What happened to my mare's hind leg?

Fuddyduddy1952 · Sep 13, 2025

Yesterday I noticed my 26 y.o. Holsteiner mare back legs above the fetlock had bloody spots. I put hydrogen peroxide on areas which foamed a lot, then hydrocortisone cream and then gall salve (to keep insects out). Today it looks some better but curious what others think. What's strange is it's both hind legs, same area and like on both sides so I'm thinking it's almost like an animal bite mark(?). She has a Tennessee Walker friend who's always with her as they graze.
I just now walked the entire fence line thinking although it's woven wire maybe something happened like tree limb, etc. but it's fine.
We've had her 7 years, very calm, never tried getting out. I did see a grey wolf a year ago other side of a pasture I was bush hogging, rarely but sometimes see a fox or stray dog...but a horse would kick those things.
We do have an equine veterinarian coming out anyway in 12 days. I don't think it's an emergency, she walks & grazes fine.
Any thoughts...thanks so much.

Tinhack · Sep 13, 2025

If you've already checked for damaged gates and fences, my guess would be an animal. Ask your vet and local law enforcement if any one has reported rabid animals. The wound does look like multiple bites.

Gem99ultra · Dec 21, 2025

That definitely looks like the effects of some critter trying to get to her. Thankfully, they were not successful in taking her down.

Fuddyduddy1952 · Dec 21, 2025

We've had four equine veterinarians out in the last month or so & all agreed what it was: chiggers & ticks. That's what I thought all along. Wife thought it was a fungal infection.
Our county had an unusual summer drought that went on many weeks. We had tons on chiggers. I even got them on me. I have Permethrin but didn't use it.

Chiggers & small ticks (barely visible) itch so horses scratch on fenceposts, trees, etc. until it bleeds...then roll in dust causing a secondary fungal infection.
Horses are fine now after treatment, washing & steroid shots.
Next Spring I need to remember Permethrin but I'm sure I'll forget.