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Discussion on Sores on underside of tail???
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Member:
Kharma
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Posted on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 11:04 am:
Hi Dr. O,
I have a horse who has not been here long. Was very underweight and is 22 yrs old. In the past week he has had several sores appear under his tail (on the bald side). They sort of look like eruptions, like something is coming out. They are raised, raw and oozing then they scab after a few days with application of ointment. Is there a parasite that does this? Or something else I can treat?
Thank you!
Lisa
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New Member:
Parforq
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Posted on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 3:24 pm:
I have an 11 year old gelding that has the same problem. I would love to know what causes these sores, and what I can do for them. When he gets them I apply a cortisone cream, but it is not a cure because it just means he will get another.
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Member:
Dres
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Posted on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 4:38 pm:
just curious , is your horse in pasture..? could it be fox tails.. or burs..???
i know this time of year the fox tails give me and the horses fits.. and so much fun to get out as well.. ( they have a life of their own )
Ann
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 4:51 pm:
Some horses will hook their tail over a fence or a door and scratch under its base really hard, in an attempt to relieve the itch from parasites. The hair around the base of the tail will be pretty "plucked", as they'll also rub the outside of the tail.
If this is your case, normal deworming procedures should cure it.
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Member:
Parforq
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 3, 2004 - 7:51 am:
Is there anymore information out there on sores under the tail?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 3, 2004 - 8:19 am:
Hello All,
No there are no internal parasites that commonly cause such eruptions and regular ivermectin treatments would take care of the unusual presentaions.
I too would be looking for irritation and scratching. One of the common causes of sores in the tail would be ticks but with frequent inspection I would think you would see them. There is no reason to believe Roxanne's sores and Lisa's sores have the same cause and Lisa's problem may resolve with good wound care and an improved condition of the horse. Besides regular observation for the cause a thorough exam by a veterinarian, including thorough exploration of the draining tract and possibly culture of a unerrupted pustule should reveal a cause or at least point in a direction for further exploration.
DrO
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 3, 2004 - 2:41 pm:
Doc O,
I think you got my post wrong. I mean that in an attempt to relieve the itch in the perineal region caused by pinworms, for example, a horse may hook its tail over a fence and scratch like mad, sometimes to the extend of causing secondary conditions due to the abrasion under the tail.
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Member:
Kharma
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Posted on Friday, Jun 4, 2004 - 9:16 am:
Thank you Dr. O
Our Vet seems to think it is a reaction to tick bites. I have been very vigilant about cleaning and applying ointment to the area since my post. The sores are healing and I have since been inspecting for ticks twice daily to avoid another problem :o) No more so far!
Thank you!
Lisa
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Jun 4, 2004 - 9:54 am:
We have information on tick control in the tail at Equine Diseases » Skin Diseases »
Overview of Scratching & Rubbing. Christos I thought your response was right on, it was my reply that was unclear.
DrO
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