Hi Everyone,
My PMU Clydesdale Charley is really doing well. We finally had that complete breakthrough that I had been praying for. I guess I would have to say now he is probably the most well-mannered horse I have ever had. He has had all 4 feet trimmed and did great. I have been able to bathe him, and he has now been ridden twice. As far as riding went, he was so calm and cooperative by the time we got to that point, that the whole riding experience was basically a non-event (for him) - he just took it in stride. As for me though, I was ecstatic! I have noticed him chewing at his legs over the months that I have had him, and just really haven't been able to get a close look at them until recently. What I have found are some small lumps and open sores. Some people are saying that this is called Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (which appears to be a very serious condition), while others call it "scratches" and tell me it can be cured. I have cut all his feathers off and thoroughly washed his legs. Then I applied Frontline Spray to all 4 legs to treat for chorioptic mites that I have been told are most likely the cause of the biting and chewing of his legs. I have read articles which suggest soaking in sulfurated lime dip once weekly, and someone else said that the Budweiser Clydesdales are treated using a Terramycin Soluble Powder mixed with water and then sprayed onto the legs. I guess I am wondering if anyone else has had any experience with this, and what did you treat with? if it helped that is! I am going to attach a couple of pics. Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
Beverly

Hi Beverly,

Scratches is a general term that refers to a group of diseases, not a specific one. The only way to know for certain what it is would be to have a vet take a skin biopsy. Please read this site.
http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/pubs-HR24-1-bkm-sec.pdf

If this were on your legs wouldn't you want a diagnosis before putting different things on it?

Newt