Win the War on Scratches with EO-3

At their least problematic, scratches are unsightly; at their most problematic, they are angry, painful, and threaten soundness. Nothing frustrates the owners of meticulously managed horses more than scratches, the oozy, crusty skin disease that plagues heels and pasterns. Alex Johnson knows this frustration well.

“When my Quarter Horse gelding, Joey, was diagnosed with scratches, I was a bit taken aback because I groom him nearly every day,” Alex said. “Despite this, he had multiple lesions, both on his dark leg and his white legs.”

After trying systemic corticosteroids and several over-the-counter products, including topical remedies, the gelding’s scratches seemed to be worsening. “When his scratches flared, he would stock up, which would require additional care, including wrapping.”

At her wit’s end with the sheer stubbornness of the scratches, Alex sought advice from other horse owners. A chance meeting led her to a veterinarian that worked primarily at a racetrack. He recommended EO-3, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement containing DHA and EPA from Kentucky Equine Research. The veterinarian’s parting words to her were simply, “I can’t guarantee it’ll work, but I’ve had good luck with it.”

“Once I started Joey on EO-3, the pre-existing lesions cleared over the next couple weeks. He’s been fed EO-3 for two years, and his legs are free of scratches and stay really tight.” explained Alex. “His coat and overall appearance have really blossomed!”

The benefits of omega-3 supplementation include anti-inflammatory properties, as well as support of skin and coat health, and reproductive health for mares, stallions, and foals. Studies at Kentucky Equine Research’s Ocala Performance Center have also demonstrated changes to indicators of post-exercise recovery and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage.