Hey guys! Once again, internet research hasnt done much and I am at a loss. So heres my problem. My dark skinned OTTB has rain rot. Or dandruff. Or SOMETHING. Honestly, Im not sure what it is. Ive had plenty experience with rain rot with my paint mare. It always looked the same; skin flakes with hair attached. All it took was gently removing the loose scabs, and diluted listerine. But my OTTBs skin funk varies. In general, it is tiny, tiny dark or white skin flakes. No hair loss. On his shoulders, neck and chest area. On his hip and croup, it appears to be actual rain rot. Larger skin flakes with hair loss. I have tried various things to treat it. Hes had it on and off since May. Never completely gone. The best thing Ive found to use is Eqyss products. Its fantastic, soothing to his skin, and has /almost/ cured it all. But it keeps COMING. We live in the south, and its typically humid, and weve been getting lots of rain lately. I know skin issues typically arise with dirty or damp skin, poor diet, and skin that has been compromised due to scrapes, bug bites, etc. . He gets a mixture of oats and safe choice original. Flies and gnats really irritate him IF he doesnt get sprayed with fly spray, which I do spray him with every time Im out there. He seems to be very loved by all biting bugs compared to my paint. In June, when he had an abscess and the vet came out, I also had her look at his skin flaking. She said it was just dandruff, and that some kind of conditioner would help. Obviously, were still having issues. This picture was taken yesterday. This is the first time that Ive seen this. On his hips and along where his girth is, he has these giant skin flakes. I dont know what to do anymore, and I want to get a vet out to check him. As for how he feels, hes completely fine, just infinitely hungry. Which is normal. No cracking, bleeding, swelling, itching, etc. . The only discomfort he has is sensitive skin where its flaking, so you need to use a soft brush with no pokey bristles. He has not been ridden since he has had skin flakes on his back and girth area. I know that would make him uncomfortable. His brushes get disinfected often. Ive made sure that his medicated baths havent made anything worse/Ive been letting his skin breathe, but it seems hes most comfortable and has less skin flakes when I bathe him once or twice a week. This horse is my baby, and I would do anything for him. Money is not an issue. I have anxiety issues and tend to worry about things to the extreme, so my family wants me to see what other horse people think before we call a vet. We all adore this horse and have no issues calling a vet out if we should. Please no rude comments.. he is very spoiled. Despite the summer heat, he has plenty of shade, lots of grass, plenty of food, and is kept clean and fly sprayed by me. Honestly, the horse is fine. Its the girl thats freaking out here. He acts as if everything is normal. I wanted to ask OTTB people because Ive had comments by a few horse people that say dark skinned thoroughbreds have crappy skin and feet and theres nothing you can do about it, even if you kept them in a bubble. I dont think I believe that, so Im asking fellow OTTB people. Any advice on what would help, opinions on general OTTB health, and whether or not we should get a vet out would be much appreciated. Sorry this post is so ridiculously long.. Thanks in advance guys.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 02:53:06 +0000
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