Rain rot is the number one skin condition that affects horses. Because it is so common, it's important to be aware of what it looks like, how it is transmitted, and how to treat it. This picture if a mild case but if caught and treated early rather than later if can be stopped in it's tracks. Rain rot sounds so benign but it can be real nasty if neglected.
What It Looks Like
Rain rot "disturbs" the natural direction hair growth, causing it to look dull, lifeless, and even matted. The hair in the infected area will pull out very easily, and the skin underneath will probably be pink.
How It's Transmitted
Horses in any climate and any region can get rain rot. However it does tend to be more prevalent in humid areas. It can be spread from sharing saddles and saddle blankets, scratching posts, and grooming tools.
How To Treat It
Bathe your horse with soap and water to loosen the scabs underneath the affected area. It's important to remove these scabs (gross, I know) so that oxygen can get underneath them and heal the infection. Follow up with antiseptic ointment and your horse should be healed in a few days. Some people use Listerine (brown original) 50/50 with water and spray the area and work in after the scabs have been removed. This seems to do the trick.
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Posted by EParker on February 17, 2010 at 9:03 PM under
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