Rain Rot Treatment?

I searched for the topic but couldn't find anything, despite KNOWING I read it somewhere.... so sorry to be redundant!

I called my mom and she grew up having horses in AZ and now has horses in CO, neither of which we have ever really experienced rain rot, so she had no idea what to do really... soooo... how can I help my Bali boy with his rain rot? I found it today, picked off all the scabs I found... now what? Do I need to put an antiseptic on it or something?

Thanks!!

Most folks I know use betadine (iodine). You don't want to put anything like a cream that prevents air from getting to it.

And you HAVE to do this to make it better, or can it clear on its own?

BaliDoll,
I would first make sure that you are dealing with Rain Rot, caused by a bacteria, and not Ring Worm, caused by a fungus. There are good descriptions of both at www.TheHorse.com. It makes a difference as to how contagious it is, and how you treat it if it gets worse. Both microbes are common in the soil in many areas. Yes, you need to treat this, so that it doesn't get worse, and so that it doesn't infect other horses.

Iodine is a good general anti-microbial. Microtek is also a good shampoo with anti-microbial properties. I like and use the microtek; it's a little easier on the skin, and it won't stain you and your shoes. You need to leave both products on for 10 minutes, or so, to kill the microbes. Hopefully you have access to a heated wash room and warm water.

Because this happened after a move, it suggests that the horse is stressed by the move, and may have a compromised immune system. Remember, these are common microbes, and he is suddenly suseptable to them.

If the horse is blanketed, you will need to to wash the blanket in anti-microbial wash (maybe twice) and keep the blanket off of him the longest time possible each day. Wash all brushes, and don't share burshes between horses.

Generally, you have to treat it or it won't go away; in fact, it can get worse depending on the horse's immune system and overall health. Rain rot, mud fever, dew rot, etc. is a bacterial infection of the skin.

Treatments include: MTG, which stinks to high heaven but is very effective (every day pull off new scabs and apply); EquiDerm, which also is recommended for this and other skin problems;
I highly recommend Equiderma (diff. From EquiDerm) by Telesis; I have a friend who got one of those "free horses that cost a fortune," the mare's an older horse who was sorely neglected and is now in the hands of an animal angel; Libby gets horrible rain rot, and the Equiderma works wonders. I've added the link:

Welcome to Telesis Pet - Home of Equiderma Pet Products

What is most critical is that you treat the horse twice a day, every day, til the scungilious stuff is gone; otherwise, you're swimming uphill.

Best of luck!! Happy trails, Renee

EPMHorse- Even though he moved her 4 months ago, you think it could be from his move? I'll get that microtek shampoo, sounds good. It's definitely rain rot... but thanks for the help in identifying which it is! :)

BaliDoll,
The move is not a place to lay blame, more of a checklist of what could have led to the infection. Is he adjusting well, has a friend in the herd, likes the food, gets enough hay? Is he brushed as often to clear dirt from the skin? Continued stress can affect many body systems. If he is not adjusting well, what can you do to help him? It could also be a much more humid environment, which he has to get used to. These are questions to ask to prevent it from happening again.

Regardless of the product used, continue washing until after it is gone. I'd start with two baths the first week, and one per week after. If you shampoo the skin too often, it will dry out and leave him more susceptible to another infection.

Alright. His friend in the herd keeps moving to different pastures (no idea why) which leaves him with two mares who give him guff, so I am sure he has felt stressed the last few weeks. Plus, due to holiday nonsense I haven't been out as much to see him.
If I had body clipped him would that have helped? He came from CO (as you probably read) and has A LOT of fur for a CA winter. He is beginning to shed a little now, but a lot of things I have read about RR say that his coat being so thick could have had something to do with it. It certainly is more humid here, colorado is wet but VERY dry compared to Malibu...

I had to treat my first bout of rain rot last October. Very stubborn stuff. Someone on this forum suggested tea trea oil. It worked great. I'd put it on the scabs to soften them, pick them off, wash him good with an iodine shampoo or Microtek shampoo, let him air dry completely and then rub more tea trea oil to work as a preventive. Tea trea oil can be found in your local pharmacy for about $10. I wish I knew who suggested it so I could thank them.

My mare had rain rot years ago, and it took me 3 iodine baths to get rid of it. I just got the area wet, poured some iodine shampoo in my hand, scrubbed said spot, let it sit there for a few minutes, and rinse. Repeat every day until gone. You could see every day how it started to get smaller and smaller. BUT you have to keep washing until ALL of the rain rot is gone.