May/June 2024 Issue

Page 20 May/June 2024 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN By Casey McCoy, Product Manager Once considered a “stable secret” by many top trainers, our award-winning products are now available to anyone who cares for their horses. Because Haw- thorne Products are made from the purest, natural ingredients, they can be used before racing, competing and eventing. Through solid science and strenuous research, we have helped horse people avoid the disappointment and frustration of showing up at the barn and finding a lame, sick or ailing horse. Our goal is to help provide optimum care for all horses to increase their perfor- mance and improve their quality of life long into their senior years. To accomplish this, we provide a wide range of treatment poten- cies based on the severity of the ailment – from pain relief, wound care, breathing aids and much more. Hawthorne Products and Education for Optimal Health (Continued on page 21) The onset of warm and wet spring weather in the Northeast may cause your horse’s environ- ment to harbor unfriendly germs. Spring is the time of year to focus on keeping your horse’s legs clean and dry to avoid irritat- ing skin conditions like scratches. Scratches or pastern dermatitis/ folliculitis is usually caused by a mix of bacterial and fungal organisms. Occasionally parasites can be involved as well. Scratch- es typically present as crusts and scabs on the skin of the lower leg - pastern, fetlock, and sometimes cannon bone. Occasionally these organisms may invade deeper tissues and lead to cellulitis. Cellulitis may cause severe lame- ness and swelling of the entire limb. Cellulitis calls for prompt medical attention and may need to be treated aggressively with antibiotics. Scratches may be treated with a number of topical med- ications. Prevention consists of allowing movement, which supports circulation, and stabling in a clean and dry environment. Drying your horse’s legs after turnout will help as well. A dry environment limits growth of the organisms responsible for this disease. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your horse has lower limb skin issues. Best of Luck for the 2024 Show Season from the staff of Quakertown Veterinary Clinic PC! Act Now to Prevent Spring Skin Diseases