Think my horse has ringworm

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Ceriann

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She originally presented with 6 proud (largish) lumps in her neck and shoulder. I thought it was odd given time of year but weather has been odd. They developed into weepy nasty sores and when I took a photo, it hit me it could be ringworm! She’s not been anywhere (we hack) no new tack or rugs etc so assume it’s environmental or it’s been dormant in her and flared. I’ll sort treatment and clean all her stuff but thoughts on whether it would make her feel flat and if so would you treat with meds not just topically?
 

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My experience of ringworm is raised circular areas then hair loss in the middle that spreads outwards leaving dry scurfy skin. You say these are ‘nasty sores’ so whatever they are they have become infected. I would need to know exactly what they are to get the correct meds or topical cream so probably get the vet out to check.
 
That’s describes 3 - 3 are still angry! I’ve been cleaning, removing crust and hair and treating with sudocrem. Vet coming out later just to be sure.
 
That looks very much like dermatophilis bacteria, caused by warmth and moisture. I.e sweat scald/rain scald. My horse gets it, especially this time of year when coats start to change. Rugs with full necks exacerbate it.
If it is this it starts with lumps which then develop into an orange, crusty lump and eventually the hair falls out. If you think this may be what it is wash with dilute hibiscrub and apply flamazine ointment. Any heavy greasy ointment will trap in the infection and it will break out elsewhere, which is why I only ever use flamazine.
 
Have just read your other post.
Stop using sudocrem, could be making it worse. I learnt this the hard way!
Whenever I have used it the hair loss and infection gets progressively worse.
 
lamlyn2012 said:
That looks very much like dermatophilis bacteria, caused by warmth and moisture. I.e sweat scald/rain scald. My horse gets it, especially this time of year when coats start to change. Rugs with full necks exacerbate it.
If it is this it starts with lumps which then develop into an orange, crusty lump and eventually the hair falls out. If you think this may be what it is wash with dilute hibiscrub and apply flamazine ointment. Any heavy greasy ointment will trap in the infection and it will break out elsewhere, which is why I only ever use flamazine.
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That’s exactly how she presented - never seen it before but initially assumed a rogue bug! I have a girl who rides for me and I happened to be home (poorly) one day when had ridden and she was quite sweaty (but in a fleece). She’s not clipped this year either as has been rehabbing an injury so not doing as much. Less sweat, less sudocrem and air needed then! Vet still booked to be sure!
 
The ringworm cases I have seen didn't look angry like that and weren't weepy. it was more like eczema spreading out in a ring. good plan to get the vet's opinion.
 
Sounds about right. I got caught out with it first time after doing a bit of fast work and got sweaty. I always clip out now. The only issue, if vet confirms it is this, is the washing as you don’t want to leave her wet for long. If it’s confined to a small area you may do better if you clip that area.
 
lamlyn2012 said:
Sounds about right. I got caught out with it first time after doing a bit of fast work and got sweaty. I always clip out now. The only issue, if vet confirms it is this, is the washing as you don’t want to leave her wet for long. If it’s confined to a small area you may do better if you clip that area.
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I’d been contemplating a clip but thought I might be too late - she’s already shedding too. I really wouldn’t want to clip those bits either as sore but we can work around!
 
So vet is treating it as ringworm- albeit considered unusual given no real way of catching it. Topical treatment given and brushes etc to be deep cleaned!
 
Ringworm lives in wood for years so stables, field shelters, wooden fencing, gates etc. any of those she could have caught it from if it is ringworm. Its is treatable and the horse should be fine but it does spread easily.
 
Everything is newish (stables, fencing etc) - one of life’s mysteries! She’ll be fine and I will just cross fingers I washed my hands well!!!
 
Its a fungal infection, and its been lovely and warm this year. My cattle have it and even though they have been treated I think until they go out and stop sweating we are stuck with it.
I horses neck doesn't look like ring worm, its itchy but unless the rub themselves badly its just a flat skin condition.
 
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