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Post by happywithappy on Apr 27, 2010 14:02:12 GMT -8
Hi there,
Anyone have ideas for a gentle "rain rot" treatment. We've got a new pony that seems to have a bit of it going on...some meds sting so much, would like to try something different.
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Post by Sunny Acres Ranch on Apr 28, 2010 7:37:29 GMT -8
Hi, Rain rot is a bacterial infection that gets under the hair and affects the skin. In order to clear up the infection, you have to get the scabs off, so air can get to the infection and kill the bacteria. If the rain rot is pretty bad, your pony may not tolerate you picking the scabs off. If that is the case, you will have to bathe him with warm water and shampoo, and let the shampoo sit on the area for 5-10 minutes to loosen up the scabs. After rinsing him off, try to gently pull the scabs off. Once you have the scabs off, you can pour hydrogen peroxide over the area. This will help to disinfect the area and kill bacteria still on the skin. When I have used peroxide before, I have found that the horses are not burned by it, and are only mildly concerned about the bubbling. Be sure to rinse again after the peroxide has done its work. Once the skin is looking better, you can spray apple cider vinegar on the area to further inhibit any re-growth of the bacteria.
Be really careful NOT to share any grooming tools, saddle blankets, or anything else that touches the infected horses with your other horses. Rain rot can be carried from one horse to another on these items. Be sure to sterilize any grooming tools in bleach or hydrogen peroxide and let them dry before using them on another horse.
Another important step is nutrition. A boost of Vitamin C will help build his immune system to fight the infection more efficiently. A good chelated mineral/vitamin supplement is a necessity too. Hope this helps, and if you have any other questions, just holler!
Modified to add: Be sure to use only the 3% hydrogen peroxide you can buy over the counter at most stores. Anything stronger will burn.
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