Cracked Heels in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Natural Treatments

What are Scratches in Horses?

Scratches, also known as pastern dermatitis or "mud fever," is a common and painful skin condition that primarily affects the lower limbs of horses. This pathology manifests as cracks, scabs, and inflammation on the pastern, coronet band, and sometimes the fetlocks. If left untreated, they can lead to severe bacterial or fungal infections. To learn more about humidity-related conditions, see our article on greasy heel and chorioptic mange.

Main Causes of Equine Scratches

Environmental Factors

Mud and wet ground (skin maceration), soiled bedding (irritating urine and feces), alternating rain/frost, lack of hygiene.

Anatomical Factors

Abundant feathers (Friesians, Shires, Clydesdales), white limbs (depigmented skin is more sensitive), genetic predisposition, slowed blood circulation in the extremities.

Infectious Factors

Opportunistic bacteria (Dermatophilus congolensis, Staphylococcus), fungi and yeasts, mites (chorioptic mange), mixed infections.

Symptoms and Stages of Progression

• Initial stage: redness, heat, slightly swollen skin, onset of scaling, mild discomfort
• Intermediate stage: painful skin fissures, thick and oozing scabs, hair loss, unpleasant odor, slight lameness
• Advanced stage: deep cracks, secondary infection with purulent discharge, thickening of the skin (lichenification), marked lameness

Natural Treatment for Scratches: The Ozone Approach

Why Choose Natural Ozone Treatment?

Ozone-based care represents an innovative and particularly effective solution for treating scratches: powerful antibacterial action (without resistance), antifungal properties, anti-inflammatory effect, stimulation of healing, deep cleansing, respect for skin balance.

Treatment Protocol with OZONE SOIN INTENSIF

OZONE SOIN INTENSIF is specially formulated to prevent and treat humidity-related conditions, including scratches:

1. Gently clean the area with lukewarm water, dry thoroughly by patting
2. Apply OZONE SOIN INTENSIF generously to the entire affected area, spread without trying to make it penetrate
3. Frequency: twice a day for active scratches, once a day for prevention
4. Keep the horse dry, avoid occlusive bandages, ensure clean and dry bedding

Complementary Treatments

For severe or extensive scratches, you can supplement with Bagging for oozing scratches, or OZONE SOIN BOUE for less damaged areas. If the scratches extend towards the coronet band and affect the hoof area, use OZONE SOIN SABOT.

Scratches Prevention: Best Practices

• Environment: effective paddock drainage, elevated and dry areas, clean and abundant bedding, limited access to muddy areas
• Daily hygiene: inspect limbs, clean and dry pasterns after each wet outing, clip excessive feathers, apply OZONE SOIN BOUE preventively to predisposed horses
• Nutrition: balanced diet, zinc, biotin, and vitamin A supplementation if necessary

Mistakes to Avoid

• Roughly removing scabs (creates new wounds)
• Using overly aggressive products (bleach, pure Betadine)
• Systematically bandaging (promotes maceration)
• Neglecting the environment (treating without sanitizing the surroundings is ineffective)
• Stopping treatment too early

When to Consult a Veterinarian?

Very extensive or deep scratches, severe lameness, significant swelling extending up the leg (lymphangitis), fever, no improvement after 7 days of treatment, frequent recurrences, suspected mange.

Conclusion: Healthy Pasterns Thanks to Natural Care

Scratches in horses should not be taken lightly. A comprehensive approach combining environmental prevention, rigorous hygiene, and effective natural treatment is the key to success. OZONE SOIN INTENSIF offers a natural, powerful, and equine physiology-respecting solution to effectively treat scratches and prevent recurrences.