Dry, itchy skin

[sunnyks]

When we got the pony back she was terrible wormy and had bad dandruff.  We've got the worm problem taken care of and I've been putting oil in her grain but she still has dry itchy skin.  She's shed out but her hair is dull and dry. Its not a fungus or rain rot or anything like that.  Its been months now and while the big hunks of dandruff are gone she still has really dry skin and spends a lot of time rubbing on the fence.  Any idea's on what to do next?

[Wildcat]

After this much time with the oil and worming, I'd probably have the vet out to do a skin scraping and maybe even a blood panel.  It's possible she may need a different feed because it does sound like it could be a nutritional issue.  Are you feeding her a pellet or sweet feed?

[sunnyks]

Vet looked at her and said it was just left overs from having the worms so bad.  He says I'm not being patient enough.  She gets very little grain cause she's such a tiny thing. But I have really really good hay because Cotton can't tolerate anything less.  So its hard to get a lot of oil into her.

[lonepaz789]

If she stands for you. one of the things you could try is Eqyss Marigold Rehydrant Spray
It moisturizes and helps with hair growth.

[sunnyks]

Oh that sounds promising.  Do you know where to buy it?

ETA: I googled it and found on-line places to buy it.  Its fly spray though.  I see its natural but have you used it?  Does it hurt to brush it into the skin?

[lonepaz789]

Yes it is fly spray. But it does wonders getting the skin to soften up and hair to grow.
We used it on a TB gelding after he came in with a major rain rot problem. When we got his scabs off his butt It was nothing but dry skin. in a months time his hair started to grow in better then we hoped. and his skin was normal, now his hair in that area is a shorter. after the next shedding season we expect that to change.
We used a very soft brush to rub it in. In the tender spots such as his ears we gently rubbed it in with our hands. As a fair warning if you get it on your skin you will smell like it for a day. so try to use gloves.
When using a soft brush take it easy and do it gently. If you have a area that needs to be done roughly do it slowly. She should love the attention. Just avoid any open wounds.
2-3 times a week worked for us.

We bought it at a local feed store in the gallon jugs. Try a 32 ounce bottle first to make sure you like it. Then get the gallon jug. It is cheaper to buy it buy the gallon.
also this way you will get a bottle that is easer to handle.

[sunnyks]

She doesn't have any sores, scabby, or damaged skin.  She just has dry, itchy skin and her hair is dull.  She rubs her neck and sides along the fence so I know its bugging her.  She's not rubbing her tail or anything, mainly her neck and sides.  My youngest and I have been brushing her regularly to try and get the natural oils going so she's all shed out.  I bet this stuff would do the trick.  Sort of like hand lotion.  I know they don't carry it at the farm supply store since I looked on Monday for something to help.  All they had was the usual shampoo and stuff.  I sure didn't want to be giving her baths with dry skin.  I'll just get some on-line.  Thanks!

I would think her feet would be bad too, but they really aren't too bad.  Not as good as when I sent her off but not bad.  She was so wormy though when we got her back.  I was honestly afraid she was preggo.  Her belly was so swollen she looked like an old brood mare ready to pop.  Its crazy how quickly she appeared to slim down after a couple doses of wormer.  She's still on a four week rotation but Cotton is too so its not a big deal. 

[sunnyks]

I forgot to update.    I took a variation of Lone's idea.  I was looking at ordering the stuff he recommended when it dawned on me I had two bottles of Skin So Soft bath oil.  I buy one giant bottle for me and one to mix with the fly spray each year.  I have bad reactions to bug spray and fly spray so I have to cut them both with the SSS.  I thought Hmmmm I bet this would work the same and I went out and rubbed it into her skin with a brush.  Worked like a charm.  She quit itching right away. I had to do it twice then her skin started oiling enough on its own.  I haven't had to do it since.  Only thing I would watch is that I wouldn't use it when its hot and sunny.  Its oily and I'm afraid it would make them burn.  When I mix it with the fly spray I don't get it on their faces unless they are wearing a mask or have sunscreen on.

I'm sure the stuff Lone recommended would work better for long term use but since I had the other on hand I tried it first.  Thanks for the good advice all!

[Wildcat]

I'm glad the SSS worked for her!  I never even would have thought to use that stuff and now that you mentioned using it, it's like duh!

[lonepaz789]

Glad you found something that worked. Thats one thing i will remember.