Feather Mite Scars.

[LindseyE]

Hi Guys. my poor hairy cob has severe scaring and lumps from feather mites. These were there when I purchased him. I have gone down all routes of oils, washing, creams etc - cant clip the little 'B'! My question is, can the scars be removed, the skin is not broken, but the thick folds are horrendous. I have vet booked to do Decomax injection, but have been looking at this and see that some have bad reaction and actually die!
I am really at my wits end with it all. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[SEL]

Dectomax is used regularly for feathered horses and even though it isn't licensed for use with horses it is safe. Ypu'll need 2 injections about 10 days apart. Obviously the vets can never guarantee anything, but reactions are incredibly rare. Don't get it muddled up with injectible ivermectin where there were a number of fatalities - but even that was a long time ago.

You can see my draft's thickened skin on x ray its so bad. He's better if I can get his feathers clipped off, but that requires full sedation and even then its a battle. You can't cure the thickened skin, but you can make sure it is moisturised and watch out for any cuts which could more easily get infected.

 

[deb_l222]

I've never heard of a horse having a bad reaction to Dectomax but ask yourself the question; what's worse for him, the constant, horrendous itching and sore skin or the almost zero chance of having a reaction to a proven jab?

As SEL has said, to treat effectively, you need two injections ten days apart and may even need more, depending on how severe the infection. Your vet will advise and won't overdose.

With regards to removing the thickened skin - this is impossible and your horse is probably stuck with the scars for life. They may become less swollen as the itching subsides but the skin will always be thickened.

Good luck, mites are a nightmare but they can be controlled.

 

[LindseyE]

Dectomax is used regularly for feathered horses and even though it isn't licensed for use with horses it is safe. Ypu'll need 2 injections about 10 days apart. Obviously the vets can never guarantee anything, but reactions are incredibly rare. Don't get it muddled up with injectible ivermectin where there were a number of fatalities - but even that was a long time ago.

You can see my draft's thickened skin on x ray its so bad. He's better if I can get his feathers clipped off, but that requires full sedation and even then its a battle. You can't cure the thickened skin, but you can make sure it is moisturised and watch out for any cuts which could more easily get infected.

Dectomax is used regularly for feathered horses and even though it isn't licensed for use with horses it is safe. Ypu'll need 2 injections about 10 days apart. Obviously the vets can never guarantee anything, but reactions are incredibly rare. Don't get it muddled up with injectible ivermectin where there were a number of fatalities - but even that was a long time ago.

You can see my draft's thickened skin on x ray its so bad. He's better if I can get his feathers clipped off, but that requires full sedation and even then its a battle. You can't cure the thickened skin, but you can make sure it is moisturised and watch out for any cuts which could more easily get infected.

Thank you, that has put my mind at rest. I do keep thickened skin moisturised and it isnt broken at all, just that the boney lumps and lines look really uncomfortable right there in the heel. Poor little thing. I agree with the clipping, I have same problem. Thanks again.

 

[LindseyE]

I've never heard of a horse having a bad reaction to Dectomax but ask yourself the question; what's worse for him, the constant, horrendous itching and sore skin or the almost zero chance of having a reaction to a proven jab?

As SEL has said, to treat effectively, you need two injections ten days apart and may even need more, depending on how severe the infection. Your vet will advise and won't overdose.

With regards to removing the thickened skin - this is impossible and your horse is probably stuck with the scars for life. They may become less swollen as the itching subsides but the skin will always be thickened.

Good luck, mites are a nightmare but they can be controlled.

Hi, thank you. They are really horrid little critters! The scars are awful! I will go ahead with the injection. Thanks again.