Pastern Dermatitis
With all the rain these past few weeks the ground is soggy and knee deep in mud. Horses standing in these conditions often develop cracks in the skin. (Think of it as our hands being chapped and cracked when being in too much water). Bacteria and fungus that live in the mud or standing water make their way into cracks in the horse’s skin and set up the infection, Pastern Dermatitis. Common names for this condition are scratches, dew poisoning and grease heel. The signs are scabby crusts on the skin of the back of the pastern, which are often painful. It is constant problem in draft breeds with feathers (leg hair) which holds the moisture in the pastern area. Treatment is to remove the horse from the muddy, wet conditions. Clip the hair of the affected area so the skin can dry easily. Wash (but don’t scrub) daily with betadine povidone iodine soap or Selson Blue medicated shampoo. Leave shampoo on for 10 minutes, rinse, then dry with a towel. When dry, apply Desitin (zinc oxide cream) to create a barrier against the moisture. Some cases may require treating with a product specifically for Pastern Dermatitis. In complicated cases, cellulitis or infection of the deeper tissues of the leg can develop, requiring antibiotic treatment with penicillin injections. It usually takes 30 days for the skin to heal and the hair to grow back.
Insect season
With the wet conditions the biting insects are fierce. We have a new hatch of flies every 7 days in addition to the mosquitoes. The gnats and no-see-ums are biting your horse on the mane, shoulders, withers, and tail. Horses with skin allergies are itching and rubbing out their manes & tails. Gnats and no-see-ums bite in the early morning and sunset. It is important to spray the areas where your horse rubs at those times. Fly spray does not work on the gnats so you must use Deep Woods Off or another product with Deet. Avon Skin So Soft diluted with ¾ water, or natural sprays provide some relief. We have IBH insect bite hypersensitivity sprays with cortisone to relieve the itch. Cortisone shots or Hydroxazine powder will also relieve itching. Add Nutriflax powder to the horse’s diet to help skin health.
Don’t forget to check your horse for ticks on the soft skin area’s such as the ears, mane, sheath or udder. We have ear tick medicine that kills and repels the ticks in the ears.
Flies have gotten resistant to our fly sprays. Many advertise as having a 14-day residual, but we have yet to find one that lasts. Add daily spraying with a natural spray.
Trailering and First Aid
First Aid Kit
- Banamine dose for colic.
- Bandage material (cotton roll, vet wrap, Neosporin antibiotic ointment).
- Eye ointment.
- Digital thermometer.
- Flashlight.
Trailering Tips
In case of a flat, a drive on wheel jack is the most convenient. Be sure to have a lug wrench that fits, WD 40 to loosen lug nuts, a cheater bar, and spare tire. In case of an accident, human health and safety are first. Call 911. Don’t open trailer windows or doors or unload the horses. If possible get to an exit, rest stop or parking lot to get off the road. Call the vet if horses are hurt. Always have an extra halter and lead in the trailer.
USRider equestrian motor plan provides members 24/7 road assistance or truck and trailer for $199 per year where AAA does not.
Belmont Stakes
Race day is June 8 at 5:30 pm. Watch to see if 88-year-old trainer D. Wayne Lukas and Seize the Gray can do it again. Surge the Gray is owned by MyRacehorse, which sells micro-shares of Thoroughbred racehorses to the public. 2570 shareholders bought a share for $81.00 thorough myracehorse.com. The onetime fee buys you a micro share in a 2-year-old race horse trained by D. Wayne Luckas. You will receive weekly updates and videos.
Castration Signs
June 24-June 30th, if it’s not too hot!
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