Scratches or Greasy Heel Syndrome

What do you see?   Scabs on the back of your horses fetlocks that look like a rope burn,  but for some reason won’t go away or seems to spread.

What is it?    It is not a single, specific disease entity, but a collection of conditions with different underlying causes and similar clinical features.  It generally has reference to a variety of inflammatory skin conditions with a tendency for the disease to occur on non- pigmented skin areas.  The sight of the initial outbreak usually occurs on a hind limb and affects the pastern area.  With time the lesions can extend up the leg and around the front of the pastern and fetlock.  The nature of the lesions depends on the underlying cause, the length of time the horse has had it and past treatment.   The possible causes of the disease are many; they include: contact dermatitis, pastern folliculitis, dermatophilosis, ringworm,  chorioptic mange, photosensitization, photoaggravated vasculitis, andimmune-complex vasculitis. Unfortunately in most cases it is impossible to find the underlying cause(s).

Patient Profile:

• No breed disposition
• One pastern, frequently a hind leg, is often involved and may also be “white socked”, but all four legs can be affected and the skin can be pigmented.

Clinical Signs Can Include:

• Oozing, crusting and hair loss.
• Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) can occur rapidly.
• In serious cases, ulceration of the skin in grape like clusters.  The skin can also become thickened and develop deep cracks.
• Lesions are characteristically painful and often the horse is lame.

Treatment:  Diagnosis may be difficult but you may consider swab cultures, scrapings for parasites, biopsies, radiographs and blood testing. 

• Thoroughly clip the hair of the affected area.
• Remove all of the scab-like lesions.  This may require tranquilizing the horse because it can be very painful.
• Wash area with topical antiseptics.  Once washed, the limb(s) should be kept dry    long as possible.  Swamps and dewy grass will impede healing so consider a nice dry stall if available.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics may be indicated.
• You should avoid wrapping the leg or using any thick creams or lotions.
• Water-soluble-base steroid creams have been used in some cases, but initially they should be avoided.

In many cases it can take months or years for the horse to recover fully, and they may have a tendency towards reoccurrence.  What works for one horse may not necessarily work in another, but with a little patience and diligence treatment will be successful.

  This information is provided as an educational tool and is not intended to replace veterinary  care. Please call our office if you have any questions!