Rain Scald

Hi Guys,

Wondering if you lot can help me with a dilemma.

Recently I came across a large number of horses with rain scald. I spoke to the owner, and they can not afford conventional treatments, so we are looking at other treatments that might help. The problem is, I have only ever had one horse with rain scald, and it was reasonably cheap and quick to fix. I think all up it cost me about $16 and it was almost gone within a week.

Because we are talking nearly 30 horses here, $16 each, although it doesn't sound like much, when you add it all up, it is out of her price range.

So, do you know of any natural, cost effective treatments? I may have the opportunity to treat these horses myself, but if I can't, then I need to be able to pass on this information to the owner so that she can treat them. I think I've also managed to convince her to cut down on her numbers, as it is slightly out of control and is costing her a fortune in upkeep.

Anyway, hope to hear from you all soon

Regards
Zanesgirl

PS. I hope it doesn't happen here, but please do not judge this person, start any personal attacks or anything. She is trying to do the right thing and is looking after these horses to the best of her ability. She's also not afraid to ask for help.

Are you talking about rain rot? (that's what we call it here) What we do is to gently curry them then to bathe them with antibacterial dish soap and then put an iodine solution (betadine) on them (you can mix the iodine in with the soap if you want.) rinse well and repeat about every other day until cleared up. I am a nurse, so I get the betadine for free, but you can buy a large bottle of it at the feed store (I believe) or any drug store. It is much cheaper than $16 a horse. More like $1 per horse.

Its probably rain rot over there, sorry about that.

I'll print your post out, if you don't mind, and send it to her. If I end up up there, i'll be able to take care of the horses or at least help her out.

Thanks for your help!

I use babybutt zinc oxide cream.. Works great.

I just use an antibacterial shampoo. This is the one I have. http://www.horse.com/Farnam/Grooming...poo-BKL70.html

I actually bath my horses with it at least 2 times a year. Once in the spring - gets rid of anything from the winter and once at the end of summer to get ready for winter.

No problem! It is very humid in Texas and rain rot happens eventually to most everyone. No judgement from me!