Getting rid of flakes in mane and tail

[Pavon3307]

Some of you know I adopted a mare who was pretty near death when rescued, Mystery del Ocho. I've posted pictures of her recently and she is really coming along beautifully thanks to the guidance and assistance of our barn manager.

I've noticed a build up of flakes in her mane and tail and her mane breaks off easily (she had an abscess in her mane back in Aug that required cutting part of it away). When I groom her, I use a moisturizer (HHM) on it and really work it through and I just can't seem to get rid of this stuff. I was concerned about lice, but we've wormed her with ivermectin as suggested. I have her on an omega 3 (smartpak) and a hoof supplement (hilton herbs).

I plan to give her a good bath with the weather having warmed up, but wondered if anyone had any ideas, products, suggestions.

[Cindy]

You might try NOT using the moisturizer for a while. I have gotten horses in here at times who have had so much moisturizer used on them on a regular basis that it causes too much constant wetness in the mane and tail and will cause them to flake like that.

[CarolU]

I use a 50:50 mixture of Listerine (can use store brand) and baby oil (can use Mineral Oil). I rub it into the scalp well and comb it through. The Listerine is an antiseptic and kills organisms that can cause itchy skin. The oil moisturizes and protects the hair. This simple mixture is cheap and more effective then all the Crud-busters and Hair treatments you can buy. I do wish I knew a good sun protection to add to it.

One of the best things you can do is treat from the inside-out. Add a little Flax Seed Oil to her diet. It has the right combination of Omega Fatty Acids to help all skin and hair.

I have learned myself the hard way to stay away from many commercial preparations. Many contain alcohols that dry the hair (so you use more product) and other chemicals that can be harmful.