Scratches and horses

[Puzzled]

Are any of you familiar with treating scratches. This has been present on my Arab gelding for way to long, at least that is what I think it is. First thought it was after effects of a typical
wet coastal winter. Just a small amount of crusty scabs that seemed to be clearing up.
Some of it made me think he had cut himself on something, but am sure that is not the case. Reminded me of proud flesh, but have ruled that out, I think.
No known injuries.

Had to deal with abcesses in both front feet, vet wrapped them, and that seemed to really trigger the development of more scabs. Thought maybe it was a reaction to to
the crud the vet smeared on him. Wraps were only on overnight, horse removed them.

The scabs seemed to be clearing up, was cleaning them off as they dried up. Originally they were more confined to the back area of the pastern.
Had them down to a minimum, but there seems to be another outbreak of whatever it is. There is no mud or standing water in his pastures. Had thought/hoped by now this
should have cleared up. Been dealing with this since at least June.

First two pictures are right front. Third picture is left front, hair is still a little rumpled where he had some of the scabs. These 3 pictures were taken today.





These next two pictures were taken in June when soaking for the abcesses. Not as clear, but you can see the scabs on the back of pastern.

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

Ralco has a product called Skin Joy, I am just trying it now on a mare that had a cut on her right back fetlock Used Cut Heal on it until t was mostly healed then using Skin Joy

 

[Puzzled]

Thanks, not familiar with Skin Joy. But will see if I can locate some.

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

Ralco has a product called Skin Joy, I am just trying it now on a mare that had a cut on her right back fetlock Used Cut Heal on it until t was mostly healed then using Skin Joy

Thanks, not familiar with Skin Joy. But will see if I can locate some.

I ordered right from Ralco if your feed store doesn't have it.

 

[Puzzled]

It looks like ordering direct from Ralco be what I have to do.

 

[Faster horses]

This might help: www.chronofhorse.com

Good luck!!! Scratches are so sore for the horses. I hate when it happens.
We used to use something that was very effective, but darn, I just can't recall
what it was.

 

[Puzzled]

I found one spot on ranchers (14 yr. old comment) where you mentioned Desitin. Which I believe is
zinc oxide. So was curious if that is still a good item to consider.
What are contributing causes ? Can it spread to other areas of the body by contact, like when he lays
down and a foot is in contact with stomach ?

 

[Faster horses]

Yes! Desitin! Works great. I hope the scratches on your horse hasn't gone too long and has developed into something more.
Scratches are just on the lower limbs, so no worries about it spreading to other areas.
Scratches are actually proud flesh and harden over time.

Here's a good source: www.madbarn.com

 

[Puzzled]

Aha, proud flesh was what came to mind when I was first looking at it, but no injuries. And before that I tried to pass it off as rain scald. It is still crusty scabs. Almost totally gone, but one spot seems to persist.

Thank You

 

[DustDevil]

Bacon grease.

 

[Faster horses]

Bacon grease.

Believe it or not, bacon grease repels flies on horses. We have used it for decades anywhere flies are a problem on horses.

 

[Saddleup]

Believe it or not, bacon grease repels flies on horses. We have used it for decades anywhere flies are a problem on horses.

good to know thanks

 

[Puzzled]

Believe it or not, bacon grease repels flies on horses. We have used it for decades anywhere flies are a problem on horses.

That was my first concern that it might draw flies.

 

[Faster horses]

That was my first concern that it might draw flies.

Seems like it should, but it does the opposite. Maybe it's the salt.

 

[Puzzled]

I'm going to stop feeding all the bacon grease to the dog and save some for fly control.
The horse really dislikes the bottled fly sprays. He stands quietly for me to put it on, but then goes
and rolls to remove as much as he can. Lots of little horn flies/deer fly sized critters biting him.

 

[Faster horses]

I'm going to stop feeding all the bacon grease to the dog and save some for fly control.
The horse really dislikes the bottled fly sprays. He stands quietly for me to put it on, but then goes
and rolls to remove as much as he can. Lots of little horn flies/deer fly sized critters biting him.

I put it on the navel, on the chest, around the eyes (being carful not to get it in the eyes), just every where flies are a problem
It helps to heal up cinch sores too.

 

[Puzzled]

The naval area is a problem, seems like every year have to keep a close eye on it.
Funny I remember loosing a thumb nail some how when I was about fifth grade, my dad put a small
piece of bacon on it with a band aid, said it would take away the soreness and help it heal. It did work
really well and I still have that thumb