Dealing with summer sores!

 

Have you heard yourself say this before: “Now THAT wasn’t there yesterday!”. I say this a lot, as I’m often finding scrapes, dings, scratches, cuts, and the like on horses that I groom. Most of the time, it’s no big deal. Sometimes, it’s a huge deal if summer sores develop. Summer sores in horses can sometimes take a YEAR to heal, often sidelining your horse from activity.

 

**Warning – very gross photo of an open summer sore on a sheath at the bottom of this article **

 

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Summer sores (aka Habronemiasis) happen when worms begin to live in a cut or soft tissue on your horse. Yup, worms. Here are the details if you can take it:

 

  • There’s a species of horse stomach worm, the Habronema, that pass their larvae in your horse’s manure. Flies then eat the larvae.

 

  • When the infected flies then land on your horse’s cut, scrape, mucous membrane, eye area, genital area, anal area, lip, etc.

 

  • The worms then begin to cause a huge inflammatory response within your horse, resulting in a HUGE wound, often within a couple of days.

 

  • Summer sores can occur inside the sheath, udders, under the tail, and even around the eyes. Sometimes they happen without a cut or initial incident.

 

summer sore in the corner of a horse mouth

This healing summer sore prevents a bit from being used. You can use a hackamore, bosal, or another bitless bridle so the wound has time to heal.

 

Veterinary intervention is critical.

 

  • Summer sores often resemble other types of horse lesions, from cancers to proud flesh to fungal infections to bacterial infections.

 

  • Your veterinarian may need to take a tissue sample for laboratory analysis, which will then determine what types of medications are necessary.

 

  • If your horse’s lesion is a summer sore, you will also need to give deworming medications, usually in conjunction with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

 

  • Sometimes, the deworming medications are given internally, as well as directly on a summer sore.

 

Work on controlling internal and external parasites.

 

  • Regular fecal testing and deworming are critical for all horses in the area. If your horse and the other horses at the barn have fewer internal parasites, there’s a decreased chance of summer sores.

 

  • But this is hard if you live next to other farms that may not be so current on this. You also need to attack the flies at all stages of their life cycle. Not only will everyone on the farm be happy to have fewer flies, but you will also reduce the chance of the Habronema worm infecting your horse.

 

vet wrap in blue

Cover those scrapes and cuts so flies can’t get in!

 

Create a barrier between cuts and scrapes if it’s appropriate.

 

  • Wrapping or covering wounds may be beneficial to prevent the flies from depositing the worm larvae. Consult with your veterinarian about this as soon as you find a new scrape to determine if covering it is best.

 

  • Using leg wraps and other bandages is also a good idea.

 

white hoof standing in grass with a sock on

Sox for Horses makes a spiffy sock that helps heal ALL sorts of things – and creates a barrier. No flies, no mud, all healing.

 

 

** Keep scrolling if you want to see the open sore **

 

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Stock up here for your horse supplies! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but it’s ZERO extra cents to you.  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

 

Silver Whinnys from Sox For Horses!

Skin protection that can get wet. Use code PEG20 for savings on the Silver Whinnys.

Whinny Wellies from Sox For Horses

Tough, weather-resistant covering for wraps and bandaging.

Silver Bells - Sox For Horses

For hoof protection when equine pastern dermatitis is a risk.

iProven Pet Thermometer for Accurate Fever Detection
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Every horse owner needs a digital thermometer for fast and accurate vital signs

11/08/2024 03:58 am GMT
Horse Measuring Tape
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Use coupon code 15PROEQUINE to save!

The Essential Hoof Book: The Complete Modern Guide to Horse Feet BOOK
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If hooves are your jam, this book is for you. 

11/07/2024 11:22 pm GMT
A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
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For bits, sores, dry patches, cracked skin, and more. Great for your horse's first aid kit!

11/08/2024 02:03 am GMT
Magic Cushion Hoof Packing 4LBS
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The gold standard for stinging hooves and anytime you need to pack the hooves.

11/07/2024 11:27 pm GMT
EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Hoof Boot
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Support and softness for laminitis and other painful hoof conditions.

11/07/2024 11:28 pm GMT
Johnson & Johnson B07J56J4HG Elastikon Elastic Tape, 4" x 5 Yards, Pack of 6
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This medical tape will quite literally hold your life together, it's that amazing.

11/08/2024 04:57 am GMT
Finish Line Horse Products Fura Free Gel (1 lb)
$18.93

This salve is an alternative to Fura-Zone!

11/08/2024 03:59 am GMT
Cavallo Horse & Rider Sport Regular Sole Hoof Boot
$169.85 $149.51

These boots are my favorite for wrapping hooves with poultice or clay and a diaper. No more duct tape boots! You can also use inserts with these for more squish.

11/07/2024 11:13 pm GMT
Silver Whinnys from Sox For Horses!

Skin protection that can get wet. Use code PEG20 for savings on the Silver Whinnys.

Whinny Wellies from Sox For Horses

Tough, weather-resistant covering for wraps and bandaging.

11/08/2024 12:48 am GMT

 

Thank you!

**Yucky photo below**

 

 

summer sore on sheath

This summer sore on the inside of the sheath shows how large the sores can be. This horse is now feeling much better after some great care.

 

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