Girth Itches In Young Horses

Young horses in work occasionally develop a weeping or crusty rash-like condition under the girth, particularly in the area behind the elbow. It is most common during wet, humid conditions, or where the skin is softened or abraded by an ill-fitting girth.

Symptoms of girth itches

• Inflamed, sore and ‘scurfy’ skin

• Bald areas in severe, long-standing cases

• Infection can also spread to include the area under the saddle

• Bacterial infections show swelling, pain and small ‘pus’ sores

• Fungal infections show swelling, pain, patchy hair loss (if dry, has a similar appearance to ringworm)

• Horse resists being girthed up and, in severe cases, may be too sore to be ridden

• Can spread from horse to horse on girths, saddlecloths and grooming equipment

• Most prevalent in young horses (as they often have lower skin immunity against infections), or where the skin is repeatedly softened by moisture (sweating, swimming or hosing without scarping or drying off)

Treatment of girth itches

Management depends on the severity of the condition. Where the skin is broken or inflamed, or the horse resists being girthed up, avoid saddling by leading the horse out on a rein, or lunging it for exercise.

In severe cases, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause e.g. antibiotics for bacteria, antifungal agents for ringworm-like lesions. Topical treatment alone may not be adequate to clear up the condition, so it is best to seek advice from your vet.

Where there is a mildly sensitive or dry rash appearance, wash the affected area with a medicated wash. Rinse off, and dry thoroughly with a clean towel (allocate one to each horse). Then apply a drying agent to the area twice daily e.g. Cetrigen Spray. Consult your vet if the condition fails to clear in 4 to 7 days.

Management of an outbreak

Use separate girths and saddlecloths for each horse when an outbreak occurs in a stable. Wash saddlecloths and girths in a disinfectant solution and dry thoroughly after each use.

Dry the girth area thoroughly after work. Avoid using foam rubber padding, which causes excessive sweating and can harbour infection.

In severe outbreaks, cover the girth strap with a sleeve of thin plastic sheeting. Wash outer surface of the sleeve in warm soapy water, rinse well and hang up to dry daily. Allocate a separate plastic sleeve to each horse.

Contributors: Dr John Kohnke BVSc RDA

By Virbac Animal Health - Last updated 16 November 2012