Skin problems...

[Sonic Boom]

Hey all! My little TB has always had chronic skin problems...hives, he is very prone to rain rot (spring and fall) which as you know is a constant battle to keep dry/get rid of scabs, on and on. His hives appear rain related as well in particular. Until summer, his coat is dry, dull, flaky, etc. I bathe him rarely and only in his medicated shampoo just for this (with a conditioner), because he also gets hives from any and all OTHER shampoos besides microtek.

Anyway, it has been recommended by my vet to start him on an omega 3 supplement now, before the worst of the spring allergies/rain come. Also MSM, as it is a good general purpose anti-inflammatory, not just the uses we know (he's also beginning to exhibit arthritis so thought it might be worth a go for that, esp. given the price).

I am looking at suggestions for good skin/coat supplements that folks like. I use Smartpak's supplements and am very happy with them...they offer a skin/coat but thought I would see what folks here recommend.

Thanks! :)

[MunchkinsMom]

I had good results with Omega Horseshine, but I was not dealing with anything as drastic as what you describe.

I have had excellent results with Equiderma for rain rot, fungus, insect bites and sweet itch, if you have not tried it, you might want to. They have a money back guarantee if it doesn't work for you.

Here is a link to their website:

http://www.equiderma.com/index.html

[Simkie]

If I *really* wanted to supplement omega 3, I would use Wellpride--the fish oil for horses. And then I'd keep the bottle in the dark, in the cold in order to preserve the omega 3 as much as possible.

If that's too expensive, or too much of a pain in the ass, I would look at Equi Omega (http://www.uckele.com/equine/ezecommerce.cfm?fuseaction=productdetail&productid=437) from Uckele, or look at a high quality fish oil capule from GNC or Vitamin Cottage.

[BornToRide]

To me that is usually a sign that the skin does not get all the nutrients it needs. Could be copper/zinc deficiency or immune system weakness. Could also be that the horse's digestive tract is compromised by something like ulcers that prevents him from effectively absorbing nutrients.

I would approach this comprehensively from the inside out - boosting the immune system with vitamin C, E selenium (you can test his levels to see if he's low), supporting digestive health with pre and probiotics, and probably check and/or treat for ulcers.

Having a tendency to develop hives can also be a sign of impaired thyroid function which also has an affect on skin health. Selenium is also needed for proper thyroid function. perhaps that's all that he needs.

[JB]

I would want to know his entire diet.

Like BTR, I strongly believe that a diet lacking in proper vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, can easily easily lead to skin crud issues.

[horsechick]

I would spend a couple of hundred dollars and have blood pulled for a full allergy workup. Then they can create an allergy shot specifically for your horse in addition to all the other suggestions...

[Sonic Boom]

Thanks for the responses so far, folks.

Really, something as drastic as allergy shots for a horse that has a 2x/year problem? Or who doesn't react to shampoos not formulated for horses w/sensitive skin? If that's really something to consider, I will...lord knows he is miserable when it happens, and if that is what is needed, we can do it...

Here is what he eats:

AM:
1lb beet pulp
2 lb Triple Crown 10%
1/2 lb Hay Stretcher pellets

PM:
Same as AM feed-wise
SmartDigest Ultra (pre/probiotics) and now MSM
As much Timothy hay as he can eat for overnight...alfalfa does not agree w/him

Turnout 12 hours +/- an hour in winter, he would be out 24/7 in good weather. This time of year, as much timothy hay as they will eat out there.

I add the pre/probiotics as an aid for his digestion. He has zero ulcer symptoms, I thought maaaybe a while back, but turns out something totally unrelated is going on.

Actually, in response to something I saw here I asked my vet about the whole copper deficiency issue. She did not believe that was a problem in our area or with our feed.

Selenium/E is a thought. We are in a notoriously deficient area.

I do wonder, though. Slim has had these problems since he was 3 years old (know his old owners very well), when they got him. He's 11 now. Other than occasional rain rot that I am sure we have all experienced now and then, he is the only horse that has this problem. So it is something with him and how he is digesting/metabolizing, I believe, rather than the environment.

