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What Causes Rain Rot in Horses & What Are the Symptoms?

Rain rot in horses is caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis. This bacteria is commonly found in soil and can also be transferred to an animal through an insect bite when the insect is carrying the bacteria, but Dermatophilus isn't activated until water is introduced. A horse can readily pick up the bacteria walking in the meadow, and until lesions appear, you don't realize it's there. Crusty, scabbed skin is a telltale sign that the infection has started. The symptoms of rain rot in horses include the following:

  • Matted hair
  • Hair standing up or on-end
  • Unusually warm skin
  • Crusted, scabby, thick skin
  • Skin that peels easily
  • Obvious pain in the affected area

Horse Wound Care for Common Injuries

Horses will be horses, and that can mean getting hurt in a variety of ways. It can be scary to see such a magnificently powerful animal suffering with pain. What are the common wounds horses sustain, and what can be used to clean and help manage irritation that result from the wounds? Here are four categories under which most horse wounds fall:

Scrapes and Abrasions

Whether in the stall or the meadow, horses will get an array of small wounds that aren't serious problems unless the wounds become infected. Staphylococcus infections can be deadly, so it’s important to find and tend to these wounds during daily grooming. Horse wound care spray with HOCl can help manage the irritation associated with minor scrapes and abrasions.

Lacerations

Lacerations are a bit more alarming because the horse could lose large amounts of blood. That isn't abnormal and is not necessarily cause for worry. These wounds are often jagged or ragged and sometimes appear far worse than they are. Horse wound care should include rinsing the laceration with water to examine the depth of the injury. If it is very deep, it may require stitches. If not, an ointment or horse wound spray containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) can be used to clean and manage irritation from minor lacerations.

Punctures

Punctures are more difficult to treat because it can be difficult to see all the damage. With scrapes and lacerations, you can see the injury when grooming the horse. A puncture wound caused by a bucket hook or other piercing object may leave a deep wound, making it easier for bacteria to travel deep into the animal’s body. Thorough washing of the affected area — irrigated by a professional if the puncture is deep — is the best place to start. A topical solution containing HOCl may be prescribed, and a horse wound spray may be used.

What is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)

An ideal disinfectant and sanitizer, hypochlorous acid is endogenous and effective against many microorganisms. Endogenous means it originates from within the white blood cells of mammals, for the purpose of fighting infections in the body. HOCl naturally destroys bacteria and viruses that cause infection after a wound occurs. Unlike many antibacterial agents, hypochlorous acid complements mammals' cells. That means a horse wound spray containing HOCl works with a horse’s system and causes no harm as it only enhances the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Benefits of Clireon for Horse Wound Care

Rain rot in horses, along with other types of infections, may need professional veterinary care. However, when veterinary care is not needed, the benefit of a spray or gel containing HOCl for horse wound care is clear. Clireon, which contains HOCl, is a steroid-free way to clean and manage the multiple types of wounds discussed here. It’s also FDA-authorized for veterinary use on all animal tissue. Clireon is a completely safe, environmentally-friendly, and all-natural product for managing irritation caused by wounds on horses and other animals. Clireon works fast to help with the following:

  • Reduce bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms
  • Soothe sore, infected skin
  • Reduce soreness from inflammation
  • Promote healing

How to Use Clireon to Treat Wounds Such as Rain Rot in Horses

Clireon is easy to use and comes in a horse wound care spray or gel. Once you have identified the rot or wound area, apply Clireon's fast-acting, all-natural HOCl formula using these steps:

  • Remove any hair from the wounded or affected area. A curry comb is helpful.
  • Apply Clireon Wound and Skin Care SolutionTM directly to the skin and continue until the affected area is clean.
  • Apply a dressing soaked in Clireon, if necessary. The dressing should be applied with its edges extending past the wound margins.
  • Repeat these steps up to five times per day.
  • If a dressing sticks to the wound during removal, soak the dressing in Clireon to loosen it.
  • For use on ears, wipe the affected area with a gauze pad soaked in Clireon.
  • For eyes, spray a cotton ball with Clireon and wipe or dab the cotton ball around the eyes.
  • For skin folds, soak a cotton ball in Clireon and wipe the affected area to remove contaminants like dirt or other debris.
  • Spray wounds often and generously. Consult your veterinarian if the condition persists after seven days.

Clireon Treats Rain Rot in Horses and Alleviates Painful Symptoms

Rain rot in horses can be mild to severe and is usually painful. We love our animals as much as you do, and that's why we created Clireon. We believe your horses deserve a natural cleansing agent that will help manage irritation caused by rain rot, cuts, abrasions, lacerations, punctures, and contusions. Clireon is steroid-free, eco-friendly, and all-natural solution that gently manages your horses’ symptoms so they can get back to running and bucking — ears forward — like a happy colt again. Don't wait. Rain rot and other horse skin infections should not be ignored. Start using Clireon to help manage horse wounds today.

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