the help, theres plenty to be going on with.
ReplyDeleteHey there Chey!
ReplyDeleteSorry I haven't been by of late but I've been trying to get a book done...and then the holidays.
But I did want to drop in and give you a holiday cheer. (hugs)
Hawk
Chey,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add...if you're looking for a great healer for human's or animals...Golden Seal...it's a natural herb you can get at any Health food store...buy the non-alcohol one - you can get it in tincture form.
I used it to help my dog and my sister's dog after their surgeries.
Native American Indian's used GlodenSeal to heal any kind of wound, from a scratch to a bullet would...It's a natural antibiotic, antibacterial & antiseptic.
I use it for me as well as me pup. Good stuff and worth every penny. And it won't hurt your horse if he licks it.
Good luck
Hugs
Hawk
P.S. Sorry to hear about your pup. xoxox
Thanks Hawk! Really appreciated, its a bit quiet here, Hagar`s "Mmumphing" has been missed.
ReplyDelete