Rain Rot in Horses
One of the most common skin diseases affecting horses is the rain rot. Any horse breed around the world can be a victim of this disease. However, horses inhabiting in temperate climates are worst affected. Heavy rainfall leading to a damp weather is a perfect condition for the disease causing organism to grow rapidly. Rain rot, though not a life threatening disease, can cause great discomfort to the horse.
The major symptoms include large crust-like scabs, dozens of tiny scabs, matted tufts of hair and small lumps on the horses’ skin or hair which generally appears at an early stage. The body parts that are usually affected are the horse’s back and rump. The ears and eyes are also affected.
An organism called dermatophilus congolensis causes rain rot. Contrary to the belief, this organism is not a fungus. An actinomycete it acts both like a bacteria and fungi. This organism is usually carried by the horse which is present in its skin. However despite carrying the organism, the horse might not be affected with this disease.
Dermatophilus congolensis can spread through sharing equipments with other horses. Sharing of items such as blankets, saddle pads, brushes and leg wraps. It is rather difficult to stop the spread of this disease. The best way to prevent rain rot is to disinfect the equipments that the horses shared.
It is advised that, while treating the condition, you disinfect all the equipments that were used by the horses. A good solution is two tablespoon to one gallon water of Chlorox. However it is only the equipment that is to be treated with this solution, not your horse.
Other methods of treating rain rot includes the following
· Give your horse a thorough iodine wash. Rub intensely so as to form thick lather and leave for fifteen minutes, then rinse properly.
· It is advisable that you apply sea minerals, dermal cream or the antiseptic creams that are available. These help in healing the disease.
· This treatment should be continued for 3 -5 days.
· In case the condition persists, consult your vet. A course on antibiotic may be necessary to cure your horse.
Preventing Rain Rots in Horses
· Remove your horse from muddy and wet stable during humid weather.
· If possible provide the stable with a dry bed.
· In case of paddocked horses, make sure that the rugs are waterproof and that they are dry before putting on the rugs.
· A diet comprising high quality vitamin and mineral supplements will help in maintaining your horse’s health.
Diseases such as rain rots are common in horses. It is rather difficult to stop horses from being affected with such diseases. So it is always advisable that you take preventive measures to avoid horse diseases.