Rain scald (also known as dermatophilosis, tufailosis, rain rot or streptothricosis[1]) is a dermatological disease affecting cattle and horses. Once in the skin, the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis causes inflammation of the skin as well as the appearance of scabs and lesions.
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Symptoms and signs
There are two different manifestations of rain scald: the winter form, which is more severe due to the longer coat of the horse, and the summer form, which is less severe.[2] Horses are usually affected on the back, head, and neck where insects commonly bite, and the legs, which are commonly infected if the horse is kept in moist footing.[3] Initially, the horse will display a matted coat and bumps which will progress to crusty scabs and lesions.[4] The animal may also be pruritic and display signs of discomfort.[citation needed]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is most commonly done with the identification of bacteria in the lesions by microscopic evaluation.[5] A positive diagnosis of rain scald can be confirmed if filamentous bacteria are observed, as well as chains of small, spherical bacteria (cocci).[4] If a diagnosis cannot be confirmed with a microscope, blood agar cultures can be grown to confirm the presence of D. congolensis.[5] The resulting colonies have filaments and are yellow in colour.[citation needed]
Prevention
In addition to wet conditions, exposure to ticks, biting flies, and contact with other infected animals can also cause the spread of rain scald.[3] Tick and insect control is an effective way to stop the spread of the bacteria from one animal to another.[5] Separating infected animals will help to isolate bacterial colonies.[3] Keeping the animal in a dry, well-ventilated area out of the rain and wet conditions will stop the bacteria from growing.[4]
Treatment
Rain scald normally heals on its own; however, the condition can spread, so prompt treatment is recommended. Although some cases can be severe, most rain scald is minor and can be treated at home naturally.[citation needed]
Typically the condition is not life-threatening, nor does it impact the welfare of the horse, so treatments are more for the owner's peace of mind and cosmetic appeal of the animal.[4]
References
- ^ Macadam, I. (September 1, 1970). "Some observations on bovine cutaneous streptothricosis in Northern Nigeri ds/tahm/2.04.10_DERMATOPHIL.pdf". OIE.
- ^ Szczepanik, Marcin; Marcin Golynski; Dorota Pomorska; Piotr Wilkolek; Iwona Taszkun; Marcel Kovalik (2006). "Dermatophilosis in a horse - a case report" (PDF). Bulletin of the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy. 50: 619–622. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
- ^ a b c "Fast Facts: Dermatophilosis" (PDF). The Center for Food Security & Public Health Iowa State University. January 2006. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Dermatophilosis: Introduction". The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck SHarp & Dohme Corp. Retrieved 10 November 2011.
- ^ a b c "Dermatophilosis" (PDF). OIE. 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2011.