My vet was very interested in putting him on the Omega 3 supplement, hence my question...

[Sonic Boom]

I had good results with Omega Horseshine, but I was not dealing with anything as drastic as what you describe.

I have had excellent results with Equiderma for rain rot, fungus, insect bites and sweet itch, if you have not tried it, you might want to. They have a money back guarantee if it doesn't work for you.

Here is a link to their website:

http://www.equiderma.com/index.html

I have not tried Equiderma...I will give that a try if we can't lick this before it starts this year! :) Thanks! I usually use script shampoos or Microtek.

[Sonic Boom]

If I *really* wanted to supplement omega 3, I would use Wellpride--the fish oil for horses. And then I'd keep the bottle in the dark, in the cold in order to preserve the omega 3 as much as possible.

If that's too expensive, or too much of a pain in the ass, I would look at Equi Omega (http://www.uckele.com/equine/ezecommerce.cfm?fuseaction=productdetail&productid=437) from Uckele, or look at a high quality fish oil capule from GNC or Vitamin Cottage.

Simkie, I can look into that. Can it be in a fridge, or does it just need to be out of the light?

Okay, bonehead question...if one were to purchase capsules, how do you feed them? Break them open?

I also noticed last night that Triple Crown now has a supplement for Omega 3. Anyone tried it?

[cssutton]

M-T-G for rain rot.

Two or three applications and it is gone.

High quality commercial horse feeds are supposed to have all of the trace minerals needed by any horse. Omalene comes to mind although I feel a local horse feed.

Also a bucket of free choice mineral salt in granular form hung under the run in shed or in his stall.

Life need not be complicated.


CSSJR

If we do not wish to lose our freedom, we must learn to tolerate our
neighbor's right to freedom even though he might express that freedom
in a manner we consider to be eccentric.

[Sonic Boom]

cssutton yes I definitely use MTG...point is that this happens to him yearly, 2x/year. We are trying to head it off at the pass. I could, of course, leave him in his stall 24/7 and he would never get it...;) Being sarcastic of course ;)

Nothing complicated about it. This individual may need something others do not. It happens.

[TruthPrevails]

I recommend Farriers Formula. I use it on my big WB who has strange skin. Its flaky at times and reacts to a lot of things. Even though it is a foot supplement, if you read a full description, it is one of the best coat and skin supplements as well. I can definitely notice a difference when Wally is on it opposed to not on it. Also, Head and Shoulders helped my OTTB with the rain rot he had on his hind legs. Hope this helps. I know an itchy dry skinned horse is easily irritated and its not fun. Plus you feel so bad for them.

[Sonic Boom]

I recommend Farriers Formula. I use it on my big WB who has strange skin. Its flaky at times and reacts to a lot of things. Even though it is a foot supplement, if you read a full description, it is one of the best coat and skin supplements as well. I can definitely notice a difference when Wally is on it opposed to not on it. Also, Head and Shoulders helped my OTTB with the rain rot he had on his hind legs. Hope this helps. I know an itchy dry skinned horse is easily irritated and its not fun. Plus you feel so bad for them.

Oh wow I never would have thought of that! Thanks!

Yes, no fun to deal with and my poor little guy is awfully miserable when it happens. :(

[Simkie]

Simkie, I can look into that. Can it be in a fridge, or does it just need to be out of the light?

I would keep it in the fridge, and keep it tightly capped.

Okay, bonehead question...if one were to purchase capsules, how do you feed them? Break them open?

Just toss the capsules in the feed. Most horses will gobble them right up.

I also noticed last night that Triple Crown now has a supplement for Omega 3. Anyone tried it?

Not me! It does look interesting, though.

[kdmiddleton]

M-T-G for rain rot.

Two or three applications and it is gone.



Just a caution with M-T-G, make sure to use a small test area for this stuff first and see if there is any reaction. I tried it with my horse and he ended up with an allergic reaction to it or something in it and I ended up having to call the vet out because of the swelling in the area, and the heat. But other than my experience with it, I have heard good stuff about it from other people.

