1-855-957-8378
🚚 FREE SHIPPING on All U.S. Orders Over $200
Benefab®
Cart 0
  • Home
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
  • Wishlist
Australia (AUD $)
Belgium (EUR €)
Canada (CAD $)
Costa Rica (CRC ₡)
Czechia (CZK Kč)
France (EUR €)
Germany (EUR €)
Italy (EUR €)
Japan (JPY ¥)
New Zealand (NZD $)
United Kingdom (GBP £)
United States (USD $)
English
Benefab®
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
Wishlist Cart 0

Search our store

Benefab®
Wishlist Cart 0
Home / Blog
Blog

Summer Sores: Prevention and Treatment

Aug 08, 2017

What are summer sores?

Summer sores, also known as fly sores, are a seasonal skin condition in horses that may be referred to by Veterinarians as Cutaneous Habronemiasis. Summer sores can occur anytime of the year, but during warm months they tend to become more prevalent. This is mainly because biting insects such as flies, mosquitoes and noseeums are at their peak during the summer months. These sores are caused by the larvae of the Habronema worm, which lives in the horses' stomach. Worm larvae are passed through horses' manure where flies land and eat the larvae. The larvae mature inside of the fly, and about two weeks later, the larvae crawl out of the fly's mouth - specifically when the fly lands somewhere warm and moist to feed.equine summer sores The sensitive skin around horses' eyes, lips, ears and genitals are at a much higher risk of developing summer sores. If the larvae have moisture, they can survive and cause local inflammation and intense itching. Horses will chew, bite, or scratch at the infected area to help alleviate the pain. This often causes unsightly bleeding.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

  1. Open lesions that attract flies
  2. Lesions that look greasy
  3. Blood-tinged fluid draining from lesions
  4. Lesions that have yellow or white calcified material, resembling grains of rice
  5. Lesions that enlarge and spread slowly
  6. Hard nodules or red or brown tissue that is raised
The most accurate diagnosis requires a deep tissue biopsy of the lesion for conformation of the larvae. Summer sores will rarely heal own their own, so treatment usually includes larvicidal, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial components. Ivermectin, a common de-wormer (can be found at most local feeds stores and online at Tractors Supply), has been used to kill both the adult worms in the stomach and the larval forms in the skin tissue. Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation and antimicrobials treat secondary infections (which are usually the result of self-inflictions like biting, rubbing, and itching).

Prevention

Prevention is a priority when it comes to summer sores. Basic preventative measures include regular deworming (quarterly), fly control (we recommend an all-natural alternative fly spray: Ricochet), and basic wound care. Use fly control measures such as fly spray, fly predators, fans, and manure removal to keep flies to a minimum. Be sure to take prompt care of any skin wounds that may attract larvae-carrying flies. Lastly, don't forget to use Ivermectin at least once in your horse's annual parasite control program. For more alternative methods to fly control, Benefab® by Sore No-More® offers a fantastic, all-natural coat-conditioning fly spray. Ricochet horse spray has a citrus sent, made with no harsh chemicals so it will not irritate your horses' lungs. Also, the herbal formula conditions while protecting the coat and skin from the effects of the sun, as well as pesky insects.
Previous
Arnica 101: Its Powerful Benefits
Next
Equine Conjunctivitis: Pinkeye

Related Articles

What You Should Know About Hock Injections
July 04, 2025

What You Should Know About Hock Injections

If your horse feels off, like dragging behind or having rough transitions, it could be...
Read more
Essential Oils for Dogs
June 27, 2025

Essential Oils for Dogs

It’s no secret that essential oils have become a household favorite for everything from stress...
Read more
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
June 20, 2025

Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide

Whether you're preparing for a local fair or a major livestock competition, grooming your animal...
Read more
Chia Seeds for Horses
May 22, 2025

Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are a great supplement to any diet. They are small seeds harvested from...
Read more

Recent Posts

What You Should Know About Hock Injections
What You Should Know About Hock Injections
Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential Oils for Dogs
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Chia Seeds for Horses
Chia Seeds for Horses
Common Diseases of Cattle
Common Diseases of Cattle
White Line Disease in Horses
White Line Disease in Horses
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment

Focused &
Durable Designs

Products made specifically for you and your pets.

Free U.S. Shippingon All Orders over $200

We have you covered.

We Back Our
Products 100%

It's our customer promise.

BRAND PARTNERS

  • Become a Dealer
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Registered Nonprofit
  • Logins for Dealer
  • Logins for Affiliate
  • Affiliate Resources
  • Meet our Ambassadors

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Contact
  • Shipping
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Warranty & Return Policy
  • Medical / Brand Disclaimer
  • FAQs

ABOUT BENEFAB

  • Why Choose Benefab?
  • The Benefab Story
  • Parables Podcast
  • Our Sister Brands
  • Media Inquiries
  • Blog
© 2013 -2025 Benefab®. Property of the Naar Boven Corporation. All rights reserved. Powered by TCW Digital
Payment options:
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.