Let's discuss RAIN ROT

[cardicorgi]

In the space of 4 hours time, my gelding developed rain rot around his muzzle and on the exterior of his nostrils. The horrors! The horrors of 28 days in a row of RAIN, and !#$razzm frazzm MUD.

Now, I know the stuff is caused by actinomycetes, which mimics both bacteria and fungus yet is not either -and may or may not be associated with a poor immune system - but I don't know much else about it. Do you guys know anything more?

I swathed it with Betadine, picked off the scabs, and then decided to experiment: on one side, I used Farnam's tri-care, b/c it has tea tree oil in it. (He didn't care for that stuff much) On the other side, I used powder-form Tinactin [modifed to add correct brand].

How long does it usually take to resolve? Should I keep him in? Any good tips for such a sensitive area?

[lildunhorse]

Bummer, Cardi....We had it BAD!! so I can sympathize with you.

It took about 3 weeks to disappear from our herd completely, but it was pretty extreme. We did the Betadine scrub, rinsed and dried, along with a systemic antibiotic. The antibiotic was to ward off infection, because the wounds were so deep. The scrub seemed to be really effective, though.

The only advice I can give about rainrot on the nose is, don't kiss him on the lips.

[cardicorgi]

CE - that bites. Ahh, the joys of horsekeeping in the PNW, and the shave/not to shave decisions...good luck.

As for us, my gelding's bout is nearly gone. My routine (after the first time when I picked the scabs) 2nd through 4th day so far: massage Calm Coat into area to soften, wait for 5 minutes. Then, take towel and rub firmly but lightly to take off sloughing skin. Wash with betadine rinse, then rinse that off. Towel-dry, air-dry. Douse with Tinactin in powder form.

[schwung]

CE - if you have it on your horse's pasterns, isn't that actually mud fever/scratches? Which my understanding is a different thing. Rain rot tends to happen over the back and neck - mud fever lives in the mud and comes up the legs from the bottom up. I've had horrible fights with mud fever (so far, knock on wood, not this year!) but haven't had the pleasure of dealing with rain rot yet on my herd...

[lildunhorse]

They are both caused by dermatophilus congolensis, which lives in the soil.

[angelinmydreams]

I havent had any rain rot at all this year and my horses don't have a shelter they live in WP blankets I am greatfull. I haven't had any mud scald eather but then agien my mares have short hair on their legs so I have been blessed even though we have had all this rain