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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Bumps / Nodules / Warts / Tumors » Hives, Wheals, and Urticaria in Horses »
  Discussion on Hives, Rain Rot, and Scratches
Author Message
Member:
Aewheele

Posted on Friday, Jul 14, 2006 - 11:36 am:

My horse seems to have them all. He has never had anything like this before, but he lives outside now (since May) and it has been ridiculously hot and humid lately with more then a few downpours. He does have a run-in shed, so he doesn't have to stand in the rain, but the heat is always with him. I have been assuming that all of his skin issues are related to the heat, and I haven't really treated any of them. The hives showed up about a week ago, the rain rot about the same time, and I only noticed the scratches yesterday. The situation is not improving and I am now wondering whether I should start taking more aggressive action. I did spray his scratches and rain rot with Bactine last night, and I cold hose him at least 3 times a week. I haven't shampooed him because I'm not sure whether that would just further irritate his skin. He doesn't seem uncomfortable when I groom him which is why I haven't felt the need to treat him more aggressively. There are a lot of posts on this site that deal with all of these issues. I have read many and will continue to peruse for useful information (like applying Bactine to Rain Rot - that suggestion came from this site). I guess I am wondering at this point whether I should really start worrying about the situation or not. Any suggestions are always appreciated. I think I'm going to get some Desitin for his scratches but I'm really winging the rest of it at this point. Thanks all.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Jul 17, 2006 - 6:48 am:

Hello Dede,
Most likely it is the dermatophillus that is causing the hives so I would treat for it and expect the hives to disappear. For more see, Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases » Hair and Coat Problems / Itching / Irritated Skin » Rain Rot and Rain Scald: Dermatophillus.
DrO
Member:
Aewheele

Posted on Monday, Jul 17, 2006 - 8:05 am:

Thanks Dr. O. I'll read that document and go from there. I love this site.
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