Help Needed - Creosote on horse!

Kirstie1977

Kirstie1977

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Does anyone know a good way of removing creosote from horse's mane and body? My filly has taken to rubbing on the fence and is plastered, so much so that it's looking like the creo in her mane will need to be cut out. The fencing is new and with the sunshine the creosote is leeching to the surface. Any suggestions would be great.

Many Thanks
 
Eucalyptus oil is good for removing it from clothing but I've no idea if it is safe to use on animals.

I'm guessing it would be fine in her mane as you can make sure it doesn't come into contact with her skin & rinse it out well.

I really sympathise - my grey mare does the same thing but usually only when she's moulting so at least the affected bits are on the way out!
 
Creosote is oil based so you need to wash the horse in a good shampoo and rinse well, to help disperse the oil. You may be left with a stain and slight smell after but hopefully this will go after a couple of baths. Other solvents will remove creosote but not recommended for use on horses!
 
So did I - as far as I know, it's a known carcinogen. :(

There is a product called "Creolin" though, that's available in North America and seems very similar to creosote, right down to the packaging it comes in, although presumably less toxic. I've semi-successfully washed it off with "grease cutting" dish soap (washing up liquid to you people ;) ) and that mechanics' hand creme soap, specifically the citrus brand, whatever it's called here. Another option, if it's not dried yet, is to start by putting a bit of clay stable powder on it to sop up the excess grease before you start washing.
 
I'd give swarfega a go too - failing that, I've managed to get most gunky things out of my mare's coat using some oily leather dressing :D Rub it in well, then shampoo to get that off :p

(for future reference - effax can get dried on tree sap off!)
 
Thank you for your ideas.

Having tried all manner of horse shampoo's, fairy liquid etc it is still there. It isn't just staining as the mane is loaded with creosote. I have covered it in showsheen in a hope that it might cut though it. I will be trying Swarfega this evening - might end up with a green horse then!

You can still buy creosote and use it as a professional.... A bizarre H&S idea.
 
Cool - I will try the leather dressing this evening before the Swarfega and then a shampoo. If that fails I will prise it out - just a shame as her mane is quite thin and I need to be able to plait her!
 
Cooking oil & sugar -rub it through the creosoted bits and then wash off with more sugar in fairy liquid.

Works for creosote on dogs.
 
Creosote is banned except for certain professional uses. If you have new fencing that is creosoted ,in the UK I would be amazed.:eek::eek:(Thats me looking amazed). What it probably is ,is resin from the timber. All the timber I am sending to be pressure treated(Brown to look like creosote:D)is at present oozing droplets of sap. This is harmless but a bit difficult to wash off with soapy water. If it really were creosote I would say remove the horse immediately because,it is not only carcinogenic, but more importantly ,seriously burns the skin.
 
All the new fencing I have has been pressure creo'd. The large breeding/racing company I work for has new fencing going up all year round and the wood is all pressure creo'd. We buy in creo for the fencing to be painted with every year. There are millions of pounds worth of stock turned out in these paddocks and they are fine. I've never yet seen any burns on the stock from being in contact with the fencing.

I personally feel that as long as you are sensible and take the neccesary precautions when using creo it's not a problem. I would not recommend bathing in it or drinking it! As for washing if off the horse immediatly - if I knew how to get it off then I would and wouldn't have need to post in the first place!!!
 
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