Grease Heel in Horses

and again in the fall when the weather is wet.
Damp stalls Damp stalls are especially a risk if ammonia from urine builds up which can cause and exacerbate grease heel.
Sun exposure Horses with white legs and pink skin are more likely to be bothered by grease heel than darkerskinned horses. Sunburns irritate the skin which makes it easier for this condition to develop.
Living conditions Leg boots can contribute to the buildup of sweat which allows bacteria to develop in the damp area. Its essential for horse owners to fit leg boots properly and clean them thoroughly. t
Diagnosing Grease Heel in Horses
If you suspect that your horse may be developing grease heel schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible to properly diagnose the affected area and begin treatment. Your vet will likely examine the horse and determine whether its living conditions are the cause of the problem. If they know your horses history your vet may be able to complete the diagnosis with a simple examination but they may also test for bacteria. These tests typically consist of an acetate tape impression or samples from the horses hair that can be examined under a microscope 2
Treatment
Mild grease heel can be treated at home by brushing away any dirt and dead hair washing the affected area with antiseptic or antifungal soap and working a topical through the hair onto the skin like an antiseptic cream or zinc oxide paste. Some horse owners claim that creams designed to treat yeast infections are effective but zinc oxide creams and lotions are also a great option. Look for diaper creams such as Ihles Paste or Desitin with a high quantity of zinc oxide. Keep the area clean and dry and continue treating it until the condition is gone.
If the grease heel is severe owners may

need to wrap the area to prevent dirt from sticking to the cream. However wraps and bandages can hold in moisture so they should be replaced often with the horses skin dried thoroughly between uses. Your veterinarian might recommend using a drying spray like Cetrigen each day to keep moisture at bay until the area heals fully 1
If the grease heel covers a large area has become badly cracked or there is any evidence of swelling or infection call your veterinarian. Granulomas caused by grease heel can be removed by a veterinarian.
Any brushes or equipment used on a horse with grease heel should be sterilized before use on another horse. It may be helpful to keep a separate set of brushes for each horse being treated to prevent crosscontamination. Wash your hands after treating your horse to avoid spreading grease heel and other skin conditions to others.
Prognosis for Horses With Grease Heel
In most cases grease heel can be treated with simple athome care steps by owners. Most horses affected by this condition should make full recoveries once the bacteria is successfully removed. Horses should be stabled during treatment to prevent any new bacteria from developing and for owners to closely observe the treatment process making any adjustments as necessary 2 Once your horse has recovered preventative care is important to avoid future infections.
How to Prevent Grease Heel
Grease heel may appear to disappear or be slightly better during dry weather but it can flare up quickly when the weather turns damp again. Thankfully owners can utilize a few simple prevention methods
Maintain Proper Living Conditions
Keep your horse in clean dry conditions. Clean the stalls and dont allow dampness or ammonia from urine to build up. Keep paddocks and pastures free of manure buildup and improve drainage if mud becomes a problem. Avoid turning horses out