How horses get rain rot

When a horses skin remains wet for an extended period the outer layer becomes soft and compromised. The signs of rain rot are unmistakable.

When the skin is saturated or broken by bugs or cuts the bacteria can get in.

How horses get rain rot. Rain rot most often occurs when the skin has been compromised in some way. Compromise occurs during times of high humidity prolonged rainfall or increased exposure to biting insects. Horse owners should take steps to limit impact when these environmental conditions are present.

Prevention and Treatment of Rain Rot. Technically known as dermatophilosis rain rot is the most common skin disease in horses and is caused by a bacterium called Dermatophilus congolensis which lies dormant in horse skin. This bacterium combined with moisture and warmth on the horses coat create an environment in which rain rot can thrive.

When the horses skin becomes compromised by humidity high temperatures wetness or. The bacterial spores which produce rain rot penetrate a horses skin when it has experienced some trauma. Examples of this trauma are wounds scrapes or abrasions.

Insect bites and excess moisture on the horses skin can also allow the bacterial spores to penetrate its outer skin layers. Rain rot can develop in elderly horses or immunocompromised animals. Neglect can also lead to rain rot.

Malnourished horses arent healthy enough to fight off the bacterial infection. Prevention is Better than Cure. If your horses are turned out all the time give them a place to go where they can completely get out of the rain.

Typically rain rot is found on the body of the horse though it can spread all over the skins surface. Additionally rain rot is extremely contagious and can be passed from horse to horse. Horses who contract rain rot are usually subjected to wet conditions for long periods.

When a horses skin remains wet for an extended period the outer layer becomes soft and compromised. It can spread through contaminated equipment ie brushes blankets and shared tack and biting insects. Any horse can get rain rot but horses with.

The signs of rain rot are unmistakable. A few hours after coming in from the rain your horses coat begins to stand up in a peculiar pattern either bordered by the drip line of rain runoff or in patches. As you begin to smooth it down you feel a radiating heat.

If your horse develops crusty scabs that peel off with clumps of hair and leave bare spots on the skin then they have probably contracted rain rot. This condition is aptly named as it is caused by rain or moisture on the horses coat and is fairly common. It is also sometimes called rain scald.

Rain rot typically only affects a horses topside. The bacterial infection typically affects the top side of a horse the portion exposed to rain. This area includes the back rump withers and shoulders.

Its a myth that only horses stuck in the rain without a blanket will get this skin condition though this is the most common way. Rain rot does best in warm wet weather. When the skin is saturated or broken by bugs or cuts the bacteria can get in.

Simply pulling the scabs off or brushing your horse out does not treat the bacteria. Rain rot is a common skin condition in horses that is caused by moisture on a horses skin. Because of this it is the most common in areas that get a lot of rain or have very high humidity rates The condition can look rather serious but thankfully its fairly easy to treat.

Scientifically Dermatophilus congolensis is the bacteria that causes rain rot in horses. Typically it can be found on a horse with no ill consequences as it simply sits on. Bathe the horse to remove surface dirt and any loose scabs then rinse a solution of ½ oz.

Captan to 150 oz. Of water over the infected areas. Pour it on or apply with a sponge.

Scrape away the excess then let it dry on the coat. Some vets advise to just sprinkle the dry powder on the horse while still wet from the shampooing. How to Prevent Rain Rot in Horses.

First prevention is key. If your horse is living in a pasture setting and has a run-in shed but no enclosed stall he or she will get wet. Horses dont seem to mind the rain like people do so your horse is likely to stay out in the open under light rain.

Many horses seem to be the happiest. Rain rot comes from the bacterium dermatophilus congolensis. This bacteria is in a family called actinomycetes these little things act like both bacteria and fungi.

Horses naturally have these organisms on their skin. They lay dormant until rainy wet conditions cause it to flare-up. Rain Rot in Horses.

Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Practicing good hygiene and reducing environmental risk factors can help keep a horse from getting rain rot. When you bathe your animals take a few extra minutes to scrape the water off of them to help the skin dry. Insect bites can create wounds that open the skin up to spores causing rain rot.

Keep insect repellent on hand and spray your animals to prevent the tiny wounds that can lead to rain rot.