Bacterial skin infection
Bacterial infections of the skin are usually caused by staphylococcus spp. and streptococcal spp. and occur more commonly in the summer when there is more heat and moisture. The bacteria that cause the infection live on the horse’s skin without causing a problem until the natural protective barrier of the skin damaged.
Signs
Affected animals will have pustules and hair loss. Infection is rarely itchy but can be painful.
Diagnosis
The bacteria can be grown in a lab from a sample of the affected area.
Treatment
Then affected area should be thoroughly washed with an antiseptic solution such as hibiscrub or pevidine and all the scabs removed. In some cases the area may need to clipped to achieve this adequately.
An antibiotic cream should be applied to the areas twice a day. Your vet will prescribe you a cream for this purpose, I tend to use Flamazine cream or Fuciderm.
Some cases require antibiotic treatment.