Treating Horse Scratches

Group hugs after I groomed my horses and clipped Finnegan’s feathers (the long hair that grows around the hoof). Shaving is a last resort at my farm but I will do it if I need to. You see, bacteria, moisture, and mites get trapped in the hair especially during spring thaws and mud season. It becomes very itchy and irritating and, if left untreated, can even cause a horse to go lame from the pain (not to mention infection). To make it even trickier to battle, a treatment that works for one horse won’t necessarily work for another. Dozer does well on pig oil & sulfur applied weekly. She has no issues. But this actually irritates Finn further.

If your horse has Clyde Itch/Mud Fever/ Scratches (it’s all the same) here are some things to try:

• MTG brand (Mane-Tail-Groom) oil applied and rubbed in weekly
  
• Pig Oil and Sulphur applied weekly (similar to MTG without additives)
  
• Homemade scratches ointment (equal parts triple antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone and diaper rash cream)
  
• KrudZapper brand Ointment
  
• KillItch brand shampoo
  
• @coat_defense Drying Paste and Preventive Powder
  
• Washing before any treatment is recommended BUT water is also the source of irritation. Clean off the mud and dry completely. I have found repeat washing only irritates the skin further.
  
• Some vets recommend picking off any scabs. I do not.
  
• CleanTrax hoof soak. Again, dry completely.
  
• Shave the feathers to allow light and air to kill any remaining bacteria.

As always, with anything you apply be sure to do a patch test to make sure the horse has no allergic reaction. Additionally, keeping the horse away from mud and standing water is hugely helpful. I hope this helps! Feathered horse owners know this can be an ongoing battle to keep our babes comfortable.