🧴 Vet Guide 2025: Understanding Scratches and Hair Loss in Horses – Diagnosis and Treatment Tips 🐴🩺

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Many horse owners are familiar with mysterious skin issues—hair loss, scabs, and swelling—especially on the lower legs. One of the most common causes of these symptoms is a condition called scratches. While it may sound minor, scratches can become painful, recurring, and even lead to deeper infections if not treated properly. In this 2025 veterinary guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines the modern approach to recognizing and treating this frustrating skin condition. 🐎🔍

🔍 What Are Scratches?

Scratches is a skin condition that affects the lower legs of horses—often around the front of the cannon bone and pastern area. It’s characterized by:

• 🧼 Hair loss
• 🩹 Scabs and crusting
• 🔥 Swelling and redness
• 🐴 Pain and inflammation in advanced cases

Also known as "mud fever" or "greasy heel," this condition is more than cosmetic. Without treatment, it can become a source of discomfort, lameness, and chronic skin trauma. 🧬

🌿 Causes: What Triggers Scratches?

Scratches is not caused by a single agent—it's the result of skin damage followed by infection. Common contributing factors include:

• 🦟 Fly irritation and insect bites on the legs
• 🌾 Irritation from tall grasses or weeds
• 💦 Wet or muddy conditions softening the skin
• 🧪 Underlying allergies compromising the skin barrier

The damaged skin then becomes infected with bacteria, fungi, or both. The body responds by forming crusty scabs, often hiding pus or fluid beneath. 🔬

🧠 Symptoms to Watch For

Scratches usually start subtly and worsen with exposure to irritants. Look for:

• 🩹 Crusty scabs or flaky skin
• 📍 Patches of hair loss around the lower leg
• 🔴 Red, inflamed skin beneath the crust
• 🐴 Swelling and tenderness in severe cases

These signs often appear on the rear legs, especially near the cannon bone and pastern. Early intervention makes treatment easier. 🕵️

🩺 Diagnosing Scratches: Vet Steps in 2025

Not all leg scabs are scratches—proper diagnosis is key to selecting the right treatment. Your vet may perform:

• 🔬 Microscopic exam of skin tissue
• 🧫 Fungal culture to rule out dermatophytes
• 🧪 Bacterial culture to determine antibiotic sensitivity

These tests ensure the right antifungal, antibacterial, or anti-inflammatory treatment is used. 💡

💊 Modern Treatment Protocols in 2025

Once properly diagnosed, treatment for scratches involves these key steps:

1️⃣ Clip and Clean

• ✂️ Gently clip hair around the lesion
• 🧴 Use chlorhexidine shampoo to soak the area for 10–15 minutes
• 🧼 Carefully remove softened scabs—sedation may be needed for painful cases

2️⃣ Apply Targeted Medication

• 🧴 Use a triple-action cream with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agents
• 🦟 Add fly repellent ointment to protect healing skin

3️⃣ Treat Systemically if Needed

• 💊 Oral antibiotics for deep or spreading infections
• 🩹 Temporary wrapping to protect from further irritation (avoid long-term wrapping)

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Ignoring early signs—scratches worsen fast
• ❌ Using over-the-counter creams without vet advice
• ❌ Wrapping too long—traps moisture and worsens infection

🧠 Vet Tip from Dr Duncan Houston

"Scratches isn’t just about dirty legs—it’s an inflammatory and infectious process that needs targeted care. Diagnosis first, then treatment. Don't delay care." 🐴💬

🛡️ Preventing Scratches

Prevention is just as important as treatment, especially for horses prone to recurring skin issues. Follow these tips:

• 🦟 Use fly protection boots or ointments
• 🧽 Rinse and dry legs after exposure to wet pasture
• ✂️ Trim long leg hair to reduce moisture retention
• 🌾 Rotate pasture turnout to limit exposure to mud and tall weeds

🔚 Final Thoughts: Early Care Makes All the Difference

Scratches is a common but frustrating equine skin condition. Prompt recognition, veterinary diagnosis, and effective treatment ensure your horse stays comfortable, sound, and ready for work. 🐎💪

Not sure if it’s scratches, fungus, or another skin issue? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for fast, expert advice from a licensed vet. Your horse’s skin health is just a click away. 📱🧴