please help! mud fever-like symptoms all over horse's body

[jezzluvr28]

yesterday my old gelding started getting this sticky/slimy brownish liquid all over his back and legs. I thought it was sap from the boards in his stall so I washed him, put a cooler on him then moved him to a different stall. a few hours later, he was covered with it again, under the blanket. it reminds me of the stuff that oozes out of mud fever type sores, which he had a few years ago. any ideas or previous experience with something like this? his legs and chest are also a bit swollen, but he is eating, pooping and acting normal. thanks so much!

 

[Sussexbythesea]

Sounds like rain scald which is pretty much the same as mud fever except on the body. Need to wash in an antibacterial wash/ shampoo, keep as dry as possible - including not wearing a sweaty rug (leave off as need to dry out as much as possible) and if it is bad he may need antibiotics.

Here are a couple of fact sheets that may be helpful.

http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.18055!/fileManager/dveprainscald.pdf

http://www.wensumvalleyvets.co.uk/newsletters/Rain Scald.pdf

 

[Archiepoo]

i think id actually be talking to a vet -with the swellings and oozing serum i wouldnt be chancing it . good luck.x

 

[JillA]

i think id actually be talking to a vet -with the swellings and oozing serum i wouldnt be chancing it . good luck.x

I second this - it sounds like much worse than a normal dermatitis or skin infection, and could develop into septicaemia if it develops much more. Meanwhile just bathe with water with a little salt in it, so as no to counteract the action of any antibiotics the vet might give you. My vet reckons strong antibacterial washes and creams do more harm than good in some circumstances as they destroy skin cells

 

[twiggy2]

rainscald is usually in little round patches, often the first is the patch of hair lifting and when investigated the skin will lift off leaving a small sore looking patch, in severe cases the patches can be large or cover whole areas but that is more unusual.

not sure if what you are describing sounds like rainscald to me

i too would be seeking vets advice

 

[Sussexbythesea]

rainscald is usually in little round patches, often the first is the patch of hair lifting and when investigated the skin will lift off leaving a small sore looking patch, in severe cases the patches can be large or cover whole areas but that is more unusual.

not sure if what you are describing sounds like rainscald to me

i too would be seeking vets advice

If you look at the fact sheets you will find that is exactly what rainscald is like.

 

[FfionWinnie]

Having seen rain scald I'd agree this does not sound like rain scald which does ooze but not as dramatically as the op seems to be describing. It sounds quite queer so I would also get the vet.

 

[twiggy2]

If you look at the fact sheets you will find that is exactly what rainscald is like.

just looked at the fact sheet neither mention sticky brown liquid all over legs and back of the horse, they also contradict one another one states it is unavoidable in wet climes the other that it can be prevented with good management.
as for swollen chest and legs that could indicate lymphangitis which is serious and needs a vet asap but usualyy the horse shows signs of being unwell hence why i would want to speak to a vet and get a medical opinion

 

[Gloi]

It sounds like lymphangitis or cellulitis to me too. I once saw a pony react like this, followed by his hair falling out on the areas, after being fed barley, which he must have been sensitive to.
Get the vet to look at him.

 

[Tnavas]

A good bath with Nizoral Shampoo - dilute with hand hot water and work well into the hair - right down to the skin.

If this doesn't settle it down in a couple of days - then it would be best to call the vet.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Does the horse have pink skin? It could be photosensitivty. However it does sound like a Vet needs to come and look at the horse.

I hope he recovers soon.

 

[thehorsephotographer]

Just had something very similar to this on my girl but in my case it was on her face and under her jaw with no swelling. You need a vet. My girl had to have steroid and antibiotic injection plus course of antibiotics along with washing of the scabs every day with hibi scrub followed by steroid cream to affected area. The brown sticky stuff oozing out is serum. In our case the vet says it was an extreme allergic reaction to something in her environment but we have no idea what it could be. Short-listed is tree she was rubbing on, stinging nettles and severe reaction to fly bites.

There is a very, very rare condition called Equine Pemphigus Foliaceus which has similar symptoms with the addition of swelling where basically the immune system of the horse isn't working properly. Call the vet.