Next question re persistent skin infection - waterproofing the leg??

[soloequestrian]

Following on from my post of a few days ago, I wonder if any of you helpful people have ideas for making legs waterproof....
My horse, who has this long-term skin infection (pastern dermatitis) went to the vets for biopsy yesterday. He had the biopsies taken, then his legs fully clipped out, washed, some of the biopsy holes stitched and then dressed. The vet said to keep the legs dry, and I'm using these silver dressings which also need to be kept dry. The only easy way to keep everything totally dry just now is to keep the horse in, which he hates. He is being sedated, but I need to get him back out as soon as possible, at the very least during the day. I have experimented with putting vetwrap, then gaffa tape, then a plastic bag, then gaffa tape again (to make a full tape boot). All the layers stayed intact, but there was still water in the boot when I took it off after a day in the field (it was drizzling and the field is damp but not muddy).
Any ideas anyone?

 

[Chocy]

Was it def water as in rain or could it have been sweat as plastic bag won't allow skin 2 breathe properly so will sweat and can't evaporate?
Just a thought am prepared 2 b told that's stupid idea!

What about a turnout boot over what u have already got on him

 

[soloequestrian]

I'm 99% certain it was rain - his leg wasn't all that warm and a lot of it wasn't damp - really just around his heel bulbs, which of course are the bits I want to try and keep dry. I've got some turnout boots on order, so that would be my next step. The top of the plastic bag forms a bit of a funnel, so if the turnout boot can divert any rain away from that it should help.
Still open to other suggestions though!

 

[mynutmeg]

How about one of the poultice boots?
http://www.robinsonsequestrian.com/stable-yard/horse-care/first-aid/rubber-poultice-boot.html

Use this or similar at the bottom and duct tape tha bandaging to it to make a seal

 

[soloequestrian]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I have one of those and they're too big to do anything but stand still in.

 

[Tammytoo]

Most turnout boots have some form of drainage so you may find they don't keep your horses feet dry. Anything completely waterproof will make the foot sweat and you'll find the bulbs become soggy and warm, breeding ground for infection! Can you not just bite the bullet and keep your horse in and sedated - it will surely speed up healing if the area can be kept dry and breathe.

 

[MozartK]

I would persevere and keep him in, it will be much better in the long run. I feel your pain. My gelding is not great being kept in when all the others are being turned out. He was recently on 3 weeks box rest which was a nightmare for about 3 days after which he resigned himself to being indoors! He was actually worse when I was around as in his mind there was still hope of going out. As soon as I left he would settle and start eating his net! They are cleverer than we think!

 

[Northern Hare]

Hi there, I don't know if these might be a help: http://tinyurl.com/aakujvr

If the URL doesn't work search for Protective latex disposable equine boot in ebay.

 

[Rebels]

Muddy buddy powder somehow kept our lads legs dry inside turnout boots in deep wet mud

 

[TwoStroke]

How about footskins? You can get them from equine podiatry supplies.

 

[soloequestrian]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Birker2020]

Lard, mixed with flowers of sulphur powder available from the garden centre. The lard needs washing off once a week, and will keep mud at bay. The FOS will kill the bacteria that causes the mud fever and help promote healing. The actual lard will soothe the legs and protect against wet and mud.

Or you could use petroleum jelly which is dirt cheap at the pound shops for a big jar.