How do i get RID of MUD SCRATCHES and HIVES on my horse?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Question

SO my 11 year old thoroughbred gelding (who has sensitive skin) has mud scratches (since it's the season) and he also has hives. (from the bugs etc.)

HOW DO I GET RID OF THEM?!?

- I've tried Desitn for the mud scratches and it doesn't work

- I don't want to use steriods for the hives since they're not that bad.

Please HELP me and my horse!

thank you! =]

P.S. - Is there ANY bug spray that lasts for more than 10-20 minutes?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Answer 1

Get some underwoods horse medicine.  This stuff is awesome.  My farrier recommend it to me when my yearling cut her nose, it was deep cut.  It started healing overnight.  No proud flesh, no scarring and healed so fast.     Most all my friends now have a bottle and love it.   My farrier said it works great on scratches also, no soaking or picking the scabs.  It is reasonably priced.  

I have used every spray under the sun and the best one is pyranha wipe and spray.  It has the citronella oil so it stays on the shaft of the hair longer.  You can get it as horse.com for the best price.  My friends horse has big problems with bug reaction.  She has tried everything and the only thing that works is a shot of steriods.

Answer 2

Let's see. What I use to get rid of my horses scratches.

-His stall has to be ABSOLUTELY clean. Meaning that he has to haev fresh sawdust that is never soiled, as in usually change it every 2-3 days. You do not want it to get "tannish/brown".

-He is turned out in either a all sand or extremely dry arena or indoor arena. He cannot go out in any grass or damp/muddy conditions.

-I use Betadine Surgical Scrub to clean the scratchs

-I put a small amount of Corona Ointment on the scratches

-I take a guaze pad that covers the area of the scratches, and I VetWrap the gauze pad on. I make sure i get a good grip, but it is not tight on his legs.

-Then change the bandage everyday and everytime after I ride.

-If you cannot be there to change a bandage everyday, just keep him in a all sand (with NO mud or wet ground) arena for turnout. AND have his stall stay VERY clean. Also, try and get out to the barn everyday to every other day or so, to use Betadine on the scratches, it helps speed the process of healing up.

Let's see. For hives,

Keep a fly sheet, fly mask and possibly fly turnout boots, on your horse when he goes outside. Also, try the Absorbine DuraGuard? and then either the Mosquito Repellent or the Farnam? Water-Guard or sweat-proof fly spray. All of these usually run about $18-$20 a bottle. US prices. They may have gone up too. so possibly $25-$30.

Feed your horse a safe form of garlic, so when he sweats, it repels the flies.

Hope this helped.

Answer 3

For the mud fever/scratches try a mixture of bleach and water. 1 part bleach to 3 parts water to start and if that isn't doing it lower the water to 2 parts. Apply it to the scabs every day and try and try and remove the scabs as they loosen. Once the skin is clear stop applying as bleach is harsh on their skin and you don't want to cause irritation. This is the only thing that has worked on my horses when the other "treatments" I've bought don't work. The limited, localised application of the bleach hasn't had any ill effects. It took approximately two to three weeks to clear up completely and another couple for the hair to grow back.

As for hives, there isn't much you can do about that unless it's caused by an external stimulous that you can remove such as irritating plants, insects, etc. Most bug sprays do NOT last very long, so if bugs are the problem use a fly sheet and possibly add a fly wipe (concentrated fly spray which is wiped on, not sprayed) as it can provide more coverage and longer lasting protection.

Answer 4

1.  For scratches I use EMT ointment from Farm and Fleet.

2. For hives get an antihistamine from the vet and ask for

    extra to keep on hand.

For scratches, I clean the sores with saline and dry them thoroughly...if it's extensive, I use betadine and hose wash it, towel dry it and use the hairdryer if necessary to get it completely dry.  the EMT goes on each sore after they are dried...it sticks well and they usually disappear in a couple days or even less.

3. Endure by Farnam lasts for a few days.