Just want to scream! :(

[Equine_Dream]

I really do feel like curling up in a ball and screaming. I just don't know what to do and I'm actually starting to get really frightened
I don't know if anyone will remember a few weeks ago I posted about my mare coming out in scabby bumps all over her body. Vet gave her some antibiotics and malaseb shampoo and she seemed to be on the mend.
However within a few days of her coming off the antibiotics it came back worse than ever. Vet came back out and took skin samples. It was diagnosed as rainscald. Gave me more malaseb shampoo to bath her in. Got a bit better then got worse again. Another call from vet who is adamant it was a case of rainscold and gave a 10 day course of norodine oral antibiotics. She got a bit better then as you've guessed just got worse after antibiotics had finished again.
This has gone on for nearly 2 months. I can't ride her. It's cost me £500 in vets bills so far and worst of all my poor girl is suffering and it's killing me.
I've got a different vet coming Tuesday as I just feel I'm getting no where with my vets. I feel I am getting fobbed off with "we can try X and see how it goes" and I get the impression they really don't know what they are dealing with. They keep saying things like "ooh in really bad cases we can treat with X" I say great do that then only for them to say "oh but that's only in bad cases let's try this first and wait and see". Well no offence but we've waited and all I've "seen" is my poor girl unhappy and uncomfortable! I'm sorry for the rant but I've come to the end of my rope. We're picking our new lorry up tomorrow and I'm not even excited. She's stuck in her stable and there's nothing I can do to make her better. I'd rather it were me covered in these horrible lumps

 

[Princess16]

No advice as I've never had that prob with mine but I agree a different vet would be the best way to go. Let us know how she gets on poor mite.

 

[Equine_Dream]

Here's a picture just in case anyone else has any suggestions.

 

[Michen]

Blimey you poor thing and poor mare. Where are you and what kind of practice are you using? I'd be tempted to transport her or something to the best vet you can find who can actually think outside the box. What a nightmare, so sorry not to have any more suggestions.

 

[Red-1]

If your gut is telling you the current treatment protocol is not working then I think it is time to ask for a referral to a Vet Hospital where there is an expert in dermatology.

If it helps we had a work horse who had a similar rash, it was persistent, it had scabs that wept, it had oedema, it made him poorly. We tried Malaseb, antibiotics, Piriton, all with inconclusive results. We tried an exclusion diet as Piriton dd seem to help, so we thought it may be an allergy. At one point he was kept inside, on rubber mats only that were swooshed out with pure water daily, and eating nothing but Alf Alfa.

Finally, after he also got cellulitis, he was referred for more tests of a higher level (and, sadly, expense). It turned out he WAS allergic to a good few things, from Alf Alfa (!!!) to birch pollen, to some strange pollen that is only found in America (???) to the fungus that grows in the deepest corners of a shavings bed.

From what I recall he had blood taken, it was then altered somehow (sorry for lack of technical info - it was 20 odd years ago) and we had it back to inject back into him at 4 weekly intervals for a few months. The outcome? Complete "cure." No further issues. He led a long hard working life, and retired happily into his twenties, still lightly ridden no return of rash.

To me, it was worth being referred to specialist experts. Most vets are the equivalent to GPs, and a referral will take you to another level of expert.

As an aside though, I do wonder if it was an age/stress thing also, as he was 4 years old, and starting a stressful job. I do wonder if he would have simply grown out of it in the end? He did very well in his work, but changing home and routine is a stressful time.

 

[Remi'sMum]

If it were me and mine, after this length of time and 'waiting and seeing' I'd be requesting (demanding?!) a referral to a dermatology specialist.

Fingers crossed you get answers soon x

 

[Equine_Dream]

I'm in south Wales. The vets that are coming Tuesday have an excellent reputation. Everyone I've spoken to can't speak highly enough of how good they are. Also they specialise in equine and agricultural animals rather than a general vets. If I had known about them sooner I would have gone straight to them but wasn't aware about them until a friend recommended them

 

[YorksG]

I too would look at the possibility of an allergic reaction. If he is having any afalfa, stop feeding it, we have had a few who coudn't tolerate it and itchy lumps can be part of the reaction.

 

[Red-1]

I'm in south Wales. The vets that are coming Tuesday have an excellent reputation. Everyone I've spoken to can't speak highly enough of how good they are. Also they specialise in equine and agricultural animals rather than a general vets. If I had known about them sooner I would have gone straight to them but wasn't aware about them until a friend recommended them

I am talking about a dermatology expert, rather than an "equine vet."

