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I notice that there seems to be two types of "Scratches" discussed on the list. Tell me if this synopsis sounds about right.
Both types (chemical and infective) result in similar problems - irritation and cracking of the skin behind the fetlocks, oozing serum, soreness, scabs. The cause is different, but the results are the same.
Chemical - per Barb may be alkaline soil and sweat irritating the skin? Perhaps other chemicals in the area thru which you ride?
Infective - (I have experience here!) is from a mixed fungal/bacterial infection associated with the skin being wet and macerated during the wet season(s).
Best cure = prevention for either case! Protect the skin from exposure with a barrier (vaseline, A&D ointment, Zinc Oxide ointment)
Treatment for an existing condition varies based on the cause...
Keep the area clean
Keep the area from further exposure to chemical irritant or infective agent
If infective - medication to combat the fungus/bacteria
Does this sum it up? Our old gelding used to get infective scratches that would become systemic within 6 hours. He'd go from a bad case of scratches to looking as though he had a leg transplant from an elephant! He would be lethargic, run a fever, and go on antibiotics by mouth for 7-10 days.
My old mare used to be irritated by some fertilizers in a field we rode thru to get to trails. She would come back with open skin and oozing.
In both cases, we prophyllactically applied Desitin or Zinc Oxide ointment to prevent exposure and it became less of a problem. Like Teddy said, though, the NE has VERY wet seasons that can be very hard to manage. (You will learn what "boot sucking mud" really means!)
Linda Flemmer
-----Original Message-----
From: CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com [mailto:CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]
In a message dated 6/21/99 7:50:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
Teddy@runningbear.com writes:
<< She said white legs were more susceptible (I agree) and this kept
the legs dark (she shaved them first, though). I have not tried this. >>
Whether or not the sheep blacking will help depends on whether or not there
is an element of photosensitivity involved. Sometimes there is. Other times
I think it is a matter of the pigment within the skin itself being part of
the defense, although I don't know of any real "scientific" background for
that. Either way, the white legs are definitely more apt to be affected...
Heidi
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