PG . 46
AQHA HORSE HEALTH
infections laminitis mudfever parasites and worms pneumonia poisonous plants rainscald skin problems waterborne illnesses such as leptospirosis weight loss wounds and injuries ( especially to the legs )
BITING INSECTS :
Biting insects flies and ticks all breed madly in wet weather and can be a real nuisance to us and our horses ! Causing skin irritation , sleeplessness and weight loss – and they can also carry viruses , infect wounds with worm larvae and cause allergies such as ‘ sweet itch ’, ‘ summer itch ’ and ‘ Queensland itch ’. Many midges like to feed on the neck and tail area , so the itchy horse rubs his neck and tail against fences and trees . Others feed on the chest or belly skin , causing ventral midline dermatitis - a crusty itchy lesion underneath the belly . If cattle have grazed in your horse paddock , then larval cattle ticks can also be a cause of acute dermatitis – especially around the horse ’ s face and lower legs . Although these larvae are so small we can ’ t see them , they are extremely irritating to horses and can lead to severe , self-inflicted skin damage as horse ’ s chew their skin to try and relieve the pain and itch . Biting flies can carry Habronema larvae from the horse ’ s manure , via the maggot to the adult fly which then allows the irritable larvae to enter the wound while the fly feeds from the raw surface . The resulting sores ( Summer Sores ) can be enormous and frequently confused with Swamp Cancers ( a distressing fungal growth caused by a soil organism called Pythium ). Pythiosis can cause rapidly growing , itchy , foul , oozing sores anywhere on the horse ’ s body . Although there are surgical and antibiotic options , if you have them seen promptly ( within 2 weeks of infection ) by your vet , immunotherapy via a vaccine can be really effective . There are many ways to keep insects at bay and your vet is the best person to advise on treatments for the skin . Insecticides , kill the insects after they ’ ve bitten your horse . Repellents however , discourage the insect from landing on your horse in the first place .
Keeping horses rugged all over , screening with fine-mesh netting , using fans to blow insects away ( horses quickly learn to turn towards the fan for relief ) and keeping horses indoors between dusk and dawn when insects are most active can all help prevent insect attack . Smoke from small smudge fires in drums next to horse stables or shelters will repel most biting insects – although this may not be a good idea if you have neighbours close by . There are also vaccines available for some of the nastier infections
Limiting breeding areas such as water poolings and wet soil aren ’ t that easy to do in times of flooding rains , but adding a small amount of bleach to water troughs can assist in reducing mosquito and other insect breeding habitats . Always read labels on products and check with your vet about tick treatments – some cattle treatments can kill horses and products containing amitraz are lethal to horses . Long-acting pyrethrins can be sprayed or sponged onto your horses – but again , discuss the products with your vets . By watching out for insect injuries and taking action at the first signs of trouble , chances are good that they will be cured without delay and your horse will be healthy and comfortable even when rain is persistent .
SKIN PROBLEMS :
Rainrot or rainscald produces distinctive gray / white scabs with tufts of matted hair on top and yellow-green pus underneath . Rainrot can be passed via contact and flies from horse to horse , and to people as well . Horses sharing paddocks with sheep or cattle often have a higher risk of rain scald and greasy heel , and horses with white socks are particularly susceptible as sunlight sensitivity of non-pigmented skin worsens the reaction . The first priority for treatment is to dry the hair and skin if the weather permits ! Benzoyl peroxide ( used for human acne ) and chlorhexidine are often used for treatment as staphylococcus (‘ Staphs ’) are commonly involved . Scabs that are loose enough can be gently removed , but it ’ s painful to tug tightly attached tufts – and the hair may not grow back the same . For stubborn heel infections , coconut oil , Vaseline and zinc oxide can help with the removal of the scabs and help repel moisture . Call your vet if the skin hasn ’ t cleared up within as the infection may become ‘ mixed ’ and stronger medication may be necessary .
HOOVES AND FEET :
Horse hooves absorb water quickly and soft soles are vulnerable to bruising and penetrating injuries . These wounds have the potential to be fatal if the coffin joint , navicular bursa or tendon sheath become infected . The best outcome requires early treatment . Ensuring paddocks and yards are free of fencing wire off-cuts , broken bottles , scrap tin , roofing nails etc is the best preparation for wet times . Under wet conditions , horses will pull their shoes , but often not completely and toe clips and nails become potential foreign bodies that can penetrate the sole . Removing shoes , regular checking of your horse ’ s feet and prompt vet and farrier attention for anything abnormal is good management and prevention during wet conditions .
Thrush , hoof cracks , white line disease and hoof abscesses are especially prevalent during wet weather . If possible , create a space that is clean and dry for horses to retreat to . Be aware of the signs of hoof problems , such as a strong unpleasant smell , discharge or acute lameness and seek immediate inspection by your vet or farrier if you sense something is not right . For all wounds ,
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