When my mare had a small growth on her eye my current vet was an expert equine vet, based at a specialist equine hospital, with an excellent reputation. He was, however not a cancer expert, or an eye expert. For that we had to have a vet from Edinburgh!

There will be a dermatology expert, but it may indeed be that he/she is based in Edinburgh, or Newmarket, or Liverpool.

I believe "Spotty's" expert was in fact from France, which is where his blood was sent to!!! I think the English Vet hospital took samples and contacted him for advice.

 

[Equine_Dream]

Someone suggested buttercups? There were a few in her paddock. She's been in for nearly a week now and no change. However I've been thinking it seems more of a reaction type rash. I would have thought my vets would have taken bloods bit there was no mention of it from them.

 

[merlin100]

Ouch, that looks sore. Poor soul.

 

[Equine_Dream]

I am talking about a dermatology expert, rather than an "equine vet."

When my mare had a small growth on her eye my current vet was an expert equine vet, based at a specialist equine hospital, with an excellent reputation. He was, however not a cancer expert, or an eye expert. For that we had to have a vet from Edinburgh!

There will be a dermatology expert, but it may indeed be that he/she is based in Edinburgh, or Newmarket, or Liverpool.

I believe "Spotty's" expert was in fact from France, which is where his blood was sent to!!! I think the English Vet hospital took samples and contacted him for advice.

Sorry red I should have quoted. My reply above was directed at Michen. I didn't see your reply until after I posted i agree an expert in dermatology may be the way to go. I will speak to the new vets on Tuesday. From what I've heard they will be more than happy to listen

 

[Equine_Dream]

...

 

[Goldenstar]

If it were me and mine, after this length of time and 'waiting and seeing' I'd be requesting (demanding?!) a referral to a dermatology specialist.

Fingers crossed you get answers soon x

Me too
Has she been properly weighted to make sure the antibiotic dose is enough to cover her ?
And has she had a skin scrape if not I think the vet is has not been taking this at a seriously enough.

 

[Equine_Dream]

Me too
Has she been properly weighted to make sure the antibiotic dose is enough to cover her ?
And has she had a skin scrape if not I think the vet is has not been taking this at a seriously enough.

No she hasn't been weighted. They did take a skin scrape. However I would have thought bloods should have been checked also

 

[Aspire]

Had this with one of mine. Awful. Allergic reaction. She had a couple of steroid injections which helped. Ultimately allergy tested. Alfalfa and soya were the culprits.

 

[Equine_Dream]

Had this with one of mine. Awful. Allergic reaction. She had a couple of steroid injections which helped. Ultimately allergy tested. Alfalfa and soya were the culprits.

I feed her molichaff show shine and since her being run down some C&C for moisture. Any thoughts?

 

[benz]

I read your first post but didn't comment as didn't think I would be helpful, but the first thing I thought was have they given a steroid injection? I've had horses and dogs come out in hives like this and steroids have cleared it up within days. Obviously it may be something completely different, but just a thought. Hope the new vets figure it out ASAP.

 

[Equine_Dream]

I read your first post but didn't comment as didn't think I would be helpful, but the first thing I thought was have they given a steroid injection? I've had horses and dogs come out in hives like this and steroids have cleared it up within days. Obviously it may be something completely different, but just a thought. Hope the new vets figure it out ASAP.

Thank God someone finally said what I have been thinking!!! No steroids whatsoever. My completely non horsey mum even suggested steroids to help. I mentioned it and it got poo pooed as it "wouldn't help with rainscald". By the way have I mentioned she wasn't even out in any rain when this first appeared. Face - desk

 

[Red-1]

I feed her molichaff show shine and since her being run down some C&C for moisture. Any thoughts?

I would take her off anything with molasses in, and the chaff you mention also has "Cherry Flavouring" which I have no idea will actually contain, plus you have added soya oil, and molasses.

Personally, while she is out of work I would feed on hay only, with Readi grass (just dried grass) if you need to give something in a bucket. This is unless she is underweight?

I know when Jay was off and went barefoot I managed to obtain some organic hay, which might also be worth considering. Some dried grass based feeds are also organic, so maybe look into that?

Once a system is triggered it is best to go back to basics to calm it down, then add stuff back one at a time to see if it re-triggers, and what caused it.

