What to do about rain rot on your horse!
There are a ton of “skin funk” issues out there, and rain rot is just one of them! Most of us are familiar with rain rot (or rain scald), and we easily recognize it by the small scabby bumps on our horse’s backs.
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- It’s most common on the dorsal (top) side of your horse, and of course, it usually likes to hang out under the saddle. Your veterinarian needs to be involved to make a definitive diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
This shows the beginnings of rain rot – dispersed hair loss and flaky skin. Looks scaly.
Rain rot is a bacterial infection of your horse’s skin.
- Rain rot can actually be spread from horse to horse by way of bugs and flies or sharing grooming tools like brushes and blankets.
- It is still unknown by researchers if the rain rot bacteria is present in the soil. What we do know is that certain conditions come together to create an “outbreak” on the skin.
You can see a larger patch of hair missing here. This is right on the wither.
What rain rot looks like
- If you suspect rain rot, you will see the small scabby bumps combined with tufts of hair that seem to be somehow sprouting from the scabs.
- The hair often comes out, leaving a naked spot.
- More advanced cases will have open sores with visible pus.
- Luckily, it’s not itchy, which would only create more damage from rubbing. This can also help your Veterinarian diagnose a skin issue, so if you suspect a skin infection, look for signs of rubbing or itchiness.
This is an advanced case.
Rain rot happens year-round.
- The season is not a factor in the development of rain rot, but in the winter a longer hair coat can help to trap moisture and set the stage for rain rot. Summer is prime time also, as humid climates and insects play a role.
- Some horses are not painful, and MAY even clear up on their own. However, it’s always best to call your veterinarian and have him take a peek and hook you up with a special medicated shampoo to loosen the scabs and help to heal.
- If things go downhill and you see more scabby patches or the presence of pus, chances are your horse needs some serious medical intervention, including antibiotics.
Talk to your veterinarian.
- Avoid sharing grooming tools and brushes, and inspect daily for signs of healing (or worsening).
- Use a medicated shampoo.
- Don’t share blankets, and button up your insect control measures, as the infection can spread from horse to horse.
- If you are at a boarding facility, be sure to give the heads up to fellow owners about your horse so that they can step up their efforts, too.
Shapley’s M-T-G can help, be sure to read the directions!
Think long and hard about putting tack on your horse. Open sores + tack is a mighty good reason to cause some significant pain.
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These SilverSox are great for protecting the legs from rubs, help with scratches and mud fever, and provide some compression, too.
I can't stress this enough - this magic stick has prevented so many rubs from worsening, and is great for breaking in a new pair of riding boots or shoes.
The best shampoo for shine and soothing.
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Thank you!