Pythiosis is caused by a fungal-like aquatic organism called Pythium insidiosum. This organism is not a true fungus, but behaves somewhat similarly. It exists in stagnant water, or on grasses that have been exposed to the stagnant water. Although many dog and horse owners have never heard of this water borne plant pathogen, we believe it is more common than vets or researchers realize. No reporting of animal Pythiosis cases is required. It is becoming more resistant and it’s also moving further north (some cases as far north as Arkansas, Washington State, and North Carolina).
Pythiosis is often misdiagnosed as a Summer Sore which is caused by larvae of Habronema or Draschia species worms. As Pythiosis closely resembles a Summer Sore this is not an unreasonable diagnosis, but unfortunately it results in delaying proper treatment. It is a fast growing, flesh eating type disease (eventually going into organs and bone) producing lesions that grow very quickly despite traditional treatments. Left untreated it is fatal. It attacks an immune deficient system and thrives when offered antibiotics and sugars, both of which create yeast/candida overgrowths. Our product can help curb the yeast overload and may help the “kunkers” (resembling small, bumpy rice kernels) exit the body.
*We now know Major’s Solution™ ( formerly Fungus Free Plus®) has a positive effect on Lagenidium Gigantus. Although very rare, we were contacted by a documented case in North Florida for product. The horse is doing well and responding favorably to the Major’s Solution™ protocol.
Step 1: Clean infected area
Gently clean the area with a sea salt solution or mild soap, pat or let dry. A sea salt solution may be made using 1 teaspoon of sea salt per 8 ounces of water. We suggest warm water for ease of dissolving the salt and a 32 ounce spray bottle to keep the solution handy.
Step 2: Major’s Solution™ (formerly Fungus Free Plus®)
Shake the bottle before each use. Apply enough Major’s Solution™ to cover the area.
Step 3: Bandage the area
This product may safely be used under bandaging. We highly recommend changing bandages twice per day and applying Major’s Solution™at each bandage change. For hard to bandage areas, please contact us. We have learned many creative bandaging techniques over the past 12 years.
Step 4: Recommended Treatment
Continue to re-apply & bandage at least twice daily until wounds are completely scab free. Keep styptic powder on hand as “Kunkers” may cause bleeding at the exit site. Do not pick at these they will fall out naturally. If a bleeder occurs, use pressure on the spot for a few minutes. Apply Major’s Solution™ topically up to four times per day safely. Debridements are recommended to hasten the healing time. Use Major’s Solution™ on wound directly after debridement, leaving the pressure bandage on for at least 24 hrs. before your first bandage change.
*If you have an extremely severe case that has been ongoing for a long period of time or is larger than a quarter or half dollar we recommend our Internal Formula as a top dressing in grain or syringed orally twice a day. This is a systemic disease and the inside of the horse must be addressed as well as what is visible.
We have a treatment suggestion sheet that is included with every Pythiosis order that lists some things that can be helpful in boosting the immune system. Many are available at your local feed store and some would be administered by your veterinarian. Ultimately, it is the body that heals itself, given the proper support.