 

[Equine_Dream]

I would take her off anything with molasses in, and the chaff you mention also has "Cherry Flavouring" which I have no idea will actually contain, plus you have added soya oil, and molasses.

Personally, while she is out of work I would feed on hay only, with Readi grass (just dried grass) if you need to give something in a bucket. This is unless she is underweight?

I know when Jay was off and went barefoot I managed to obtain some organic hay, which might also be worth considering. Some dried grass based feeds are also organic, so maybe look into that?

Once a system is triggered it is best to go back to basics to calm it down, then add stuff back one at a time to see if it re-triggers, and what caused it.

Thank you for the advice. I usually don't give hard feed this time of year. She is a Welsh sec D and a good dooer. Unfortunately because of having to get antibiotics into her I've had to continue hard feed. The cow bag now expects it which is a pain as my YO has to endure the door banging in protest I will take her off hard feed for a while though I think. See if it helps. My YO will have to get some ear plugs haha

 

[Beausmate]

Interesting re. the shavings fungus. My horse came out in oozing, scabby lumps that itched and left small bald patches. It happened shortly after some idiot decided to dump a pile of mouldy woodchip in the field and I am convinced that was what caused it. I fed him activated charcoal for a few days and it slowly cleared up.

It didn't look quite like yours OP, so probably not that, but it might help someone else.

If you vet thinks it is rainscald and it has been going on for this long, I would have wanted the oozy bits cultured and targeted antibiotics used.

Agree with Red-1, cut out everything bar hay/Redigrass.

 

[Fransurrey]

Definitely looks like a reaction of some sort. Second removing sources of soya or alfalfa. My sensitive mare gets agrobs muesli with linseed and brewer's yeast, but I think I'd even leave those out at the mo if I were in your shoes.

I must say it looks nothing like rainscald in that pic! I have limited experience of it thankfully, but still!

 

[Miszeemare]

My mare had something similar over winter. Skin conditions can be hard to treat but as it only affected the side she laid on, we concluded it had to be something in the stable causing it. Upshot was a few weeks of hard work. Her stable was completely cleaned out and her bedding changed to bedmax and was kept as clean as possible. She was initially injected with steroids and antibiotics. I had to bathe her in malaseb 2/3 times a week, she was given a 3 week course of strong antibiotics and she was given dectomax injections at two week intervals for six weeks. I was also given isaderm gel to put on the most irritated spots. I also disinfected all her grooming kit and she had a clean stable rug on every night (there was a rug drying over my banister every night much to OH's chagrin!). She was also fully clipped as the skin was more irritated the warmer she was.

The vet seemed to think the cause could have been rats but tbh we never really got to the bottom of it. She is now clear of it all but it was really hard work over the wet, winter months as you can imagine.

Maybe she needs a long course of antibiotics, my vet said that the recommended length for skin conditions was at least 3 weeks this, together with the bathing and the isaderm gel really helped turn the corner for my mare.

Good luck.

 

[Equine_Dream]

Thank you everyone for the advice and kind words. I will let you know what the vet says on Tuesday. Fingers crossed my beautiful girl is back to her old self soon xx

 

[ester]

If it's an allergy you need them to do a skin biopsy, blood tests for allergies are hopeless.
Skin scrapes can be a bit touch and go at identifying anything in this sort of situation too.
I am surprised they didn't give more antibiotics if that improved it, and/or haven't had her on any steroids as yet.

I hope you get on better on Tuesday, it is horrid to see them like that.

 

[FfionWinnie]

That doesn't look at all typical for rainscald.

 

[Goldenstar]

I feed her molichaff show shine and since her being run down some C&C for moisture. Any thoughts?

Try an exclusion diet .
Feed nothing except meadow hay for two weeks and see if things improve .
If they do you need to allergy testing .
It does look quite like my friends horses it was allergic to feathers coming from the nests in the stables .

 

[ycbm]

It looks very like staphyloccocus folliculitis and that would respond to antibiotics. maybe she just needs more/different since they work when she's getting them?

I've had a mare with it. The solution was to hibiscrub the area before and after any activity which was going to open up her pores

 

[cobgoblin]

If she improved whilst on antibiotics then there is obviously some infection present, it may be a superinfection on top of another condition or the infection may be the primary cause of the condition.
Antibiotics work with the immune system...either her immune system is suppressed for some reason, or the wrong antibiotics have been used. I would suggest a scraping for culture and sensitivity....if no significant pathogen is found then at least you know that the problem lies elsewhere.