Rain Rot covering whole body... any miracle cures??

[gottagrey]

There could be something out in the field that he laid in causing the hive like condition. I had a mare that got rain rot or some crud one summer. It was awful to the point where she lost a lot of hair… Once she got better, I pretty much stopped bathing or hosing her off after riding. I’d curry her really well or on really hot days sponge her off with water or water & ventrolin. She never had any issues after I stopped hosing her off so much. I’ve done pretty much the same thing with horses since that mare.

I agree that there could be something else going on, is it rain rot or maybe an allergic reaction to something horse may have laid down in the fields - some weed or sting? Vet might also be able to give you some oral meds to help. Way back there was a good homeopathic which cleared up rain rot really well but you just don’t see those homeopathics so much any more. Banixx or MTG would be a good standby for future needs.

[luvmyhackney]

Add a ulcer meds, vitamin A, E, copper and iron, plus some flax. Most likely will clear itself up. Keep the horse dry as possible. I wash with medicated shampoo and use gold bond the one time my pony had it. Haven’t had to deal with rain rot in years.

[Wyndwolfe]

I have gone through this with my sensitive skin older gelding. When we have a lot of rain in a short time, he just seems to develop rain rot. He is on pasture 24/7, and nothing else changes, but he has always had sensitive skin. My vet recommended Chlorhexidrine shampoo. I also heat wet towels in the microwave, drape them over the affected areas and let them cool. My guy loves the “spa treatment”. The towels soften the gunk (which may not quite be a scab) enough that I can work on it with a soft curry. Then I spray with 50/50 dilute Clorox. I will also use a 50/50 mix of Listerine and baby oil once most of the gunk (and inevitably the hair) is gone.

[AKB]

I would talk with the vet about doing bacterial/fungal scrapings/cultures to see if it is fungal or bacterial. You may need oral or injectable antibiotic, or anti fungals, in addition to the shampoos.

[RedHorses]

My go to is an iodine based scrub/shampoo followed by a generous application of baby oil with vitamin E rubbed in. I used to use mineral oil but had to substitute baby oil one time and it was less greasy (though still messy) and seemed to work better. The scabs frequently curry right off on day two. On day three I repeat the iodine scrub/shampoo to get the oil off. If there are still stubborn scabs I will repeat the oiling.

The theory is my own, so take it for what it is. I thought that the oil would soften the scabs, and help prevent moisture getting to the skin. It seems to work. I didn’t own any blankets when I came up with the idea so the moisture block was important. There were a number of horses with rainrot in that barn at the same time and mine cleared up faster than the others (possibly coincidental).

I have used this method a number of times. I have only had to repeat the wash and oil on a couple of occasions.

[Charmed]

I once heard that rubbing the crust off actually makes it worse, but just what I hear. I have used a anti fungal shampoo twice a week, then make sure to dry, dry, dry. Needs to be free of moisture to help it clear up. I also use MTG with great results! I also agree that clipping him will help reduce moisture in the affected areas.

[McVillesMom]

Systemic antibiotics.

[merrygoround]

Do not use antibiotics unless advised by a veterinarian.

A good daily chlorhexidene rub on or spray on. . Do not scrub and tear off crusts. They will loosen on their own, as the hair grows out. Then when horse is clear of crusts, every time rain is expected spray your horse with a light spray of straight chlorhexidene solution. If it rains it will dilute, run down and prevent future infection.

Chlorhexidene is purchasable by the gallon at places such as Tractor supply.

The alternative is a rain sheet.

[McVillesMom]

I didn’t mean to suggest that one should just start using antibiotics without consulting their veterinarian, sorry! But if the horse truly has rain rot over its entire body, systemic antibiotics may well be warranted.

[pluvinel]

We have had very rainy summer and for the first time a horse that has lived outside got whole body rain rot.

I was able to resolve by the following:

• Whole body baths with povidone iodine scrub (Betadine scrub) - Leave it on for 15 minutes
• Rinse then soak the fur with chlorhexidine solution (Nolvasan). Let dry
• Give baths every other day.
• Alternate leaving the chlorhexidrine with povidone iodine solution.
• Scrape off any "crusties" with a "fuminator" scraper.

The rain rot cleared up in 1 week and I clipped him to reduce the hair that was holding dirt/moisture.

[strakapark]

I just saw this post and had to reply! I’m from New Zealand, so I don’t think this stuff by name will be available, but if you look up the ingredients you will find other products that sell the same thing. We have a liquid solution called “Hippo Health” (https://www.hippohealth.co.nz/shop/j…5%20LITRE&gp=1)

I know the site looks like rubbish but the product itself ACTUALLY works. I have horses who all get it come winter - even my bay got it on her back and her white socks. My pinto got it ATROCIOUSLY all over her legs to the point where she would run from me because I would have to pick them off (as told by others). I spent loads on other creams/washes/ointments/sprays you name it… but I like a naturopathic approach where possible and after research, concluded this was something that could be fixed internally.

So I came across this by word of mouth - and it is now all I buy for their rain scald/mud fever, and I’m sure it has helped their hoof health too. I can’t say enough about it, and to say - TREAT IT FROM THE INSIDE OUT! No amount of washing, betadine, picking, soaking, ever did anything long lasting for me. Rugs worked to stop it on their backs, but their legs were always exposed.

