Horses who contract rain rot are usually subjected to wet conditions for long periods. Because of this it is the most common in areas that get a lot of rain or have very high humidity rates.
While most often found on the horses topline rain rot can be found on numerous areas of the horses body including their rump face and legs.
Do wild horses get rain rot. Its a myth that only horses stuck in the rain without a blanket will get this skin condition though this is the most common way. Rain rot is a common bacterial skin disease in horses. Typically rain rot is found on the body of the horse though it can spread all over the skins surface.
False While it is true that rain rot is a common condition in horses whose skin is exposed to rain horses can suffer rain rot when blanketed too. Therefore it is important that regular thorough full-body examinations occur. Many horses get rain rot in the winter and just as many get rain rot in the summer.
Technically known as dermatophilosis rain rot is the most common skin disease in horses and is caused by a bacterium called Dermatophilus congolensis which lies dormant in horse skin. Once the outermost layer of skin begins to break down cuts and other abrasions can. Rain rot comes from the bacterium dermatophilus congolensis.
When the horses skin becomes compromised by humidity high temperatures. No matter their age health or location. It can spread through contaminated equipment ie brushes blankets and shared tack and biting insects.
Rain rot or rain scald is a bacterial skin disease that often behaves like a fungus. Rain rot rain scald also known as streptothricosis occurs in horses where there is high humidity sometimes along with high temperatures but not always. Unlike many other skin conditions areas with rain rot do not typically itch but can.
This bacterium combined with moisture and warmth on the horses coat create an environment in which rain rot can thrive. It causes an infection under the horses skin that makes pustules of pus usually on the back shoulders and flanks where rain runs down the horse hence the name. Any horse can get rain rot but horses.
When horses are in this stage it definitely should not be ridden. However if left untreated rain rot can develop into a severe and painful skin condition. Rain rot is painful in some horses.
This bacteria is in a family called actinomycetes these little things act like both bacteria and fungi. They lay dormant until rainy wet conditions cause it to flare-up. Rain rot is a common skin condition in horses that is caused by moisture on a horses skin.
You can do wonders to prevent rain rot including grooming and inspecting. Rain rot does best in warm wet weather. The condition can look rather serious but thankfully its fairly easy to treat.
Minor cases of rain rot are not painful and dont itch. Any horse can get rain rot. Keeping your horse dry is the best prevention but thats not always realistic since most horses need to be turned out and exercised regularly even in cold wet conditions.
Scientifically Dermatophilus congolensis is the bacteria that causes rain rot in horses. In winter horses that sweat in their fuzzy coats create the perfect situation for rain rot as does the horse in a blanket. Additionally rain rot is extremely contagious and can be passed from horse to horse.
Rain rot should be dealt with quickly when it occurs because it can. Any loose scabs should be gently removed. Rain rot in horses can be painful if not treated.
How Do I Treat Rain Rot. Rain rot can also occur in horses with lighter coats when blankets get soaked. As stated previously early detection and treatment can control the disease without much effort.
Rain rot is seen on those parts of a horses body which are exposed to rain. The skin over top of these pustules will eventually slough off taking off some hair. Horses are treated using topical antibacterial shampoos that contain chlorhexidine povidine-iodine or benzyl peroxide.
Typically it can be found on a horse with no ill consequences as it simply sits on. Underneath the scabs it is usually pink with. As a caring horse owner you may diligently wash your blankets each season and re-proof them to maintain their waterproofing.
Topical antimicrobial products may be useful. The offending bacteria loves a humid environment which in the summer is the weather or frequent bathing. This is not a serious condition but work cant continue as the equipment is likely to rub on the affected areas.
Curing rain rot can often be as simple as bathing the horse with an antimicrobial shampoo cleaning or replacing grooming tools and keeping the horse dry and separated from other horses with active cases when possible. Horses naturally have these organisms on their skin. The appearance of this condition is large scabs or small matted tufts of hair.
Hands-on palpation may be needed when examining your horse for rain rot particularly during winter months as increased coat length makes visual assessment difficult. The next best thing is to dry your horses with towels and -- if you think your horse will tolerate it -- a blow dryer immediately after. It is caused by an organism called dermatophilus congolensis.
Although it does take some time for a horses coat to fill back in in the affected areas. The usual treatment presents a bit of a problem during a Michigan winter however in that bathing horses is a challenge for many. The horse should be lathered up the shampoo left to soak for 10 mintues and then rinsed.
When a horses skin remains wet for an extended period the outer layer becomes soft and compromised.
