The onset of warm and wet spring weather in the Northeast may cause your horse’s environment to harbor unfriendly germs.
Spring is the time of year to focus on keeping your horse’s legs clean and dry to avoid irritating skin conditions like scratches. Scratches or pastern dermatitis/folliculitis is usually caused by a mix of bacterial and fungal organisms. Occasionally parasites can be involved as well. Scratches typically present as crusts and scabs on the skin of the lower leg - pastern, fetlock, and sometimes cannon bone. Occasionally these organisms may invade deeper tissues and lead to cellulitis. Cellulitis may cause severe lameness and swelling of the entire limb. Cellulitis calls for prompt medical attention and may need to be treated aggressively with antibiotics.
Scratches may be treated with a number of topical medications. Prevention consists of allowing movement, which supports circulation, and stabling in a clean and dry environment. Drying your horse’s legs after turnout will help as well. A dry environment limits growth of the organisms responsible for this disease. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your horse has lower limb skin issues.
Best of Luck for the 2024 Show Season from the staff of Quakertown Veterinary Clinic PC!