Advice on feathers and feather mites please

[MyMojoRising]

Hello I'm new here and need some advice please. My horse is very hairy and feathery and has feather mites. Vet has advised using Frontline spray which I have got. The problem I'm having is applying it well enough to kill them off because of his hair. I really do not want to take his feathers off. Hes currently turned out however the type of land he is on which is slightly hilly and clay based soiled means that in parts (i.e. the gateway) its thick glue like mud. I feel his feathers have been great protection for keeping mud rash at bay (they tend to be much drier and less muddy on the inside nearest his skin) and really dont want to take this natural protection away from him. Does anyone have any tips for applying it well enough to the skin? And how far up his legs would I need to go? Hes also suffering from dry skin at the back of his knees, its not sore or split but is scabby. Im using aqueous cream to soften and remove the scabs. They've never been sore or infected or anything like that. Would the feather mites have anything to do with this condition at all? I've been told its mallenders. As I say its never been open sores, bleeding or pus filled its just been very dry and lumpy. Just wondered if the two conditions could be linked in any way and what the best form of treatment is. Thanks in advance.

 

[Izzwizz]

My friend's horse had the mallenders and she used Aloe Vera wash soap stuff, dried and applied Aloe Vera jelly, it took about a month or so but it all cleared up and hasn't returned. It used to make him quite sore but not so now. As for the mites, ask your Vet about an injection called Dectomax, thats supposed to be good.

Failing that Im afraid you will probably have to clip off the feathers to get to the root of it. Ask your Vet if Deosect shampoo is any good for mites? I know it does fleas and lice, it may help with mites too.