It’s a maddening conundrum for veterinarians. The skin is the largest organ of a horse’s body, but its responses to dermatological trauma or irritation are astonishingly limited and uncomfortable.
Summer Whinneys - Skin protection for horses
Using socks lasting through multiple uses, fly protection and skin injuries are addressed in a whole new way.
© 2013 by Sox for Horses
Left to its own natural devices against a spectrum of miseries from airborne allergens to biting insects, skin can only scale/ crust, lump/ bump, change hair quality/quantity, change color, and/or ulcerate in its effort to protect itself from further trauma or infection and encourage healing.
Looking at equine dermatological issues in Volume 24, Number 1 of The Horse Report, the University of California-Davis Equine Center stressed the importance of controlling flying insects during the healing process to minimize further trauma or infection: “Use fly masks or other forms of dress that physically obstruct insects from reaching the skin.”
Sox for Horses, Inc. president and founder, Ray Petterson, saw the obstructive effectiveness of his product in action while visiting the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in February and Steve Soule, DVM, of the Palm Beach Equine Medical Center.
“We went all over WEF and Wellington,” said Petterson, listening as his host described the relentless battle he and other showground veterinarians face when treating summer sores and performance boot abrasions.
“Flies and dirt are our worst enemies when trying to heal these issues. If you can get air to the wounds, and keep the environment around a leg clean, you can make progress," Dr. Soule told Petterson, adding he had seen “unanimous success” so far in alleviating every problem he had applied the socks to.
Going to Wellington to see firsthand how Summer Whinnys™ performed as a barrier against biting insects and dirt amid a warm, wet, fly-infested environment was huge validation for Petterson.
"I wish I had taken more video interviews, because so many trainers and barn owners let me know how they were successfully utilizing Summer Whinnys™ as tools in their barns to protect healing sores and wounds, and with great results.
Without exception, the number one comment was concerning how much money they had saved, in long term use of bandaging materials, just because of Socks For Horses."
“I’ve always believed Summer Whinnys™ can be an asset to veterinarians,” said Petterson. “I have a antimicrobial sock that will help veterinarians handle issues like non-responding summer sores, as well as wounds and injury protection, in an inexpensive manner.
This sock can save their clients a lot of money in expensive bandaging materials and add the benefit of moisture management while allowing necessary air to reach the skin.”
Using socks meant to last through multiple uses, fly protection has been addressed in a whole new way. It won’t be long before more vets refer Summer Whinnys to their clients. Sox For Horses belong in barns for many reasons; as the ultimate in fly protection is just one.
Sox For Horses, Inc. will give veterinarians a free Summer Whinnys sample sock upon request. For unique bandaging situations, Sox For Horses will work with veterinarians to tailor socks with special modifications or knitting designs. Learn more by calling Sox For Horses, (850) 907-5724, or email info@whinnywarmers.com.
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