Incessant Skin Issues

[Marla_100]

Maybe JB can walk you through a more thorough appropriate worming protocol.

I’m in hot humid Fl. and generally if the diet is adequate, skin conditions aren’t a problem.

The ONLY time I’ve had rain rot or other skin problems is when I boarded and my horse was on Nutrena feed. We didn’t have a choice and the barn had many, many problems w/ skin problems on most of the horses. I’ve never used it since. Look into Triple Crown feeds.

Also I’d suggest you bump up the quality of your hay. Maybe start w/ half Alfalfa instead of Bermuda. Alfalfa can really improve their overall condition. And weigh your hay. 1.5% to 2%
of body weight should be their daily minimum. If they don’t have pasture then you can supplement w/ the lower quality hay just for munchies.

I’d say the skin problems are a result of low quality and quantity of your feeding program.

I’m glad you got another vet to help out.

[S1969]

Any chance these might be tick bites? It seems like it might be impossible for them to be that numerous, but we had a few weeks in early November where my dogs were coming in from runs through the fields with 12-15 tiny ticks on them. I am used to seeing ticks but this was crazy after only 20-30 minutes. One of my mares had a bunch of similar bumps on her side right about that time and I wondered about ticks. I couldn’t find any on her, but they were so incredibly small that it is possible. I sprayed her thoroughly with permethrin based fly spray - soaking to the skin. She looks better - not sure the fly spray did anything but maybe. I thought it couldn’t hurt given the ticks I was seeing. Seems like that tick season has died down a little but something to keep in the back of your mind.

[JB]

@Britneystinnett

I stopped responding because I got tired of reading everyone’s judgemental comments. I actually really appreciated your input. I took her to a new vet today and got a fecal and blood test. Just waiting for the results.

You weren’t being judged. Several people are very concerned (as are you) about the chestnut in particular, but also are asking questions about the dark horse who is borderline thin (I’d prefer to see a pic where his body is not bent away from the camera, that really takes pounds off).

You’re not feeding nearly enough of a pretty decent feed, we aren’t really sure how much hay you’re feeing in pounds, we don’t know your level of experience or knowledge, and for sure we are not fans of your vet who is unconcerned about the chestnut’s situation.

So yes, we are going to ask questions, and are going to give you some better info (like feed 6-8lb of the ProForce Fiber, not 4 cups), and hopefully give you more information so you can start asking better questions of your vet(s).

You’re on the right path now with a new vet, and some blood work.