Q & A With Stacey

Q: I�ve heard that horses with white markings are more prone to scratches than other horses. Is this true? My paint mare gets scratches regularly and I was hoping you could tell me exactly what causes it and the best method to treat and prevent it?

A: It is untrue that horses with white markings on their legs are more prone to scrathes than those with dark legs. Predisposing factors to scratches include long hair at the back of the pastern, trauma to the skin and wed, muddy footing.

Scratches is a bacterial infection of the skin most often seen on the back side of the pastern, but can creep up the leg if the infection is severe and left untreated. The most common bacteria cultured from scratches lesions is Staphylococcus which causes a painful pyoderma (serous/pussy exudate from the skin) that spreads in linear lesions as the disease progresses. In severe cases the lesions can become quite painful and even cause a horse to be lame.

Treatment should involve clipping any long hair away from the site and soaking the leg in a dilute antibacterial solution. Once done soaking, dry the area well and apply an antibiotic-corticosteroid ointment that can be provided by your veterinarian.

In order to prevent scratches horses should be kept in a clean, dry environment. If you have a horse who is prone to scratches you may want to keep the hair on the back of their pasterns clipped short at all times.

If you believe the problem is becomming severe or your horse is not showing improvement quickly after you begin treatment, please consult your veterinarian.