that was the first thing I thought of as well but know nothing about this issue in horses, vs people
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She already looks better from the Ultraboss. Her skin is much less raw looking.
Here’s where they did punch biopsies.
Weigh in is a day late. Rainy and yucky during chores yesterday. I’ll have her weekly weight later tonight.
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That really looks like sunburn to me. My old pink-skinned appy used to get a very thin coat when he was changing from summer to winter and if not watched like a hawk, sunscreened and flysheeted and given shade during the heat of the day, he’d get like this. (I had that one barn manager that thought she knew better than I did and didn’t want to accommodate his needs, and he ended up a mess one summer.)
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aveeno oatmeal soak is great for when there are moist sores or inflammations. You can also soak regular oatmeal in a nylon stocking and sponge on the areas. Let dry. I use it on myself, I use it on horses
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That was also my first thought upon seeing that photo along her crest. It’s nearly identical, although on a much larger scale, to how my little tobiano mare looked one summer.
Yet it could also be something completely different, so it’s doubly wonderful that Matilda has an owner who’s going all out to find out the cause.
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You guys have no idea how much I appreciate your thoughts. I just want to get his mare healthy. The vet is supposed to call tomorrow. I’m sure she’ll have some ideas. The vet that was here Friday took pictures for her.
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You’ve done an admirable thing, taking in this sweet mare. She now has a chance to be loved, and have some quality to her life. It is amazing, actually, how much better she looks already. There is a softness to her shape where once were angles.
I hope you get some encouraging news from the vet!
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Weight is 750 this week!
Slower gain, but the quick gains before could have been just getting enough food after a long time. She also may be troubled by her skin condition and the anaplasmosis treatment. She’s eating well, so that’s good news.
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It’s really hard but try to resist the urge to overfeed. When bringing these back from the dead, impaction colic is common. They starved slow and steady and need to gain back slow and steady.
Shes doing fine, long term malnourishment creates many issues that are long term.
And, as a former Paint person and fan of high white solids…welcome to the exciting world of pink skin management. 
You may find she needs a sun sheet and/or night turnout only. Would certainly try keeping her out of the mid day sun this time of year, her damaged skin does not need the extra challenges of direct summer sun.
She’ll get there, no worries.
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This is the photo where I said to myself “she’s starting to look like a horse again!” Love watching those ribs disappear. You’re doing great, moonlitoaksranch.
(I wish I had advice to offer, but rehab is out of my wheelhouse! 
)
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We’re having a nice cooler spell this week, but as soon as I can clear her out of quarantine (again) I’ll switch to days in and nights out. What size sheet would she be? I can measure her for one now, but should I step up a size or two because of her eventual weight gain?
Farrier is coming out on 7/6. He already requested pictures of her feet to make sure there wasn’t anything urgent. She has some cracks and possible fever lines (anaplasmosis infection starts with a high fever that she probably had to just tough out on her own). He’ll pull her shoes (she has fronts only) and see if she’s sound barefoot.
Can anyone recommend a fly sheet that also blocks sun, or do they all do that? I was leaning towards the zebra stripes to help with flies.
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If he pulls shoes, he shouldn’t try to give her a good trim on the same day. Let her get used to barefoot and then do a proper trim in a few weeks.
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I can’t wait for pics if you pick the zebra stripe one. 
I’d be concerned about rubbing if you get one that is too big for her. Actually, as lean as she currently is, rubbing might be an issue even with one that fits her very well, but I’d still start with something that fits her now, then size up. Maybe go with an inexpensive one for the first sheet?
Not all sheets have good UV protection. My mare has no issues with sunburn at 70% UV protection but I wouldn’t go any lower than that.
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Most fly sheets do have UV protection. I’d buy one that fits her now (go with a less expensive model) so that it stays on well (doesn’t shift) and provides protection now.
Smartpak is having a 20% off sale for July 4.
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Stateline is currently having a big sale, but I don’t know if fly sheet are included. They do have several for a reasonable price, <$50.
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I saw a zebra one for less than $50. 
It doesn’t specifically mention UV protection.
I really want to see her in a zebra suit.
What brand is it? Maybe I can find an ad that indicates the UV level.
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Tough1.