[kdmiddleton]

Farriers formula, flax, and collegin will all help with improving skin and coat over a period of time.

[JB]

I would have his selenium level checked, as you're in an area that can be deficient.

And, since there is a definite connection between insufficient copper and skin healthy, *I* would be adding some copper (and probably some zinc) to his diet. I'd lay odds that takes care of a lot of the issues.

Uckele has a Poly Copper that is cheap, and most horses eat it fine. They also have Poly Zinc.

Without added Cu, my WB gelding gets skin crud. Keep him on Cu, and nothing, not even scratches on his white legs which used to be a constant battle.

[EqTrainer]

Flax, copper and zinc. Check the selenium. MSM is great. Don't forget to check out the ginormous deworming thread, may or may not be relevant.

[Sonic Boom]

Thanks all! Some great suggestions here! Much appreciated. Hopefully we can help him through this years problems if we start now!

[MunchkinsMom]

I have not tried Equiderma...I will give that a try if we can't lick this before it starts this year! :) Thanks! I usually use script shampoos or Microtek.

Well, my horses both had a bad reaction to the Microtek products when I tried using them on rainrot outbreaks, so I had to use Muck-itch on them, and it took weeks to clear up (I had not heard of Equiderma back then).

I found the Equiderma on the shelf at the feed store and thought I would give it a try, and I was amazed at how fast it clear up the problem.

[goeslikestink]

Hey all! My little TB has always had chronic skin problems...hives, he is very prone to rain rot (spring and fall) which as you know is a constant battle to keep dry/get rid of scabs, on and on. His hives appear rain related as well in particular. Until summer, his coat is dry, dull, flaky, etc. I bathe him rarely and only in his medicated shampoo just for this (with a conditioner), because he also gets hives from any and all OTHER shampoos besides microtek.

Anyway, it has been recommended by my vet to start him on an omega 3 supplement now, before the worst of the spring allergies/rain come. Also MSM, as it is a good general purpose anti-inflammatory, not just the uses we know (he's also beginning to exhibit arthritis so thought it might be worth a go for that, esp. given the price).

I am looking at suggestions for good skin/coat supplements that folks like. I use Smartpak's supplements and am very happy with them...they offer a skin/coat but thought I would see what folks here recommend.

Thanks! :)

you sure it isnt sweet-itch look here www,sweet-itch.co.uk
get the boutti rug and gaurdian fly mask for the summer months

then have a look at this site -- www.camrosa.co.uk there stuff gets rid off all sorts
failing that get hold of thomas 1 secret fly repellant that works to its a sticky on horse care
read this if rianrot - http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horseandhound.co.uk%2Fhorse-care-index%2F1370%2F37324.html%3Fcid%3D1370%26aid%3D373 24&ei=vmNuSaDwE8Oh-gbu6-mPDQ&usg=AFQjCNFPQZr8juRCYzFPO1mf_Bff-lJREg&sig2=Vh4DubGd8XGhWHDT8k39og

and this http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.swep.org.uk%2Frainscald.htm&ei=vmNuSaDwE8Oh-gbu6-mPDQ&usg=AFQjCNEPcgNavfaeaMv6hf3FbWW_jx4FLQ&sig2=TX3r1_rmlhrALyvA2hk6SQ

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horseconnections.co.uk%2Fpage s%2Frainscald.cfm&ei=vmNuSaDwE8Oh-gbu6-mPDQ&usg=AFQjCNF8Y4zOSbj8OlNoDyZvRXgL3TZAKg&sig2=_YSfxctaEMcrPehFwKw41w

sometimes you have to move your horse in order for him to have full releif if the enviroment is of damp muddy conditions or no shelter , during treatment the horse should be in and hygenge protocol
should be in place so not toree infect the horse ie clean your tack nunmahs girhs brushes broom stable etc
also will say the horse shouldnt be earing rugs on skin thats going to come off as it wont heal
the skin needs to be dry and the horse needs to be in during wet weather or damp weather to give skin time to heal and the fur to re grow back you can use a nappy rash cream like zinc and caster oil as its a barrier against moisture and it soothes the horse so its no so sore for him

[Sonic Boom]

Well, my horses both had a bad reaction to the Microtek products when I tried using them on rainrot outbreaks, so I had to use Muck-itch on them, and it took weeks to clear up (I had not heard of Equiderma back then).

