It's not unusual to see horses with scabs and painful crusts on their lower legs, especially during warm, wet spring weather. There are several reasons horses might develop this painful condition, reports EQUUS magazine, and rectifying the condition depends on the ability to identify the condition's cause.
Some possible conditions include:
- Photosensitization
If only the white markings on a horse's legs are affected, he may be suffering from photosensitization – especially if all of his white legs are affected. Photosensitivity occurs when the horse ingests plants that contain phototoxic compounds; these compounds enter the bloodstream and cause an intense inflammatory reaction of blistering and crusting when exposed to sunlight through pink skin.
To heal the horse's skin, his legs will need to be protected with UV-blocking sheets or wraps; turning him out only after the sun goes down is preferred. Severe cases may require a vet to prescribe systemic medications to reduce swelling and pain; topical treatments are also available.
To completely remove the chance of photosensitization recurring, the plants causing the condition will need to be eradicated. Though many plants contain these compounds, St. John's Wort and alsike clover are often the cause in horse pastures.
- Scratches
If the irritated area of the horse's leg is solely located on the back of the fetlock, he is most likely suffering from a case of scratches. The condition occurs when the skin in this area gets chapped and infection sets in.
The best way to handle this condition is to wash the area, dry it thoroughly and carefully clip the hair. Slather on a layer of antibiotic ointment and then diaper rash cream, and keep this concoction on dry legs for a few days. If there has been no improvement in three or four days, call a veterinarian.
- Rain Rot
If the horse has crusting on his legs as well as on his flanks and rump, he most likely is suffering from rain rot. Rain rot is caused by bacteria on the horse's skin that multiplies in wet, humid weather, irritating the hair follicles.
Applying mineral oil to the scabs will encourage them to fall off; once the scabs have gone, bathe the horse in a medicated shampoo. Persistent cases, like those that an old, ill or immunocompromised horse may get, may need antibiotics prescribed by a vet.
Read more at EQUUS magazine.
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