Sauerkraut Vs. "Scratches" (Tonda's treatment) By Tonda
(Editor's Note: It is important to understand that this has not been tested as a commercial product has. It is always recommended to discuss any "home remedies" with your veterinarian.)
Here's my infamous sauerkraut receipe for scratches. It really does work. I first learned of it from reading a book called "You Can Be Your Own Vet (Sometimes)". It will not be necessary to clip the horse's legs either, unless they have really hairy feathers, thereby preventing anymore unnecessary pain, just make sure they are clean.
You will need:
A large jar of sauerkraut A long narrow plastic bag (a bread bag is perfect for this) Duct tape Wide medical tape Vet wrap
Put the horse's leg in the plastic bag so the bottom of the hoof is resting on the closed end of the bag. Take the duct tape and tape snugly around the hoof (on the outside of the bag) (avoiding the coronet band), tightening up that area. Wrap the entire hoof many times, paying particular attention to the bottom of it. The horse will be walking on this tape, it will wear, and you don't want any blow-outs. Wrapping the hoof thusly will keep the kraut up where it belongs instead of falling down. Add your kraut and be sure you pack it where the scratches are. Use the whole can, juice and all.
Next, use the duct tape again and wrap it above the kraut on the leg on the outside of the bag, again tightening up any slack. Make it tight enough to hold, but not tight enough to cause a pressure sore. Wrap in an upward spiral with space in between (do not overlap the tape). Duct tape does not give like vet wrap, and this will also help prevent any pressure sores. Attach the top of the wrap (above the bag) to the leg with your medical tape. Using the duct tape once again, go back to the kraut area, and wrap it so that the kraut is held in place against the leg.
Finish off with wrapping the entire leg with your vet wrap, starting from the coronet band and working upward. (You may want to reinforce the bottom of it with the duct tape again if you find that the horse will be walking on it in the hoof area). Leave this wrap on for three days.
When you unwrap it, all the "icky" crusty stuff should be dissolved and the leg starting to heal. Sometimes you have to repeat this, but it's rare. Finish up the healing with something like Bickmore's Gall Salve, or my all time favorite, Prep H. Be sure you still wrap the area to keep it clean, and if it's only the pastern area that needs covering, maxi pads held in place with duct tape are a really cheap way to do it.
Sorry, your account does not have access to post comments.