If you own horses, it’s possible they have experienced a bout of dermatophilosis otherwise known as rain rot. This skin disease is caused by dermatophilosis congolensis, which is the same organism that causes mud fever in horses. Dermatophilosis congolensis needs warmth and moisture to survive and while moisture and high temperatures are usually found in tropical regions, it can also thrive in non-tropical climates as long as the conditions are wet. This is a skin condition that is also very common in cows, sheep and goats. Cats and dogs have also been affected by the disease and it has even occurred in humans so it is important that if you have a horse with the condition to wear gloves when treating it.
The signs of dermatophilosis are itchy spots on the horse, which are usually accompanied by area of the horse’s hair that look dull compared to the rest its body. If you were to investigate these areas, you would notice that the skin underneath is pink. Not only that but it could be oozing. Usually this isn’t painful for the horse just uncomfortable and more of a nuisance than anything. Of course that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. It should be treated as soon as you find it because if one horse contracts it, it’s a safe bet the rest of the horses in your stable will also be affected by it.
These tips can keep rain rot away
The organism that causes rain rot can enter the horse’s body in many different ways but if you are careful you can prevent this from happening.
If one horse is affected you must isolate him or her from the rest of the horses in the stable until the disease is treated. The usual course of action is to treat the condition with antibiotics.
This condition can also be brought about by flies or ticks. These pests will bite the horses’ skin, which will break down the skin’s natural barrier which would usually prevent it from being affected by moisture which in turn will allow the bacteria to spread.
This organism is pretty pesky and could be living in the grooming tools you use for your horses. And if the same grooming tools are being utilized for a group of horses, it can infect each one of them. You should have grooming tools for each horse and not share them.
Another offender could be shared saddles and pads and sometimes even the horses’ scratching pads can house the bacteria. Basically, the most important factor in the prevention of the spread of rain rot is to have separate tools for each of your horses. This may be more expensive for you but will be better for your horses’ well being.
If you want to know more information about rain rot in horses, click here.
Stacey Gotsulias writes for a variety of websites.
Rain Rot in Horses: Tips to Prevent It
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