Scratches, or equine pastern dermatitis, affects a variety of horses for many reasons. But one thing is certain: The sooner you identify the problem and begin treating the condition, the sooner affected areas can start healing. Sara Senn, DVM, a veterinarian at Littleton Equine Medical Center, in Colorado, recently shared her insights with us on managing scratches, from identifying clinical signs to effective treatment strategies integrating traditional methods with innovative treatments.

The Horse: What is scratches and how does it impact horses?

Senn: Scratches is a term referring to equine pastern dermatitis. This is a multifactorial (has a variety of causes) condition. It affects the back of the horse’s pastern and fetlock region. It is especially common in the hind limbs or limbs with white hair and pink skin. We often see scratches in horses with feathers such as drafts or draft crosses, but it affects any breed. Dermatitis can arise from a combination of causes, including bacterial, fungal, allergy, etc.

Typical scratches cases present as reddened, irritated, and often thickened skin along the back of the pastern and fetlock regions. The areas typically have an ulcerated appearance and can have an active yellow or crusted discharge. More severe cases commonly involve swelling of the lower limb. Horses can become lame from this condition and are usually sensitive to touch around the affected areas.

The Horse: What steps should horse owners take to treat scratches?

Senn: Traditionally, owners have focused on husbandry to promote dry environments and remove dirt and moisture from horses’ limbs. People have also used multiple types of topical medications to soothe affected areas and mitigate infection.

My approach is to clip and gently clean the affected area with a mild soap or disinfectant, removing the crusted scabs when loose and allowing the area to remain dry. I often apply an antimicrobial or soothing salve and bandage the area during acute flares, especially if significant crusting or ulceration is present. Once the scabs have softened and the inflammation has decreased, allowing the area to be open and dry is key. Frequently, horses need that daily treatment for several days or even weeks to control some cases. Sometimes antibiotics are necessary if the horse has developed secondary cellulitis or skin infection. Anti-inflammatories can also be used if there is associated lameness or discomfort of the limb. Environmental control is also crucial. I have owners keep the horse in a dry place and regularly hose or wash the limbs and allow them to dry completely before using any sort of bell boot or wrap.

The Horse: Are antibiotics needed to treat this condition?

Senn: In some cases, antimicrobials are required if the lesions aren’t responding to traditional therapy or if the horse has developed secondary cellulitis.

Antimicrobial resistance is always on our minds anytime we prescribe antibiotics to a patient. With scratches it is uncommon to see resistant infections especially if a proper diagnosis has been made. It is important that veterinarians prescribe the correct antibiotic and duration and that the owner is compliant in administering the drug.

The Horse: Which geographical regions are impacted by scratches?

Senn: We associate areas with increased humidity and mud with higher prevalence of scratches. However, we can see it anywhere, even in the dry climate where I practice in Colorado.

The Horse: How do environmental factors, such as weather and stable conditions, impact the occurrence and treatment of scratches in horses?

Senn: Scratches is fostered in large part by a prolonged moist and contaminated environment along the back of the pastern. It makes logical sense that horses’ environment largely impacts their risk of developing scratches and their ability to respond to treatment.

The Horse: What are the common mistakes horse owners make when treating scratches, and how can they avoid them?

Senn: The most common mistake I see is owners ignoring the problem. Many horses can carry on quite well for some time without developing lameness or severe sensitivity. Treatment can be cumbersome and inconvenient, so many owners choose to ignore the lesions. A low-grade case of scratches can potentially turn into a serious infection of the skin that becomes very difficult to treat. Another common mistake is stopping treatment too early. If the lameness has improved but lesions are still present, it is not time to stop. It is important to continue treatment until the lesions have resolved.

The Horse: What are the primary benefits of using Silver Honey^® Rapid Skin Relief Vet Strength Scratches Spray for treating scratches in horses?

Senn: Silver Honey combines many ingredients that veterinarians use regularly for topical wound management treatment. The use of silver and manuka honey has been proven repeatedly to be effective antimicrobially and can also be effective against certain fungi. It provides soothing protection for the skin while clearing local infection. It is easy to apply, and horses tolerate it very well.

The Horse: How quickly can horse owners expect to see results when using Silver Honey on their horses?

Senn: Typically, I tell owners to expect a response within the first two to three days. However, this can be very case-dependent.

While you might not be able to prevent your horse from getting scratches entirely, with Senn’s advice and a good treatment plan using innovative treatments such as Silver Honey^® Rapid Skin Relief Vet Strength Scratches Spray, you will be able to manage your horse’s condition effectively and treat cases within weeks.