[SnortyPants]

RAIN ROT IS BACTERIAL. IT IS NOT FUNGAL. It is caused by dermatophilus congolensis. Mild cases are no big deal and can be dealt with topically with ANTIBACTERIAL washes, not antifungals because again, RAIN ROT IS BACTERIAL. Severe cases can be indicative of systemic problems and it’s worth bringing a vet in.

[S1969]

@SnortyPants

RAIN ROT IS BACTERIAL. IT IS NOT FUNGAL. It is caused by dermatophilus congolensis. Mild cases are no big deal and can be dealt with topically with ANTIBACTERIAL washes, not antifungals because again, RAIN ROT IS BACTERIAL. Severe cases can be indicative of systemic problems and it’s worth bringing a vet in.

I think the issue is that people use the term “rain rot” to mean “any sort of skin funk” and it could be just about anything, from ringworm to allergies, and/or bacterial infection. In this case the vet had been consulted and prescribed some type of shampoo.

[jvanrens]

@RedHorses

My go to is an iodine based scrub/shampoo followed by a generous application of baby oil with vitamin E rubbed in. I used to use mineral oil but had to substitute baby oil one time and it was less greasy (though still messy) and seemed to work better. The scabs frequently curry right off on day two. On day three I repeat the iodine scrub/shampoo to get the oil off. If there are still stubborn scabs I will repeat the oiling.

The theory is my own, so take it for what it is. I thought that the oil would soften the scabs, and help prevent moisture getting to the skin. It seems to work. I didn’t own any blankets when I came up with the idea so the moisture block was important. There were a number of horses with rainrot in that barn at the same time and mine cleared up faster than the others (possibly coincidental).

I have used this method a number of times. I have only had to repeat the wash and oil on a couple of occasions.

Maybe baby oil is different here than where you live, but it’s just mineral oil with fragrance on any bottle I’ve checked. Except for the unscented bottle I bought once. List of ingredients was just mineral oil. :yes:

[RedHorses]

@jvanrens

Maybe baby oil is different here than where you live, but it’s just mineral oil with fragrance on any bottle I’ve checked. Except for the unscented bottle I bought once. List of ingredients was just mineral oil. :yes:

:lol:

It is mineral oil here too, but as I mentioned (though perhaps not as clearly as I could have) the baby oil I bought had vitamin E in it as well. That stuff seemed to work better than the straight mineral oil I’d used previously and is what I buy now on the rare occasion I need it.

[mills.horses4]

Try the Mane & Tail anti-fungal horse shampoo. I can provide the link if requested. Also, get apple cider vinegar and mix it with an equal part of water in a spray bottle. It gets rid of rain rot and helps prevent it. I know that everyone has a different opinion on the causes of rain rot but I believe that it has to do with the horse and the weather for example the humidity levels. There can be many different causes however.

[CanteringCarrot]

I just use a good antibacterial shampoo, towel dry a bit, and also added copper and zink to my horse’s feed. Ever since I added the copper and zink any skin crud, included scratches, has disappeared. His diet was already sufficient, but just needed a little boost (tested okay actually).

[Palm_Beach]

@RolexReady

No not saying its from straight rain, more so that our moisture levels are much higher which can contribute to its growth sometimes! Vet isnt overly concerned, she said shes been seeing tons of cases in our area lately. She prescribed us a medicated shampoo - not sure of the name off the top of my head - ill have to take note when I go back out to the barn this afternoon. Said to use it 3x per week for a couple weeks and to continue with my regular antifungal routine afterwards.

Most horses roll when outside. Skin absorbs water, and some of whatever else is sitting on the skin. So yes, straight rain CAN cause rain rot. This summer has been perfect for growth of funk everywhere. I’ve cleaned my patio furniture TWICE and I am still cleaning mold off any tack left in the tackroom without being used for longer than 2 days. I have 2 saddles in my rec room and a pile of bridles. My horse that stays home (same home for 10+ years) and is not currently being ridden is the only one with a patch of rain rot. The ones who travel and trail ride and get ridden regularly are managing much better. Same diet.

Maybe there is a contributing factor to your situation, maybe not. the truth is, no one knows. My best friend is a vet and she said, name a situation and I can name a horse that has rain rot, scratches, or both. Name a product and you will find some people that swear by it and some who swear it did nothing.

[CatPS]

Miracle cure? Systemic antibiotics and steroids. (under the care of a vet, obviously) After that, focus on prevention. Be sure that your horse is getting balanced nutrition with all the vitamins and minerals that she needs. A good hoof/skin/coat supplement can help. I like ground flax (Omega Horse Shine is good). Things like Farrier’s Formula often help with skin and coat as well.

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

My horse bloomed with entire-body rain rot following Hurricane Florence. He stayed wet for three.freaking.days while the hurricane pretty much crawled over us at about 2 mph. It was like living inside a dishwasher.
Anyway. My vet gave me EquiShield CK to use. It’s a combination of chlorhexidine (which kills bacteria) and ketoconazole (to kill fungus). She said to use it every three days.
We also just tested him for PPID (aka Cushings) and he’s positive, so I think in his case the whole-body rain rot is a result of a compromised immune system plus storm stress plus being wet for three days without a chance to dry out. And rain and wind blowing god only knows what kinds of little quimbies onto my farm.
How old is your horse? Does he have any other symptoms of PPID?