Homemade Remedies for a Sick Horse

The field of horse care has perhaps more myths and traditions attached to it than any other field of animal care. Many trainers and horse owners have jealously guarded recipes that are said to be general health tonics or good for specific ailments. Some of these homemade remedies are useful, and can save you money on medical bills. As a rule of thumb, however, never use anything homemade on your horse unless you know exactly what he is suffering from and how the concoction works.

  1. Mud Fever and Minor Skin Conditions

    • Mud fever is a skin condition affecting the heels and legs of horses. It can be caused by a combination of factors including bacteria and fungal infections. It thrives in cold, wet conditions, and mostly affects horses that live out permanently and have constantly wet legs. The condition causes dermatitis, irritation and hair loss, and can cause lameness. To kill the bacteria, mix equal quantities of mineral oil and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with a few drops of iodine and leave on the affected area overnight. To prevent the condition re-occurring, melt equal quantities of mineral oil and zinc and castor oil cream and apply to the heels. This will act as a barrier to keep the heels dry so that the bacteria cannot breed.

    Thrush

    • Thrush, also known as foot rot, is another foot infection caused by bacteria. It is characterized by a strong, unpleasant smell and a spongy, pussy appearance to the frog (the triangular pad at the back of the foot). The thrush bacteria thrive in warm damp conditions, and traditionally it is associated with horses that have deep, dirty bedding in their stalls. The best form of management is to remove the horse from the environment that caused the thrush and kill the infection. Wash the hoof in disinfectant and trim off any diseased areas of the frog before applying a thrush spray. There are several commercial thrush sprays available, but you can make your own effective treatment by mixing a povidone iodine product such as Betadine with household sugar to form a thin paste. Apply to the hoof with a brush, working it well into the crevices.

    Foot Infections, Abscesses and Foreign Objects

    • Foot abscesses are more common in horses that are not shod. They occur when a horse injures its foot, or steps on a piece of grit or nail. The object works its way up under the hoof wall and forms an abscess which can be extremely painful. If you examine the horse's foot, you may be able to see an entry hole and some pus. Abscesses respond well to heat, and applying a poultice will help draw out both the pus and the object. However, if your horse does not recover in a day or two it may also need antibiotics, so consult your veterinarian. To make a homemade poultice, mix two parts wheat bran with one part Epsom salts, and add sufficient warm water to bind. Spread the mixture onto the sole of the foot, and spread a diaper over it. Apply a bandage to hold the whole thing in place, and leave for 48 hours. When removed, there should be some pus on the diaper. Continue to change the poultice until no pus shows.

    Homemade Fly Sprays

    • Fly sprays are probably the number one remedy that horse owners make at home. Horse flies are a dreadful pest to horses, causing them discomfort and irritation. Some horses are particularly sensitive to the bites of flies, and will rub themselves raw at the sites of the bites. Fly spray should be used all over the horse's body at least twice a day, and the average horse owner will get through gallons over the summer. Effective fly spray ingredients include a base of cold tea or vinegar, with essential oils and a dash of dish soap added to help bind the ingredients. Suitable essential oils include citronella, lavender and tea tree.