As we say goodbye to summer and brace ourselves for the shorter days and the inevitable wet weather that autumn and winter in the UK brings, we need to be aware of some of the issues that can affect our equine friends. Constant rain can turn our fields into mud baths, and while our horses might love a bit of mud, being exposed to a lot of moisture can result in rain scald, a common skin infection that gets its name from the distinctive marks that make the skin look like it’s been scalded by drops of water. While the condition isn’t life-threatening, and doesn’t affect the horse’s welfare, it can be quite uncomfortable for horses.
But what is it? And what can we do to prevent it?
What is rain scald?
Rain scald is a bacterial infection that causes scabs to form on the back, head, neck, flanks and rump. It occurs when the bacteria Dermatophilus Congolensis replicates and spreads into the surface layer of the horse’s skin which, if it has been over-exposed to moisture, can become cracked and damaged. The horse’s coat can become matted and bumpy, then scabs and lesions will appear, and your horse may seem itchy and uncomfortable. The scabs are quite characteristic and come away with tufts of hair which look like little paintbrushes, and there may be yellow pus under the scabs.
The bacteria can be passed on to other horses by flies and shared equipment, such as rugs, tack and grooming equipment. Interestingly, it’s thought that lighter-coloured horses could be more prone to rain scald because their pink skin is more delicate. Horses with a weakened immune system can also be more susceptible, as can those with underlying health conditions.
It’s important to speak to a vet if you suspect rain scald so they can take samples, as it can be confused with other conditions such as ringworm.
Rain scald treatment
The infected horse will need to be kept away from wet, muddy conditions so ideally they need to be stabled, but if this isn’t an option then they’ll need a waterproof rug. The infected areas will need to be cleaned daily with an antibacterial solution and dried gently. If your horse is particularly hairy it may need to be clipped, although this could cause some discomfort, so it needs to be done gently. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed.
All grooming equipment, rugs and tack will need disinfecting to avoid re-infection, and you shouldn’t ride your horse until they’re fully healed; recovery could take several weeks. There are also some complementary treatments that could help, including calendula and burdock.
How can you prevent rain scald?
- It might help to keep your horse under cover on rainy days, so that their skin can have chance to dry off properly; having shelter in the field – either a man-made field shelter or trees/hedges – can help prevent the skin from being constantly wet and give it chance to dry out properly.
- Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of mud on your horse and prevent bacteria from multiplying. Regular grooming also helps you keep an eye on their skin and inspect it regularly so you know what’s normal for your horse, then you can spot any signs of rain scald much quicker.
- Rug correctly. Use a waterproof rug in wet weather to protect the skin, and if your horse does get wet then make sure they’re completely dry before covering them. It’s also worth keeping an eye on their temperature though too as over-rugging, and excessive sweating, could increase the risk of rain scald.
- Stay on top of insect control as rain scald can be passed from horse to horse by insects such as ticks and biting flies.
- Keep infected animals separate.
- Keep grooming equipment etc. clean.
The winter months seem to make everything that little bit harder, so it’s always good to be prepared and know what to look out for so if you’d like more info, take a look at some common horse health conditions and read our advice on exercising your horse in winter.
This might also be a good time to think about insuring your horse. Our policies start with one standard benefit; Death, Theft or Straying and you get to choose the rest of the benefits, so you end up with a policy that suits both your horse, and your budget. For our more senior horses our veteran horse insurance covers horses over 20 and comes with Death due to External Visible Accidental Injury Only, Theft or Straying as standard, that again you can tweak to make it your own. Have a look at the website, or give us a call, and get a free, no-strings quote.
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. We will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. We will not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time.
We offer a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations.
