....are all general terms that refer to a group of diseases, not a specific one. The only way to know for certain what condition your horse has would be a skin biopsy taken by a licensed Vet.
There are several types of topical scratch remover that are said to work very well for "ordinary scratches".....
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"My clyde mare gets mites in her feather and would scratch them off if I don't catch it ! I rub pour-on ivermectin into her feathers, and repeat it in 10 days, and her feathers stay nice and long all year long! (I usually only have to do this in the spring). The pour-on ivermectin comes in a plastic bottle and it's a blue liquid. The box it comes in is black with a cow head on it. It says; pour-on for cattle, but around here we use it on everyone! I've even given it to my cats for ear mites, and it clears them right up! I only use a small amount (mabey 1/4 cup), put on a cloth and rub it into the feathers up to the knees". (info found on the Internet - can't recall where)
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It is very effective and can be applied on your horse's legs quickly... a mix of strongid wormer, nitofurizom and DMSO which you can get from your vet. Mix equal parts (smells like garlic) and apply daily as long as you see any signs of sores underneath the feather. Just make sure that every time you don't apply too much since your horse will continue to occassionally scratch those sores with it's mouth until they are healed. (info found on the Internet - can't recall where)
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I have a gelding who has had this problem for years. This mixture is the only thing I've ever tried that works for him. It usually only takes one or two applications and we have it licked. Mix together 2 parts Derma Clens (available from KV Vet), 2 parts Desitin, 1 part Tinactin (or generic brand), 1 part Neosporin, 1 part hydrocortisone cream. Apply to dry legs. Do NOT pick at the scabs - the Dermaclens will cause them to fall off on their own. If its a bad flare up, I will wrap the legs overnight as this helps absorb the ointment. Try to keep the area dry. It seems that scrubbing it only makes it worse. Good luck (copied from http://forum.equisearch.com/forums/p/42005/299339.aspx )
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The following was sent in by QUINCY'S adopter - THANK YOU !!
The first I recommend is: Sulfur (food supplement sulfur - buy it at the feed store) I buy it in 50 lbs. bags for Moses. Buy a jug of mineral oil. Get a container with a lid, dump the mineral oil into container/tub, mix in the sulfur (stir with stick), keep adding sulfur until you have thin mash potato mix. It should look like watered down mashed potatoes. Clean the feet, apply the mixture with rubber gloves all over the scratches. LEAVE IT ON: DO NOT WASH IT OFF. Do the same thing the next day. and so on, until the scratches are gone. Remember the scratch paste (mineral oil/sulfur) will make the horse's legs look yellow in appearance (don't worry about that), it washes off with soap and water.
If that does not work - try this method: Buy copper sulfate (blue crystals), put two (2) scoops to one gallon of water. It will look like bluish/green water - make sure you have a lid to cover it. Use gloves and a sponge and sponge it onto the legs. DO NOT WASH IT OFF THE LEGS. Wait for 2 days, the scratches should peel right off. (like dry scabs).
Frontline feline/dog spray is another topical treatment. Sometimes the scratches are due bug bites. This is expensive $50.00/bottle if you're treating drafts.
As well as another good, quick remedy is Desitine (yes, diaper rash) white gel. Alternate that with the sulfur/mineral oil, every other day. The Zinc Oxide seems to be helpful. It is cheap and easy.
