Spending time and energy with your horse can make them start to feel like family to you over time which can make it a difficult experience when they get sick or suffer from an injury.
If you think your horse is suffering from rain scald, don’t panic. There are ways to diagnose and treat this condition that will have your horse back to normal in no time.
In this article, we will explore everything from symptoms to treatment to help you make the best medical decision for you and your horse.
What Is Rain Scald?
Rain scald, also known as rain rot, is a skin condition that forms matted scabs in horses. It is a fungal infection caused by the microorganism Dermatophilus congolensis. This skin condition results in crusty scabs overlaid by matted and clumped horse hairs that feel rough on the touch.
If not treated on time, it can become home to many other bacteria like Staphylococcal Folliculitis which can make treatment more complicated.
What Causes Rain Scald?
Rain rot often occurs in wet conditions like in heavy rainfall or winter months. It appears when the horse hairs are not dried properly. This excess moisture on the hair and skin results in the growth of bacteria under the horse hairs.
Is Rain Scald a Serious Condition?
Even though it is not a life-threatening condition, it can still be painful for your horse.
Moreover, it is almost impossible to ride a horse in this condition as it is such an unpleasant experience for them, so it is better to treat your horse first before riding it.
Lastly, we want to tell you that this skin condition does not spread from horse to horse.
How to Identify Rain Scald
Not sure what to look for or is your horse experiencing symptoms that you think might be rain scald? Here are a list of symptoms to help you be sure that your horse is dealing with rain scald:
- Patches of matted clumps of hairs on the horse. These tufts are glued together with dead skin cells and patches on underlying skin.
- Hair tufts that look like a rough paintbrush.
- Painful withdrawal reaction from the horse when you touch the scab.
- Roots are usually one to two centimeters in diameter.
- Rashes mats feel a little moist to the touch.
How To Treat Rain Scald in Horses
It looks like we have talked enough about this skin infection. Now it’s time to treat it so you can have your healthy horse back in action.
Step 1 – Remove the Horse from Wet Conditions
The first step is to take the horse away from the muddy or wet area and place them somewhere that is warm and dry.
Step 2 – Dry the Horse
The best way to keep the rain scald from getting worse is to dry the horse with a clean towel or cloth piece that is not harsh on its skin.
Step 3 – Wash with Antibacterial Products.
To kill the bacteria, it is important to wash the horse with any antiseptic shampoo or disinfectant like a povidone-iodine solution, Hibiscrub, or most commonly used chlorhexidine. After washing the horse, make sure to use antibacterial spray and dry them thoroughly.
Step 4 – Use the Vet-Prescribed Antibiotics.
Ask a veterinarian for advice and use their prescribed antibiotic ointment and gels for the horse. Apply them regularly until it’s time to remove scabs manually.
Sometimes, the rain rot can get serious, so in many cases, you have to use oral antibiotics for horses to treat the systemic infection caused by the bacteria.
It is important that no matter what treatment your horse needs to treat this condition that you follow the instructions given by the veterinarian fully. Ending the treatment too early can cause the infection to reappear later.
Step 5 – Scab Removal
When antibiotics show some positive results, then it’s time to remove the scabs.
First, cut the big growing horse hairs to proper ventilation on the infected site. Second, clip off the matted hair tufts and gently remove the scabs without hurting the pet. After removing the rots, you will be able to see the horse’s pink skin undergoing the process of healing.
You can also use coconut oil to remove soft rain rots. While wearing gloves, put some coconut oil on your palms and gently massage the scab. Do this until the scab separates from the skin.
Step 6 – Ventilation
To keep the chances of the infection returning low, make sure that your horse can be kept dry throughout the day and at night. It would also be helpful to make sure that the airflow in your horse’s stable.
Step 7 – Waterproofing
If there’s the need to take the horse out for a while, it is better to waterproof them to prevent moisture contact. You can do so by applying castor oil, coconut oil, or any other grease to them. The oils will protect the skin from moisture for a while after you apply it.
Step 8 – Sterilization
Sterilize the clipping and trimming instruments, so there’s no cross-infection between horses. Using contaminated grooming tools on healthy horses is an easy way to cause rain rot.
Follow these steps and remove the scabs regularly during the treatment, and you’ll get rid of them in a few days or weeks.
How to Prevent Rain Scald
Prevention is really important especially if you think you might struggle finding a veterinarian to help you or cannot afford treatment. Here are some tips to keep your horse’s skin healthy and clear:
- Avoid constant wetting of horses
- Keep them aerated
- Frequent use of antiseptic spray
- Clean you grooming tools
- Keep your horses in dry places
- Use grease or oils to waterproof their skin
- Check your horse’s skin regularly
Make sure to follow these precautions, especially in cold and rainy seasons, as there are high chances of catching rain rot in this season.
Conclusion
Rain scald is an uncomfortable skin condition for your horse to have to deal with, but there are treatments available to get your horse’s skin cleared up in no time. Make sure you are aware of what to look for and are following the guide for prevention closely and regularly to help your horse live a more comfortable and happy life.