Hello,
Thank you for sending your question to Just Answer!
This is a common problem we face as horse owners. What you are seeing is a type of fungas that primarily is located on the legs as it is pickup up by the horse "slinging" dirt, debris and fungus material while he walks in the pasture. I have seen it only on one leg for many reasons, but you are definitely describing this type fungus.
Don't worry, it's not serious and can be treated by you easily.
The stage you are seeing, fortunately is that fungus reaching it's end. Normally, you will have clumps of hair that "sluff" off and you see hair under it growing. Since water is the "fuel to the fire", per say for fungus, keeping it dry it your main concern.
Also, sometimes the skin underneath will be tender, but I would recommend cleaning it with a betadine solution gently and then be sure you allow it to dry (put your horse tied up with a hay bag, until dry) then spray it with an antifungal topical. If your horse does not mind sprays, (don't laugh) any jock itch product in an areosol works great.
If you find the leg very tender you can always put betadine ointment on 4x4 pads, then wrap with a standing wrap and secure with tape. Change the wrap every day.
Also, for this time of year and fungi so prevalent, I like to use a round of the wormer Ivermetin since it has ingredients that do help diminish fungus, whether it be rain rot or this "bumpy" leg fungus.
A betadine bath (no more than once a week) is also a good idea, and spray with anti-fungal sprays that you can get from most Horse related stores. (Feed stores, etc).
I hope this answer helps. If you need further information about this question, feel free to contact me. The question will remain open all day, and I will be notified.
***If this answer was helpful, please go ahead and click ACCEPT and I would really appreciate any questions in the future that I can help you with, by asking for JustAskTammy. Thank you. Tammy****
Edited by JustAskTammy on August 3 2006 at 10:12am
