Flooding has increased in Oregon, hitting some places hard like Scio and Turner. Lebanon, OR got a good share of it and had water filling people's pastures and homes. People had problems with their basements flooding, and their yards taking on water. Half of Scio had to be evacuated because of flooding.
If you're a horse owner what do you do if you have a flooding problem? What are the kinds of effects it can have on your horse?
If you have a flooding problem in your area which is local and not a once in a blue moon issue, then there are some things you can do to fix it and prevent it. One thing people don't think about is high ground, most people tend to build their houses higher than their barns normally because of lack of even ground or lack of space. The problem with this is that ALL water will flow towards your barn, which can leave you with a problem. However, you can avoid these problems by
1. Laying gravel down in low places for water to drain through, 2. You can create a down grade from your barn to pastures letting the water flow downwards and away from your barn.
If your budget does not allow you to do either of these options, you can always do good old fashioned man power, and dig a small trench on the outside of your fenclines not where your horses can step in. Giving the excess water somewhere to go at least instead of puddling at your barn.
The worst thing about flooding is that if effects your horses in a negative way. A lot of rain equals a lot of mud in pastures and when feces and mud get mixed together over time it creates bacteria in the mud which can cause fungus and rain rot. Combating these in winter time can be a hassle, but here are a few ways to ensure your horses don't come down with it.
If your horse comes in with a muddy back, brush off the dirt with your curry comb, when the fur dries brush thoroughly with your rough brush and finish with the soft brush. For feet bring your horse in and spray legs wherever mud is at with a hose, if possible do so with lukewarm water not hot water. Coming in from cold conditions and having hot water sprayed on legs can be uncomfortable. Instead spray with lukewarm water to get the mud off. Clean out hooves regularly after spraying to remove mud to avoid hoof rot.
What is Hoof Rot? Hoof Rot is a bacteria that causes hoof deterioration and creates a white film in the hoof, this is treated with betadine and sugar. Make sure to keep an eye out for cracks in your horses hooves this is very common in the winter time.
What is Rain Rot? Again, this is a bacteria which settles in mud a mixture of feces, bacterias and mud. When the horse rolls in the mud and the mud isn't removed for awhile it causes a burning area and the hair in that area begins to fall out. You have to remove the hair with a curry comb or your hands and treat either with betadine or another topical.
In heavy rain you should blanket your horses to avoid them getting excessivly wet and dirty as this is one of the main causes of rain rot. There are often other factors as well, but in Oregon mud is one of the main causes.
A few products which help with skin irritation and wounds are:
Aloe Heal- Farnam: This ointment contains high levels of natural aloe vera along with vitamins A, D and E as well as Safflower oil which creates a soothing on the irritated area.
Betadine Solution- Iodine antiseptic is used widely against bacteria, which makes it good for rain rot on the legs.
Wonder Dust: by Farnam: Is good for slow healing sores and infected wounds, this has charcoal in it and helps keep bugs away from your horses wound.
Like any product some of these will not work fully with your horse and by trying different products, especially if treating rain rot, you will find one which helps your horse the most.
Wilco sells a lot of good, quality items and is always happy to help you find what you need. Farnam is a trusted brand, as well as betadine. Hopefully this will all help you in this time where flooding and wet weather are the most severe.
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