Q: What do you recommend as a treatment for scratches? My Thoroughbred has had a very bad case since August, and nothing I try seems to work. I have had the veterinarian out twice. She has shaved his leg and prescribed antibiotics and medicated shampoo, but we just can’t seem to cure this. I have been told about a lot of home remedies, but I am not sure what I should do. Can you suggest how I might help this wonderful horse?
A: You have sure hit upon a challenging problem! Scratches, technically known as pastern dermatitis, is a combination of inflammation and infection of the skin on the lower legs of horses.
We usually see scratches during the wet, muddy times of year. It starts off looking like red, irritated skin. If left untreated, scratches causes hair loss, oozing and the formation of large crusts. These crusts can be painful to the touch, and I have even seen horses become lame because of them. Occasionally the legs swell up and deeper infections can occur (cellulitis).
Many treatments for scratches are available, which means there is no magic bullet. Steroids, applied topically, are often needed to reduce inflammation. We then add antibacterial, antifungal or antiparasitic medications topically and, occasionally, systemically. Finally, a protectant, such as zinc oxide or sunscreen, is applied to prevent continued irritation of the skin.
For non-responsive cases, I perform blood work, look for signs of Cushing’s disease and do a skin biopsy and culture for bacteria and fungus. You need to find out what is causing the condition in your gelding. In spite of intensive treatment, some horses, especially Thoroughbreds, are not cured, and I recommend daily gentle removal of crusts and use of steroid ointments to keep the condition under control.
David Trachtenberg, DVM
Ledgewood Equine Veterinary Clinic
Ontario, New York
I eagerly read this article because the title promised a CURE for scratches! I too, struggled for over 6months with a stubborn and painful case of scratches with many changes of topical ointments from the vet. We tried it all and really, nothing worked. It had to just run its course. That’s pretty much what this vet says – it has to run its course. There is no CURE.
The Vet College at the University of Saskatchewan has a great ointment that they make up. It does the trick everytime!!
Hi, Whom do I contact at the vet College at the University of Saskatchewan to get this ointment? I have been battling the crud since mid July and I would really like to be done by show season.Has anyone heard of it being related to an allergy? Possibly an alfafa allergy? Thanks
My horse had a terrible case. We worked with our vet but after receiving no relief took matters into our own hands and searched out several different ” recipes,” as what works for one horse may not necessarily work for another. We met with success, and I am more than willing to share these recipes.