How to Treat Rain Rot or Scald in Horses

Rain Rot or Rain Scald is a fungus that forms between the skin and hair of an animal, usually a horse. It is common in areas where the weather stays wet or damp. It can happen in any season and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent a secondary infection.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brush
• Listerine
• MTG
• Blanket

1. First, if you live in a damp area where your horse must stay outside, if at all possible, put a waterproof blanket on your horse when it is raining. If not, make sure you brush your horse every other day or so. This along with a bath can help prevent the fungus from forming. When bathing your horse, use an iodine based shampoo.

2. Second, if they develop hard bumps under the hair, this is probably rain rot. You should not ride your horse if it is where the saddle will fit until it is completely healed.

3. Third, try to move your horse into a dry area when you are treating him. A stall is great. If not, you should still continue to treat him it just may take a little longer.

4. Fourth, start by brushing your horse. Use a soft bristle brush because it can be painful for the horse if there is a lot of fungus. Brush in the opposite direction of the hair growth to loosen up the scabs.

5. Fifth, mix 1/2 of Listerine mouth wash with 1/2 water in a spray bottle. Brush and spray the horse with the mixture for a couple of days until the fungus begins to let go and die.

6. Sixth, get some MTG(Mane Tail Groom), this product contains sulfur which will help kill the fungus and allow the hair and skin to be more healthy. Follow the directions on the bottle. Be sure to wash your hands after handling this product, it smells bad. If possible, use gloves.

7. Finally, keep repeating this process until the fungus is gone. At this time, use a curry comb to brush out the hard scabs that will remain in the horses hair. Give him a bath if it is warm enough, and put a blanket on to prevent moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Bathe your horses with iodine shampoo
• Use Listerine
• Use MTG
• If there is a secondary infection, you will need to call your veterinarian for medicine.

Resources

• Cool Running Ranch

[sallyemaycreate]

on 11/6/2009 Interesting information about treating rain rot in horses. I learn so much from this site! Thanks for sharing your article... 5*

[jaredbangerter]

on 11/5/2009 Great article! :] 5* and rec.