This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin » Rain Rot and Rain Scald: Dermatophilus »
  Discussion on Rain Rot
Author Message
Member:
dsibley

Posted on Monday, Dec 20, 2010 - 11:38 pm:

Happy Holidays, everyone! Dr. O, I have read your articles and the discussions on rain rot. Could you clear up a couple of questions for me? One of the horses boarded at our barn was stalled at a trainer's facility last summer and apparently his stall was very damp. He developed some minor scabbing at first, but the owner didn't realize he had developed the purulent scabbing on the ventral line until it had become very advanced. She was able to give him a couple of good iodine baths before the weather turned extremely cold, and has been treating him daily according to the vet's recommendation.
No other horses at our barn have shown signs of the condition. The owner of another horse, who is being treated for EPM, is very concerned about her horse contracting the disease. The two are never in close proximity (they fight over the fence). My questions are:
1. Rain rot is, according to your articles, caused by a bacteria. Our vet referred to it as a fungus, and treatment consists of topical anti-fungals. If it is a bacteria, would antibiotics help?
2. The affected horse is turned out in a run during the day. As we were not aware that he had the condition (it was not apparent as it was on his belly), other horses have used that run, including my pregnant mare, and her foal from this year, all without any problems. Does the cold kill the bacteria (fungus?) outside, keeping other animals from contracting the disease? No other horse uses his stall, but how long should I worry about cross-contamination?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Dec 23, 2010 - 6:17 pm:

Hello Dieliz,
As to the biological classification of Dermatophilus:
Kingdom: Bacteria
Phylum: Actinobacterias
Class: Actinobacterias
Order: Actinomycetales
Family: Dermatophilaceae
Genus: Dermatophilus
Species: D. congolensis

Taking your questions in order:
1) The article discusses the use of antibiotics for treating dermatophilus.
2) Yes the bacteria will survive the cold so cross contamination is possible.
DrO
Member:
dsibley

Posted on Friday, Dec 24, 2010 - 7:44 am:

Thank you for the clarification. Should the affected horse be totally isolated? The pasture he was in before anyone was aware he was affected (lesions were totally on his ventral side) is now contaminated as well? His pasture buddy has been with him since early this summer and has no signs of being infected.
Member:
dsibley

Posted on Friday, Dec 24, 2010 - 1:41 pm:

Oh, and thank you for this great website, Dr. O! I have learned so much...especially that I know so little! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Dec 25, 2010 - 11:11 am:

dieliz, I don't isolate but take the precautions recommended in the article.
DrO
Member:
lara

Posted on Saturday, Dec 25, 2010 - 4:28 pm:

deiliz
Try the product called "Today" from tractor supply or southern states. It is for cow mastitis (antibiotic) and works WONDERS. If you do a search here on HA you will see some of us use it.
There are 2 products = Today. and the other is called Tomorrow. lol.
I have used both on a paint I leased that had scratches. It worked great, I just rubbed it on and then 3 days later he cleared up. I didnt 'pick' the scabs off, if I recall, I just rubbed it in vigarously and BOOM 3 days later they fell off.
It really worked great for him.
HTH
leslie
Member:
dsibley

Posted on Sunday, Dec 26, 2010 - 4:01 pm:

OK, Dr. O, I'll review the article again. That is some nasty stuff and I want to try to keep others from getting it.
Thanks, Leslie. I'll recommend that to the owner. It's worth a try!
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC