Wet Winter Skin Infections: "Scratches & Rain Rot"

It's been a warm, wet, winter this year in most of North Carolina.  These are the kind of winters that cause mud in the pastures and on the trails.  Along with that mud comes fungal/bacterial infections to watch out for in your horse. 

Scratches

"Scratches," a common skin condition in horses, can affect the heel, the back of the pastern, the fetlock, and occasionally the cannon bone. Veterinarians may refer to it as pastern dermatitis or pastern folliculitis. It is also known as "mud fever", "dew poisoning", "greasy heel" or "cracked heels".  It basically looks like a bunch of thick scabs all over your horses lower leg.  Any horse can get scratches but it seems to be more prevalent in white legged horses and horses with feathers such as draft breads. 

 

Severe case of scratches, moving up the cannon bone 

Less severe case of scratches, only affecting the heel

To treat scratches, remember "Don't scratch the scratches!"  Picking the scabs will only make it spread.  Clip hair around the affected area and wash with antibacterial shampoo (chlorhexidine, betadine, or benzoyl peroxide) and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.  Do this once a day for about a week and then reduce to 2-3 times per week until resolved.  In severe cases a veterinarian may recommend antibiotic, anti-fungal, or steroid ointments. Prevention is the best method of managing scratches.  Keeping a dry clean environment for your horse and making sure legs are clean and dry after riding/turn-out.  

Rain Rot

"Rain rot", also known as rain scald or dermatophilosis, is a skin infection caused by a bacteria.  Though rain is one risk factor, any form of moisture such as sweating under a blanket can cause the inflammatory infection resulting in lesions along your horse's skin. These lesions cause small patches of raised bumps which are scabs containing clusters of your horse's hair.
While most often found on the horse's top-line, rain rot can be found on numerous areas of the horse's body, including their rump, face, and legs. Unlike many other skin conditions, areas with rain rot do not typically itch but can be painful and cause your horse to become sensitive to touch.  All horses can get rain rot, however horses with lighter coat colors as well as horses with compromised or poorly developed immune systems (such as young or older horses) have been found to be at higher risk. 

  

Rain rot across the back, loin, and croup

Up close view of rain rot lesions

Prevention of rain rot includes regular grooming and maintaining a clean dry environment for your horse.  Make sure to groom after rolling in the mud, especially if there are any open wounds present on your horses back from insect bites, etc.  Be sure to only apply a blanket when it's cold enough (body clipped horses below 60, moderate coat below 40, heavy coat below 30) to avoid sweating.  Treat affected areas with anti-microbial shampoo and currying until resolved.  Severe cases may require antibiotics from your veterinarian.  

For more information visit: Penn State Extension Rain Rot or Perdue Extension Scratches

Coggins: What is it and why do it? Horses in NC have Tested Positive Recently

It's already the time of year where horse owners should be thinking about Spring vaccinations and having their vet out for annual maintenance. Don't let the coggins testing slip past you this season either! It can be frustrating to have a group ride or show all planned out, just to discover your coggins are out of date. However, testing can be a smart idea whether you plan to travel with your horse or not. So, what are Coggins, and why do we need them in the first place?

Coggins Test Charts (or coggins for short) are simply forms indicating that a horse, pony, donkey or mule has been tested for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The form should indicate that the animal is "Negative" for the viral disease. EIA is highly pathogenic, meaning very easy to spread, and is most commonly shared via biting flies that transmit blood, like horseflies. The disease can also be transmitted via infected needle, dental tools, or even bits. If an animal shows as "Positive" on the test, the USDA and state regulatory agencies require the equine to be euthanized (or occasionally under a very strict quarantine for its remaining life). Test results are valid for one year from the date the animal was tested. A test consists of a veterinarian drawing blood and sending it to an accredited lab for evaluation. The veterinarian will also fill out paperwork at the time of testing indicating the age, breed, etc. of the equine as well as take photos for identification. Many shows and events require riders/owners to present a negative coggins test before entering their facility. As of 2022, all states require proof of a negative coggins test for equines crossing state lines. In North Carolina, proof of a negative coggins test is required by law for equines traveling within the state as well. If you take your equine off of your property, you should have proof of a negative coggins test with you. Even if you don't plan to travel with your horse, it is smart to have a current negative coggins test on file anyway, because you never know when you may need to take an emergency trip to the vet or when an event you want to attend will pop up.

There is no preventative vaccine for EIA or cure. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) gives the following best management practices for owners:

• Use disposable needles and syringes, one per horse, when administering vaccines and medications.
• Sterilize dental tools and other instruments before using them on another horse.
• Test all horses for EIA at least annually.
• Test horses at the time of purchase examination.
• Stable owners, horse show and event managers should require and verify current negative Coggins certificates for all horses entering the premises.
• New horses should be quarantined for 45 days and observed for any signs of illness, including elevated temperatures, before introducing them to the herd. They should be retested if exposure to EIA is suspected at a 45-day interval.
• All stable areas should be kept clean, dry and waste-free. Good pasture management techniques should also be practiced. Remove manure and provide adequate drainage to discourage breeding sites for pests.
• Horses at greater risk, such as those in frequent contact with outside horses or who live or travel in geographic regions known for EIA outbreaks, should be tested more frequently, every 4 – 6 months.

For more information, check out the following resources: 

• Fact Sheet from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) about EIA: https://www.ncagr.gov/vet/FactSheets/equine.htm
• Article from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP): https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-infectious-anemia
• Article about the counties that have had positive cases: https://equusmagazine.com/news/eq-edcc-health-watch/eia-in-six-north-carolina-counties/

NC 4-H Horse Program Opportunities for 2023

Did you know that North Carolina has one of the largest, most successful 4-H Horse Programs in the country?   Our 4-H Horse Program hosts many events, including clinics, contests, and shows, and has been very competitive on the national level for many years. 4-H Horse Clubs are available in most counties across the state.  There are five Extension and 4-H districts across the state, with many events to attend in the new year.  Be sure to take a look at the NC 4-H Horse Program website for a wealth of information on programs offered.

 
Be sure to read through and sign up for the monthly newsletters to find out what's coming up and what's been going on.  Check out the calendar of events.  Scroll through the educational material and educational events offered.   Contact your county 4-H or livestock agent to find out about horse clubs in your county, and how to get involved today!