I found the Equiderma on the shelf at the feed store and thought I would give it a try, and I was amazed at how fast it clear up the problem.

Ugh sorry to hear that! I know how rotten reactions to shampoos can be. My boy does well with Microtek and for regular baths with Oster's aloe shampoo. Others I have tried, boom, hives.

As a gal with terribly sensitive skin, I do feel his pain (and am medicated for it UGH!). Like owner, like horse?!?! :lol:

[Sonic Boom]

you sure it isnt sweet-itch look here www,sweet-itch.co.uk
get the boutti rug and gaurdian fly mask for the summer months

then have a look at this site -- www.camrosa.co.uk there stuff gets rid off all sorts
failing that get hold of thomas 1 secret fly repellant that works to its a sticky on horse care
read this if rianrot - http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horseandhound.co.uk%2Fhorse-care-index%2F1370%2F37324.html%3Fcid%3D1370%26aid%3D373 24&ei=vmNuSaDwE8Oh-gbu6-mPDQ&usg=AFQjCNFPQZr8juRCYzFPO1mf_Bff-lJREg&sig2=Vh4DubGd8XGhWHDT8k39og

and this http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.swep.org.uk%2Frainscald.htm&ei=vmNuSaDwE8Oh-gbu6-mPDQ&usg=AFQjCNEPcgNavfaeaMv6hf3FbWW_jx4FLQ&sig2=TX3r1_rmlhrALyvA2hk6SQ

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horseconnections.co.uk%2Fpage s%2Frainscald.cfm&ei=vmNuSaDwE8Oh-gbu6-mPDQ&usg=AFQjCNF8Y4zOSbj8OlNoDyZvRXgL3TZAKg&sig2=_YSfxctaEMcrPehFwKw41w

sometimes you have to move your horse in order for him to have full releif if the enviroment is of damp muddy conditions or no shelter , during treatment the horse should be in and hygenge protocol
should be in place so not toree infect the horse ie clean your tack nunmahs girhs brushes broom stable etc
also will say the horse shouldnt be earing rugs on skin thats going to come off as it wont heal
the skin needs to be dry and the horse needs to be in during wet weather or damp weather to give skin time to heal and the fur to re grow back you can use a nappy rash cream like zinc and caster oil as its a barrier against moisture and it soothes the horse so its no so sore for him

GLS thanks, you posted some very interesting links! I've not been able to read them all but will.

Yes, certain it is not sweet itch. And purely triggered by the wet spring/fall weather, or skin irritants like shampoo that doesn't agree w/him.

I do agree re: environment, my boy I know keep in during rain or turn him out in the indoor if I can. Has helped. Thats the plan this year as well. He was off this farm the first year I had him, no difference than when he was there his whole life prior. He is not kept in excessive mud (to avoid all mud, he could never go out). Am teribbly OCD about tack cleaning/brush cleaning mostly due to this horse, ha! Good habits come from this at least. This is part of why it is so baffling, he still has the problems regardless of all precautions possible and a good diet.

GLS, a cream like a diaper rash cream? I know those have zinc (have used them on a previous horse about 5 years ago who was prone to scratches). What are your thoughts on using pure castor oil if something similar isn't available here? Or diluted?

Thanks again, you guys have had great suggestions! Vet was out tonight to see him re: his hocks, and I brought this up with her. She still would like him on Omega 3 and MSM, but thought some other things are worth us resea rching (we will both consider Selenium/Vit E in particular). Thanks!

It's funny, I've never been one to supplement. This is my first horse on anything. :eek:

[BigBlack]

Hi there,

I like products with lots of flax seeds in it, we actually feed flax seeds as a supplement and our horses look wonderful. Great coats and good hooves, not perfect but good, and no skin issues per se. Adeptus and Grand Meadows products I have tried in the past and have liked. Great I sound like Yoda...