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What Can You Do About Rain Rot?  
Very common in the wetter months of fall and winter, “rain rot” or “rain scald” is a bacterial infection that manifests itself in the form of scab-like or crusty bumps that may run from the withers down the back and over the rump. In some instances, they may even be present on the legs and muzzle. Most often, horses are impervious to this bacteria, dermatophilus congolensis, but constant exposure to moisture, whether through rain or sweat, weakens the skin and breaks it down, allowing bacteria to grow in places that may have been damaged either by a simple cut or fly bite. More severe cases may be witnessed in horses with weakened immune systems or those suffering from malnutrition or worms, which makes them more susceptible to the bacteria.

These lesions are characterized by a “paintbrush” appearance as the hair is lifted up into clumps. Cup-like scabs form and pus fills beneath the crusty surface. The goal is to soften the skin and remove these scabs to treat the underlying area and kill the bacteria.

First and foremost, you want to move your horse to a dry environment, since continued exposure to moisture or dampness will not provide the skin the opportunity to get healthy. Then apply an antiseptic shampoo, betadine or chlorhexidine, to the affected area daily, for about a week. You may continue for once a week until the lesions are gone. You may want to use one of those bathing mitts with the rubber “teeth” or a rubber curry comb to help massage and gently remove the scabs. You do not want to just pick the scabs, because that can leave painful, bleeding sores. Other recommended bathes include a tar- or sulfur-based shampoo, which can be alternated with the antiseptic shampoo during the second week. In this milder form, the lesions should disappear within a couple of weeks.

If the case is severe or widespread, or if it has not responded to the above treatment, then contact your veterinarian. He or she may want to take a culture or biopsy of the affected area to better diagnose the problem. Your veterinarian may also prescribe shots of penicillin or oxytetracylcine to help control the infection. There is also the chance that a secondary staph infection may develop or already be present, which will also require antibiotic treatment. With the greater severity, the healing process is a lot slower and can take up to two months.

If you discover that your horse is susceptible to this disorder, experts recommend taking preventive measures to keep his skin healthy: stabling the horse during rainy weather, putting a blanket or sheet on him if he must be turned out in wet weather, and waiting to turn him out after the morning dew has evaporated (this is especially important if these lesions form on his legs or muzzle).



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