What to do about Greasy Heel

Had a few requests for info on Greasy Heel as well due to our bad weather. So here it is :

GREASY HEEL is caused by the same bacteria as Rain Scald. As most horse owners know a horse with white socks is more prone to developing chronic greasy heal.

The bacteria burrow into the skin which causes a greasy discharge which mats the hair. The inflamed skin dries out, cracks and can cause discomfort and even lameness.

In horses with white socks the skin reaction is usually more severe due to the lack of pigment and subsequent exposure to UV light. 

Click link below to download
fact sheet

WHAT CAN YOU DO

• Gently scrub off the grease and scabs with a warm solution of a mild soap eg. Sunlight Soap using a soft brush. You must do a thorough job. Pat dry and apply a weak iodine solution such as Betadine twice daily until any broken skin is healed.

• Each morning apply a thin coating of Zinc Cream. It will protect from the sun and repel moisture.

• Another solution is to smother the area in a mix of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) mixed with 1/3rd Filtabac - the antibacterial sunscreen available from vets and saddleries. This softens the scabs overnight allowing you to gently rub them off. Then cover the area with Filtabac to heal and protect the skin.

• If possible keep the horse in a dry area away from mud. If a severe case occurs contact your vet as you may need more powerful treatment.


Click here to download Greasy Heel Fact Sheet http://issuu.com/goldcoasthorse/docs/1_greasy_heel/1

What To Do About Rain Scald

Today we are talking about the condition known as Rain Scald as we have had quite a lot of rain in our area recently and I suspect some horses may be suffering from it by now.

RAIN SCALD   is caused by a naturally occurring skin bacteria that grows out of control.

The bacteria (Dermatophilus) flourishes in moist damp conditions which can occur quite often on The Gold Coast and in other regions of high rain fall. The growth of the bacteria causes a waxy crust to develop on the skin which mats the hairs together and patches of it can fall out leaving pink damaged skin underneath. It usually occurs on the head and neck, back and rump but can also be found in other places. There is usually no itchiness or  secondary infection, but in some cases there may be. Further complications can occur if secondary infection is present so in this case it would be best to contact your vet for advice on treatment.

Click link below to download
this Fact Sheet

WHAT CAN YOU DO

• Clean off the flaky skin and hair thoroughly and then bathe the area in an

Iodine solution such as Betadine. You may need to do this for several days for the condition to clear up, but don’t worry the hair will grow back.

• Try and keep the horse dry as the condition flourishes in damp conditions, so horses left in wet muddy paddocks and especially in wet rugs, during spring

and summer rains are most at risk.

• You may need to contact your vet if it has a severe condition or if there is swelling involved. Sometimes it may be difficult to ascertain whether the condition is Rain Scald or Queensland Itch as the two conditions are difficult to tell apart. Rain Scald does not usually cause itching but contact your vet if you are unsure as the correct treatment is imperative.

Rain Scald Fact Sheet -http://issuu.com/goldcoasthorse/docs/2_rain_scald