So I am collecting favorite cures for scratches. It only showed up on his hind left pastern but my poor boy was hurting enough to be off on all gaits. I have trimmed the effected area, wash it every night, and am using Shreiner's (killer stuff) http://www.schreiners.com

and then covering with 3 in 1 ointment.

Thanks eveybody - desitin is a great idea, if it can go on a baby's tender parts, it should do fine by Red, lol. After a week treating with Shreiners Herbal Solution and 3 in 1 Ointment the nasty crusties are gone, along with inflamation. He still favors it slighty until he is warmed up. Again, thanks!

Oh, and I do have some Micro-tek, will have to give it a go

Mare wrote:

Thanks!!!! At the same time Red got the nasty stuff another mare in my barn turned up lame with it. Her owner used iodine while I used Schreiners. Red's was gone in less than one week. The other horse was miserable for two weeks and then had to use some super expensive stuff from the vet.

http://www.schreiners.com/

Hey Guys,

I hate to be so dumb, but what is scratches? I've never heard of it. I've been away from horses for a number of years, so haven't kept up with all the new stuff.

Luana

Its a fungal thing horses get on their legs usually behind the pasterns and it will go around to the front also and up the lower leg.  It shows up in the spring when the moisture and temperature levels are favorable for its growth, usually when it is muddy in the spring.  You will notice little scabs on the skin behind and in front of the pasterns or higher, its is easy to mistake the scabs for clumps of mud, but you'll note hair in them and the sore left behind after you pick it.  If you catch it early it is easier to cure, but it can be stubborn and hard to get rid of.  If it gets bad it can cause swelling of the lower legs and the horse can get so sore it is lame.  A friend of mine got the following cure for scratches off the internet 3 years ago:

1 part furazone ointment  1 part DMSO  and 1 part Cutter Paste Wormer(or which ever chemical this wormer is--I forget the name)

 It really does work. I used it on my horses when they had scratches and it worked very well.

we have a horse that had fungus and m t g started to heal it in just a few days.