scabby "mud feverish" spots on back

[Simbacat]

My OH's lovely boy has developed patches of spots that are infected, with hairs poking through the scabs - similar to the kind of scabs you get on mud fever legs. We have had the vet out who prescribed an antibacterial shampoo - but they have persisted. Recently we have been applying Muddy Buddy Cream - which has seemed to help a bit - but it is still there. Has anyone got any suggestions or success treating this sort of problem Its very frustrating as its encroaching on where his saddle rests so making it hard to ride him - just lounging exercise for now . We're not to sure whether its better to keep washing the area, or if it would be better to leave it to its own devices!

 

[be positive]

I would not keep washing it, once you have got it clean, keep him dry, rugged to prevent it getting worse, I use Gold Label Wonder Gel on rain scald, it is easy to get down to the skin without getting too sticky. Try not to get him too warm when you work him as this will open the pores and can make it spread more easily.

 

[SadKen]

My lad has bumps all over his back, but they haven't scabbed... However this sounds like rain rot which is very similar to mud fever. I'm using microtek spray on my lad which seems to be helping a little, I believe it is good for rain rot. My lad is also on antibiotics as the vet thinks it's a bit chilly to wash him, we don't have a drying room. Although I rather feel my lad has an allergy, I know you can get antibiotics if it is rain rot. Otherwise I think treatment is similar to that for mud fever. Hope it's sorted quickly for you. I can't ride either

 

[MochaDun]

Rain scald - the same bacteria to blame as that for mud fever. The scabs you describe are called paintbrush scabs as when they come away they bring the hair with them. When mine had it a good few years ago vet told me to wash them gently with Malaseb shampoo to loosen the scabs, dry them thoroughly and gently ease them off. I then used aloe vera gel to help heal as he was so uncomfortable with it he didn't like me spending too long smearing on proper cream - aloe vera gel I could just dab on! You need to ensure his entire coat is dry through - if he's out in a rug it's sometimes worth checking he's not getting too warm on the milder days (though not many of those at the moment!) as that gets the bacteria going. Make sure you clean your numnahs too as that might help clearing up the area under where the saddle sits. If he's also got a very thick winter coat like mine I sometimes come across mud buried deep that's caused a few little scabs.

 

[Ladyinred]

Get some oil into his feed. It will improve the quality of his coat and help to shed the rain better. We bought a youngster with the worst rain scald I have ever seen but decent feed, extra oil and Malaseb ensured it has never returned in six years, despite him now living out unrugged.