A scratched horse is a horse that has been injured or is suffering from an illness that affects the skin. Scratches, also known as “rain scald,” is a common skin condition in horses that is caused by bacteria and fungi. It is characterized by scaly, crusty patches of skin on the horse’s back, neck, and legs. It can range in severity from mild to severe, and it can be painful and uncomfortable for the horse.
What Causes Scratches?
Scratches is caused by a variety of factors, including inadequate grooming, moisture, and bacteria and fungi. Horses can get scratches from wet or damp conditions, such as rain, snow, or mud. The bacteria and fungi that cause scratches can also be spread by flies, other animals, and contact with other horses.
Signs and Symptoms of Scratches
When a horse has scratches, there are a few signs and symptoms that you can look for. These include:
- Crusty, scaly patches of skin: These patches are usually found on the horse’s back, neck, or legs and can range in size from small spots to large areas. They may be red, brown, or gray in color.
- Hair loss: The affected areas may be hairless or have thinning hair.
- Itching: The affected areas may be itchy, causing the horse to rub, bite, or scratch the area.
- Pain: The affected areas can be painful to the touch and may cause the horse to be reluctant to move or stand.
Diagnosing Scratches
If you suspect that your horse has scratches, it is important to have a veterinarian examine the horse. The veterinarian will take a history of the horse, examine the affected areas, and may take a skin scraping to determine the cause of the condition.
Treating Scratches
The treatment of scratches depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases can be treated with topical medications, such as medicated shampoos and creams, and may require the horse to be kept in a dry environment. More severe cases may require oral medications and the horse may need to be on stall rest.
Preventing Scratches
The best way to prevent scratches is to take measures to keep your horse’s skin and coat healthy. This includes:
- Grooming: Make sure to groom your horse regularly to keep the coat and skin clean and free of debris.
- Diet: Provide your horse with a balanced diet to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need for healthy skin and coat.
- Exercise: Make sure your horse is getting enough exercise to keep their skin and coat in good condition.
- Environment: Make sure that your horse is kept in a dry environment to reduce the chances of them getting scratches.
When to See a Vet
If you suspect that your horse has scratches, it is important to have a veterinarian examine the horse. If your horse has any of the signs and symptoms of scratches, it is important to have the horse examined as soon as possible to prevent the condition from becoming worse.
Living With a Horse With Scratches
A horse with scratches may require special care to keep the condition under control. The horse may need to be kept in a dry environment and may need to be on stall rest or exercise restriction.
Complications of Scratches
If not treated properly, scratches can become infected or lead to other skin conditions. Severe cases may cause the horse to be in pain and can lead to lameness.
Conclusion
Scratches is a common skin condition in horses that is caused by bacteria and fungi. It is characterized by scaly, crusty patches of skin on the horse’s back, neck, and legs. If you suspect that your horse has scratches, it is important to have a veterinarian examine the horse. The treatment of scratches depends on the severity of the condition and may require topical medications, oral medications, and stall rest. The best way to prevent scratches is to take measures to keep your horse’s skin and coat healthy, such as grooming, providing a balanced diet, and keeping the horse in a dry environment.