ridecamp@endurance.net: scratches

scratches

Katherine J. Brunjes (brunjes@saturn.caps.maine.edu)
Tue, 24 Jun 1997 11:23:54 -0400 (EDT)

Steph -
We came back from the Biltmore this year with a gelding who had scratches
so bad that he could hardly walk - stress induced per our vet - 5 weeks
later, we are still treating him - but he is so much improved that he is
rideable and even competed in a 50 mile endurance race in Vermont on June
15th (and came in a very close 11th - right with th e9 and 10 horse!) -
here is what we ended up using, and has worked like a charm when
everything else failed (even the DMSO, Furamycin, and cattle wormer combo
that a lot of the trail magazines have noted to be superior in cleaning up
scratches didn't work on this guy):

biotin ointment three times a day (wash area with warm soapy water first,
towel dry and apply ointment) - during the day, we coat affected area with
desitin after the biotin has been applied

This mixture cleaned him up, reduced swelling and left him with pink skin
(no scabs, bleeding, or cracked areas) in just three days.

Biotin is used in cattle - you can get it at feed stores - it comes in a
box of 12 tube/syringe type applicators, and we use a full applicator for
each pastern area (this horse has two white socks, and both were affected
with the scratches) - biotin is actually for cows that either have
mastitis or are in the process of drying up.

Good luck!
Kathy Brunjes
Bethel, ME

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