Health & Grooming

Health and
Groom Issues

By far, the biggest disadvantage of the Vanner is the amount of grooming required. The long mane, tail, and feathers all can become tangled, dirty, and infested with mites, bacterial infections, and fungal growths if not cared for.

Scratches
One malady to which Vanners fall prey is a skin condition known as “scratches” or “greasy heel.” Scratches manifest themselves as scablike areas under the feathers. Around the ergots is a particularly good breeding ground for them, and they thrive in moist conditions.

Any treatment involves loosening and peeling these areas off the horse’s skin. Excalibur Sheath Cleaner, mineral oil, Shapley’s MTG, and even just soap and water are effective at softening them up so that they can be peeled.

Sulfur-based remedies such as Shapley’s MTG and HydroSurge® Apricot-Sulfur shampoo, seem to be particularly effective treatments. Caution should be used in employing these sulfur-based products. Some horses are reported to have had bad reactions to sulfur. These reactions include swelling and skin eruptions. A vet-prescribed lanolin-iodine salve is also effective; however it stains the feathers, although not permanently. While not inherently serious, scratches may become infected, and then a prescription of antibiotics may be needed.

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema
Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL) is reportedly characterized by bleeding ulcerations on the back of some draft horses’ legs. Although this author has no personal knowledge of the condition, she has heard reports of it being diagnosed in three Gypsy-bred horses to date. It is a chronic painful condition which is not yet well understood. UC Davis is currently doing extensive research on the topic. Their web site is http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/HR21-2CPL.html.
Another site suggests some sulfur-based recipes for treating CPL and scratches. It is http://www.completerider.com/pasterndermatitis.htm.

Whitening feathers
Whitening feathers is another challenge faced by Vanner owners. Various whitening shampoos exist. One such is Quic Silver; several others are on the market. In addition, dish wash and clothes detergents have been recommended. This author has had best results with the HydroSurge® Apricot-Sulfur shampoo followed by a wash with Quic Silver.

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423.538.7966
317 Sharps Hollow Road | Bluff City TN 37618