How to Get Rid of Rain Rot on My Horse

How to Get Rid of Rain Rot on My Horse. Rain rot is a common skin infection that can afflict horses all over their bodies. The infection can sometimes be stubborn and difficult to get rid of. However, it can be relatively easy to prevent by ensuring that your horse is completely dry before you put him away. Making sure that the horse doesn't lay in wet bedding or stand in wet footing can also help minimize the risk. While severe cases may require antibiotics, more often than not, the skin infection can be remedied with a series of baths and soaks which you can do yourself.

Things Needed

• Antibacterial shampoo
• Betadine surgical scrub
• Curry comb
• Sweat scraper

Step 1

Mix the antibacterial shampoo in a bucket of warm water per the directions on the bottle. Soak your horse in the antibacterial shampoo mixture. Be sure to soap the horse's entire body, not just the areas where the rain rot is visible. Even if there are no scabs, there may still be a presence of the skin infection. Use caution around the eyes, ears and other sensitive areas. Allow the shampoo to sit on the horse for five minutes to soften the scabs.

Step 2

Curry the horse's entire body to remove the scabs. Use caution and be as gentle as possible. Removing the scabs can be painful. It is important to remove all the scabs so the antibacterial agents can work properly. It is normal to see small amounts of clear and yellow fluids from the abrasions. In some cases, very small amounts of blood may also be noticeable.

Step 3

Rinse the horse thoroughly with warm water to remove the antibacterial shampoo. This will also rinse free any scabs that were loosened by currying. It is not necessary to scrape or dry your horse at this point.

Step 4

Mix the Betadine scrub in a bucket of clean, warm water per the instructions on the bottle. Sponge the mixture onto your horse's body, covering thoroughly. Do not allow the mixture to run into your horse's eyes or ears. Allow the mixture to remain on your horse for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Rinse the Betadine soak from your horse with warm water. Use a sweat scraper to remove as much water as possible. Use towels to finish drying your horse completely including the legs, face and tail. You may need to use multiple towels.

Step 6

Repeat these steps once daily for three to four days or until rain rot sores have healed. If the sores do not heal within a week, you should contact your veterinarian as you may need to give your horse antibiotics to clear the infection.

Warnings

• If your horse is too uncomfortable while you are currying the scabs, ask someone to help hold him or tie up a hay bag for him to eat from to distract him. Be careful to not splash the hay with the shampoo.
• It is normal for your horse to lose small sections of hair when inflicted with rain rot. When the scabs fall off, they usually bring hair with them.

Warnings

• If you do not disinfect the towels, curry comb, sponge and sweat scraper after use, it is possible to spread rain rot to other horses.

References

• Russos Tack Shack: Those Pesky Critters and other Signs of Spring
• Petalia: Rain Scald; Dr. John Kohnke