www.vetnpetdirect.com.au
|
11
The pus causes matted hair and hair loss that
tends to come out in tufts. The skin lesions
can also become crusty, swollen, hot and are
often sensitive or painful. It is typically seen in
places where water may sit or not drain easily
like the back, rump, head, neck and wither.
The appearance of rain scald is quite distinctive
and a veterinarian can usually diagnosis it just by
looking at it or if required (although not typical)
smears and swabs can be taken for confirmation.
Treatment of rain scald typically involves washing
the horse with an anti-bacterial wash, usually
containing iodine or chlorhexidine. The horse
needs to be washed daily for a week, then twice
a week until healed, allowing the wash to sit on
the coat for at least ten minutes before rinsing off.
If the infection is bad enough a veterinarian may
prescribe antibiotics.
To prevent rain scald it is essential to keep your
horse dry. Keeping them in stables or rugged
with a waterproof rug during rain periods is ideal.
Also ensure after exercise or when bathing that
the horse is able to thoroughly dry off.
Rain scald, sometimes referred to as rain rot
or mud fever, is a skin condition seen in horses
caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus
congolensis. For the rain scald bacteria to take
hold and cause an infection there needs to be
a break in the skin combined with moisture.
Prolonged periods of the horse's coat being
wet, either from rain or through daily washing/
exercise without thoroughly drying out,
combined with hot and humid weather are the
ideal conditions for the bacteria to thrive in.
The bacteria that causes rain scald can be
spread from an infected horse to another horse
through biting and non-biting insects. It can
also be spread by sharing brushes, rugs and
tack that have been used on an infected horse.
It can develop in any horse however it is more
common in younger or older horses or those
with a compromised immune system.
Rain scald develops when the bacteria enters
through a break in the skin, even a small cut,
scratch or bite. The bacteria causes infection
in the skin which then discharges a yellow-
greenish pus.
RAIN SCALD
