Lysh
New Foal
Posts: 8
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Post by Lysh on Feb 20, 2006 8:25:48 GMT -5
Wow there is a big difference between the first pics and these ones.
The absolutely best thing I can recommend for the rainrot is Microtekk Spray. The mare that I rescued that was BALD from rainrot had tremendous results with the microtekk - within a week she was already growing her fur back and the scabs were clearing up. Even with as bad as the rainrot was my vet didn't put her on any antibiotics right away - said that she didn't want to overload the mare/baby so to just take babysteps with her care.
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Post by Jodie S on Feb 20, 2006 9:43:08 GMT -5
Hi Lori,
Wow! The first pictures didn't show her condition at all! First, God Bless you for taking her in, she probably wouldn't of survived much longer!! I sure hope the people responsible have been reported, and that if they have other animals, they should be taken immediately!! I have never cared for a horse in this condition, so I know all the other posters have better info then I would, but I support you all the way and cannot wait to see updates on her! Did you say she has a track record? Do you know how she is bred? How old? Sorry for all the questions, it just amazes me how some horses end up! Good luck and take care! Jodie
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Post by Amelia on Feb 20, 2006 19:25:24 GMT -5
Ok clue me in on rain rot. A fungus, yes? Will it permanantly scar the skin to where the hair doesn't grow back? I know I could just Google it but then I would miss out on all the great people giving me the answers.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 20, 2006 23:23:26 GMT -5
Hi Amelia,
Here is some infomation from Equusite.com
What is rain rot?
Rain rot is one of the most common skin infections seen in horses. It is also referred to as "rain scald" or "streptothricosis". The organism that causes rain rot appears and multiplies in warm, damp conditions where high temperature and high humidity are present. This condition is not life-threatening, so don't worry. However, while the horse has rain rot, any equipment that may rub and irritate the infected skin (such as saddles and leg wraps) should be eliminated.
What causes rain rot?
The organism dermatophilus congolensis causes rain rot. dermatophilus congolensis is not a fungus. It is an actinomycetes, which behaves like both bacteria and fungi. Most people believe that the organism is present in soil, however, this has not been proven. The organism is carried on the horse, who has it in his skin. A horse who has this organism in his skin may or may not be affected.
What does rain rot look like?
Rain rot can appear as large crust-like scabs, or small 1/4 inch matted tufts of hair. There is usually dozens of tiny scabs that have embedded hair and can be easily scraped off. Underneath the scabs, the skin is usually (but not always) pink with puss when the scabs are first removed, then it becomes gray and dry as it heals. It is usually hard to differentiate rain rot from other similar skin conditions, so if you are unsure, call your veterinarian.
In the early stages, you will be able to feel small lumps on the horses' skin or hair by running your hand over your horse's coat.
In what region is rain rot most common?
Rain rot can be present in any horse around the world, but is most common in South Florida. In South Florida, the increased humidity and high temperatures combine with the prolonged rainfall to create the perfect environment for the organism to live.
What conditions are usually present?
1. The animal has to be infected with the organism. A horse can become infected by shared saddle blankets, leg wraps and brushes with other infected horses.
2. There has to be extreme moisture present. Horses with thick coats are more likely to keep the moisture close to their skin.
3. The skin has to be damaged (by a cut or scrape), for the organism to be able to enter the epidermis.
4. Also, poor stable management, damp stalls, poor ventilation and infected barns.
Will rain rot go away on its own?
It sometimes does. What I mean is that some horses will naturally get rid of the organism as they shed out their winter hair coat. However, it is not advisable to let the condition persist, you should not wait to see if it will go away...start treating it now, before it gets any worse!
Does rain rot lead to any other conditions?
Since the organism needs a warm, moist environment, it is likely that a secondary bacterial infection may become present. The most common secondary bacterial infections known are staphylococcus (staph), and streptococcus (strep). This is why it is very important to treat rain rot immediately, since any secondary bacterial infection may be even more resistant and difficult to treat.
How does rain rot spread?
