06/17/2026
☀️🪰 Summer Sores: When a Wound Isn't "Just a Wound" 🐴
Summer is here, and with it comes flies... and one of the more frustrating conditions we see this time of year: summer sores.
If your horse has a cut or scrape that just won't heal, keeps getting bigger, develops excessive proud flesh, or has yellowish tissue or drainage, it may not be a typical wound—it could be a summer sore.
Summer sores occur when flies deposit parasite larvae into wounds or moist areas of the body. Your horse's immune system reacts to the larvae, creating an inflamed, painful sore that often gets worse instead of better.
⚠️ Common signs include:
🩹 A wound that won't heal
📈 Increasing size or proud flesh
💛 Yellow or gritty tissue within the wound
🪰 Persistent drainage and irritation
😣 Excessive itching or rubbing
✅ The best defense is prevention!
• Use an effective fly control program.
• Clean and protect wounds immediately.
• Keep wounds covered whenever possible.
• Maintain a regular deworming schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.
⏰ Early treatment is key. Summer sores rarely resolve on their own and can become much more difficult to manage if left untreated.
If you notice a wound that's lingering or looks unusual, give us a call. We're here to help your horse stay healthy and comfortable all summer long! ☀️🐎
