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  Discussion on Dermatophilus?
Author Message
Member:
mdobbs

Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 1:21 am:

Hi Dr.O,
Thanks again for this wonderful website!
On Jan 2nd, our 3 1/2 yr old Andalusian stallion named Shambhala or Sham presented many quarter or nickel size welts on his sides, a large patch of hair coming off from his topline in the saddle area, under his long winter coat and many smaller bumps on his muzzle,jaw, near his eyes, on his stomach, behind his front legs and near his sheath. Vet wasn't sure what it was, 2nd vet suggested Dermotopolis. Have been giving him antibiotics and hyDrOxizine for itching. The scabs are very sore when removed. Just read your information about dermotopolis, photo of the scab and hair is identical to Sham's. Have used some diluted Betadine, but Sham very reluctant to allow us to put it on him. It seems it may be a burning feeling for him. Tried using warm water and betadine, made no difference. Will continue to try and wash areas, but Colorado winter coat is long and thick and weather cold.
Have noticed he doesnt look as thrifty as he should. He was on good leafy alfalfa hay and small amount of grain last winter and good grass hay, small amount of grain and pasture this summer. Not sure why he isnt looking really great, as he receives excellent care? He is usually wormed 3 - 4 X a year and is due for another worming. He is not in training yet and is not under saddle. He has a large clean stall with a connected paddock. He is unblanketed as he prefers no blanket. He does love to roll in both paddock and pasture. Any suggestions you can make would be gratefully appreciated. He is on excellent high protein grass /alfalfa mix hay and very small amount of Equine Adult grain; with daily turnout on a 2 acre pasture paddock with good grass for several hours.
thanks so much,
Mary
Wind Horse Farm
Colorado
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 6:22 am:

Hello Mary,
First concerning the povidone (Betadine). It is not painful even when placed on open wound. However that is not the same as saying it does not hurt to touch the sensitive skin. Be sure to follow the treatment recommendations and strengths as detailed in the article or progress will be slow. If you are having problems do to the discomfort, mild sedation might help a lot.

Concerning the recent poor doing there are many possibilities. Since it has been a while since you have dewormed it would be interesting to have a fecal test done to see if you are deworming enough but it must be done before you deworm to be of any value. But this is just one step of many you should take evaluating your horses care, for more see Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Weight Loss in Horses » Overview of Chronic Weight Loss.
DrO
Member:
mdobbs

Posted on Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 9:38 am:

Hi Dr.O,
Thanks very much for your suggestions, will start today. Sorry for my lack of clarity; Sham's unthriftiness isnt in loss of weight, its more a lack of shine, and a bit of lethargy. His weight is good, maybe just a bit too good. I keep thinking it may be a lack of nutrients, though his feed seems good? Excellent high protein grass / alfalfa hay, small amount of Equine Adult grain and pasture.
Can you suggest a mild sedative that we can give him as we work over the next few days to remove the dermotopolis which is very pervasive? It is even around his left eye. I think the website data mentioned bute?
thank you very much for your help,
Mary
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jan 11, 2008 - 6:28 am:

I would recommend acepromazine if the horse is just mildly aversive. Discuss this with your veterinarian for your particular horse he may recommend something more potent. For more on sedatives see, Treatments and Medications for Horses » Sedatives & Anesthetics.
DrO
Member:
mdobbs

Posted on Saturday, Jan 12, 2008 - 4:44 pm:

Hi Dr.O,
Thanks for your suggestions. Do have one question; is there a different mild sedative other than Acepromizine for our young stallion? We would prefer to use a different drug for him due to his being a stallion.
We would like to help him relax a bit during the doctoring of his skin condition.
thank you,
Mary
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