Rainscald

[scruffyponies]

Noticed light rain-scald on several of the ponies, presumably after standing out in storm Alex, which was the worst wetting we've had in years. It's just on the top of the back, as little bumps on the skin which you can feel, with tiny scabs which will come away if you try.

Nothing serious, and I suspect will just clear up on its own, but do people have preferred tried and tested treatments that they would recommend for un-rugged, field-kept ponies?

Thanks.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Daktarin athletes foot spray should clear it up

 

[scruffyponies]

Daktarin athletes foot spray should clear it up

That's interesting - I thought rainscald was bacterial, not fungal.

 

[Carrottom]

Gold label wonder gel is my go to to speed up hair regrowth.

 

[meleeka]

I just used Hibiscrub to clear a mild case.

To prevent it I find it works to give the backs a good rub/brush whenever they aren’t wet. It stops the hair drying in clumps making it less effective as a layer. I’m not sure how scientific it is, but I’ve found since I’ve kept the coat fluffy they’ve had no more rainscald.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

That's interesting - I thought rainscald was bacterial, not fungal.

Someone told me to use it years ago when my Arab got it as he is allergic to hibiscrub it did work

 

[Carrottom]

As I understand it the bacteria usually cause the initial problem but it is often exacerbated by a fungal infection which is what can be more difficult to clear up.

 

[Berpisc]

Thats interesting Meleeka, my ponies all got a bit of rainscald last year, so I will try that. They had not had before, but we had so much rain.

 

[twiggy2]

A really food groom to lift the scabs and let the air get to it, the bacteria can't cope with the air getting to them.

 

[GoldenWillow]

Used Virkon E as advised by vet many years ago but not sure if it's still available.