The organism, dermatophilus congolensis, can be spread through sharing of equipment between horses. This includes saddle pads, blankets, leg wraps, brushes, halters, etc. It is extremely difficult to prevent the spread of rain rot, since a horse can pass it to another horse by simply rubbing it's skin on any object that the other horse may touch. The best prevention for rain rot is to use a disinfectant on any equipment shared between horses after each use.
When treating this condition, you must keep all equipment used on the horse disinfected, to be able to keep the organism from coming back. A good solution is 2 tablesthingys to 1 gallon of water of Chlorox. Do not use this solution on your horse, only on the equipment!
Where does rain rot appear?
Usually on the horse's back and rump, along with the back of the fetlock and front of the cannon bone. It may also appear on the tips of the horse's ears and around the eyes and muzzle. When rain rot appears on the lower limbs (behind the fetlock), it is most commonly referred to as "dew poisoning".
Are the scabs painful to the horse?
No, the scabs do not hurt the horse. The scabs have not been associated with an "itchy" feeling either. However, it may be painful while you are removing the scabs, so be very gentle and take your time. Many horses will be resistant to this.
How is rain rot treated?
Dermatophilus congolensis grows better with a lack of oxygen. Since the organism doesn't like oxygen, you'll have to eliminate a the heavy hair coat (if your horse's hair is long and thick), and remove any scabs that hold the organism to the horse's skin.
It is not a good idea to use ointments on rain rot, since they hold moisture to the skin (and moisture needs to be removed for the condition to cease).
The best treatment is to wash the horse with antimicrobial and antibacterial shampoos and rinses. These medications help to kill the dermatophilus congolensis organism. If Betadine, Phenol or Nolvasan is used, you should continue applying them once a day for one week.
THE TREATMENT:
1. Keep the horse in a dry, clean area that is very well ventilated. Give the horse protection against biting insects. Separate the horse from any others that also have rain rot.
2. Use an antimicrobal shampoo that lathers well. Vigorously lather the horse, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. Be sure to follow with a conditioner that works well. Continue this for daily for 1 week.
3. Remove all scabs that are present. This is usually painful for the horse, so be gentle! The best way I have seen to remove these scabs is to temporarily moisten them (so they become soft and easy to remove). Be sure to dry the horse immediately after scab removal.
4. The organism in the horse's skin must be killed. This can be done by using any of the products listed below.
SEVERE CASES ONLY: for severe cases, antibiotics may be used. These include potassium penicillin, procaine penicillin G, sodium ampicillin, streptomycin or gentamycin. Immune-boosting drugs may also be needed for the horse's immune system to fight off the organism and heal. If your horse has a severe case of rain rot, make an appointment with your veterinarian and discuss the antibiotics listed above.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 20, 2006 23:56:11 GMT -5
Ok Lori I gotta ask what you consider frigid there because I see what looks like green grass in the pics ;D Here in MN we woke up to 20 below saturday morning and that was mean temps NOT windchill!! there were windchills in the 60 below range in MN friday might and saturday morning, UGH! But you definately dont want to wash her unless its pretty decent weather so you dont stress her too much. Will you be able to wash her with warm water? Cold would probably be too much of a shock for her too, poor baby. Heres an idea for you if you cant wash her for a while. Ask your vet to mix some dexamethasone into a tub of furcin ointment. slather that on the scabby areas several times a day. I am not exactly sure what the dexamethasone adds but here we use it with great success on proud flesh and recently Dolly had that scratches fungus on her heels and it really clearedt hat up and took most of the swelling out ofher pasterns. Plus the furucin will soften those scabs up. Start with the plain furicin until you can get the dex mixture from your vet. She will get greasy and grimey from the furicin but getting those scabs off is the first step in healing her. Dyna did not have anywhere near that extent of rain rot and even with what she did have her poor back was warm to the touch. I bet that poor mares back is just on fire! How is she eating? I would keep grass hay in front of her at all times and slowly build up the senior feed. Add some empower for extra fat if you can get that too. I'll bet shes feeling better already just knowing that someone DOES care about her! Lisa Happe Hi Lisa, It has pretty much been around freezing or a few degrees above for about the past week. It should be getting back up into the 40's during the day soon. I just really feel that in her condition even with warm water that would be too cold. I started slowly trying to brush off some of the scabs today. She of course did not like it much even though I tried very hard to be extra gentle. I think I may just have to do a little at a time. It is bad. I thought I had a spray bottle to mix up some antibacterial solution but didn't so will pick that up tomorrow and at least spray a little section at a time as I start getting the scabs off. I guess we are not frigid compared to your weather!!!! We just thought it was cold.
