I think my horse has girth itch?

Question

It looks like he is galled, but than there are little bumps all over too. its just in his armpit area and and doesn't go very far back into his actual girth. What could it be, and how can I treat it. If any one has any links to websites with pictures of girth itch or other fungi's that would be great too. I think girth itch is like ring worm but in the girth area, this does not look like ringworm

Answer 1

The girth might be just rubbing or pulling this area.

if it is girth itch however, there is an anti-fungal shampoo called FUNGISAN.  It's in a purple bottle.  It works miracles!  Also scrubbing it with Betadine could help.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Get your vet out there to look at it, and in the meantime if you have to ride, get a girth cover made of sheepskin to prevent irritation. (We use them on all of our guys, they've never had any rubbing or discomfort since we started using them.)

Good luck!

Answer 3

Best thing I've found for girth itch is M-T-G. It is fungicidal so help if it is a fungi or yeast type infection but also has skin conditioners and emolients that help sooth and heal even if it is just irritated or a girth gall. Behind the elbow is a good breeding ground for yeast and fungi due to it being a warm moist area.

I wouldn't ride until it is completly healed and be sure to not put that girth on any other horse as it contagious. Same with your brushes. Wash the brushes really good and soak them in hot water mixed with about a cup of bleach for at least 30 minutes. Your girth will need to be disinfected as well before putting it back on him.

Straight Arrow also makes 2 really good products to treat it with. Both are anti-microbial and treat a broad range of skin problems -- covers bacteria, yeast, mold, fungi and viruses. The Pro-Tect shampoo is also great as a preventive if you think you might have accidentally exposed another of your horses via brushes or tack.

Here are the links:

Pro-Tect Shampoo

http://www.manentailequine.com/protectsh...

Pro-Tect Skin and Wound Treatment

http://www.manentailequine.com/protectsk...

You can pick them up at many tack shops. I usually buy mine at Tractor Supply.

Answer 4

Here's one...

http://www.horsequest.com/journal/health...

I have another one that has photos...gimme a minute to find it...http://www.russostackshack.com/tips/exte...

I like washing the infected area with an iodine wash of some sort.  Remember to wash your girth too.  It has the fungus or bacteria on it too.  If you treat the horse, without treating the girth or any brushes that you have used on it...you continue to spread the problem...

Something about girth/cinch galls...http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/he...