Scratches
ABSTRACT
Transdermal carbon dioxide was used the primary treatment for scratches. Pumpkin developed the condition three days prior to the first treatment. We initially began by treating with a cream with steroid, antibiotics, and zinc oxide in it that often works for scratches. In this case, it had no effect on the condition. The pharmaceutical carbon dioxide made an immediate difference and the condition began to improve and change after the second day. The recovery from the scratches was immediate and Pumpkin never missed work or performance.
Clinician: Ann-Marie Hancock, DVM
Client Information: Pumpkin, Friesian/Draft cross, gelding, 14 years old
CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL SIGNS
Pumpkin developed scratches on his front right leg. He is a large draft cross that has been used for upper level dressage. Scratches, pastern dermatitis and lymphangitis are common in drafts and Friesians because of thickened skin in the pastern area and thick feathers covering the area. Treatment initially was to shampoo the leg and apply ointment. This had no beneficial effect. After three days and no measurable improvement, we switched to transdermal carbon dioxide therapy to see if we could improve overall tissue health and decrease pain and inflammation.
TREATMENT
The owner treated Pumpkin every day for five days, then therapy was applied every other day for five days. No further therapy was applied.
RESULTS
The scratches began to improve after two treatments. The swelling was gone, the skin stopped oozing and the wounds were drying up.
After one week, all of the scabs were gone and the skin was healing. The wounds were completely healed at ten days.
SUMMARY
The speed of healing using transdermal carbon dioxide was much faster than previous treatment protocols. This allowed Pumpkin to remain in work and in competition. Especially in draft horses, pastern dermatitis can be career ending, leading to recurring bouts of lameness, chronic thickening and folding over of the skin and chronic pain. This therapy was easy, non-invasive to perform and could be done easily on any horse that can be confined to a stall or grooming area. The results were immediate. The discomfort and inflammation were resolved within two days of the first therapy. Rather than using shampoo, cream, a wrapping protocol and drugs, the transdermal CO2 therapy was simple and the owner did not have to wrap the leg. The time and cost savings is significant and the therapy is a fantastic first option when treating scratches.