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Post by wbmorgan on Feb 21, 2006 0:39:41 GMT -5
OMG, those pictures are heartbreaking Those people really need to be punished for this. (And I have some ideas as to how...) You're in a good place now, Sissy. Just hang in there, ol' girl.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 23, 2006 15:55:39 GMT -5
Hi Lori, Wow! The first pictures didn't show her condition at all! First, God Bless you for taking her in, she probably wouldn't of survived much longer!! I sure hope the people responsible have been reported, and that if they have other animals, they should be taken immediately!! I have never cared for a horse in this condition, so I know all the other posters have better info then I would, but I support you all the way and cannot wait to see updates on her! Did you say she has a track record? Do you know how she is bred? How old? Sorry for all the questions, it just amazes me how some horses end up! Good luck and take care! Jodie They had been reported, that is why she was placing/selling some. She does have a track record. I don't know much about TB pedigrees and don't have the info with me at this time.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 23, 2006 15:56:45 GMT -5
Wow there is a big difference between the first pics and these ones. The absolutely best thing I can recommend for the rainrot is Microtekk Spray. The mare that I rescued that was BALD from rainrot had tremendous results with the microtekk - within a week she was already growing her fur back and the scabs were clearing up. Even with as bad as the rainrot was my vet didn't put her on any antibiotics right away - said that she didn't want to overload the mare/baby so to just take babysteps with her care. Hi Lysh, I picked up the Microtek spray.... The vet recommended it as well. Thank you for the advice.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 23, 2006 15:58:28 GMT -5
That sad I'm glad you rescue her. Oh a good supplement for mare that are infoal is call mare & foal plus it is from TSC and it only cost $20. I have my mare on it and you can all realy tell the differnet in her. Thank you.... I will eventually get her onto a mare/foal grain or supplement. Right now we just have to take it slow until she is used to eating again. Right now just small amounts of hay and a few handfuls of senior feed.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 23, 2006 15:59:53 GMT -5
Yeah, I guess they really do show more than the first batch you posted! Poor thing! As for the way she acted when she was fed - not that I know that much about horses - considering the neglect she has obviously suffered, it wouldn't surprise me if she was merely being protective of her food. You probably know this, but smaller, more frequent meals would be the best way to go with her at first. Keep us posted on her progress. Thank you Carol for the great advice.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 23, 2006 16:01:22 GMT -5
OMG poor girl. Im glad you have her Lori. I know she will get lots of TLC. And she will let you in when she realizes your there to help her. Just the thought. Did you let the authorties there know you have her so they dont turn you in? Hey Jeanette, She had already been reported.
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Post by Bri on Feb 23, 2006 17:39:23 GMT -5
have you taken her to the vet? where did you find her?
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Post by RottyMom on Feb 23, 2006 20:00:05 GMT -5
OMG,Poor girl. If there are other horses there,they would be better off put to sleep than suffer like that. It lets you know,some people have no hearts. Whoever let her get that way thru their neglect,should be put out & have to live in the same conditions as she did & no food. What a good soul you are for rescueing her. Linda
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 23, 2006 22:23:05 GMT -5
have you taken her to the vet? where did you find her? Hi Bri, We have the vet schedule to come out. I actually got her from a private party. I heard about her from one of my childrens riding instructors. I drove 2 1/2-3 hours sight unseen to pick her up.
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Post by ~Lori~ on Feb 23, 2006 22:27:37 GMT -5
OMG,Poor girl. If there are other horses there,they would be better off put to sleep than suffer like that. It lets you know,some people have no hearts. Whoever let her get that way thru their neglect,should be put out & have to live in the same conditions as she did & no food. What a good soul you are for rescueing her. Linda Hi Linda, There were other horses there. From what I have been told she was already reported and that is why she is placing/selling some of her horses. Will keep my ears open as to what happens. Won't let anything bad happen.
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