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Top 5 Horse Skin Treatments & Therapeutic Topicals in Canada (2025): Expert Guide to Antifungal, Antibacterial and Repair Balms

Published on Thursday, August 21, 2025

This category covers antifungal and antibacterial creams, anti-itch ointments, barrier balms and medicated lotions designed to manage common equine dermatological issues. It includes modern topical therapies such as anti-inflammatory formulations, skin repair balms and products based on natural extracts. Canadian buyers prioritize safety for performance animals, clear labeling and withdrawal guidance, multi-purpose formulations that reduce the need for multiple products, and options that perform well in variable climates. Practical concerns such as ease of application, water resistance for wet-weather turnout, and availability through Canadian distributors or veterinary channels also shape consumer preference.

Quick Menu

1. Best Rapid Wound Repair

2. Best Antimicrobial Hydrogel

3. Best Multi-Purpose Ointment

4. Best for Galls & Sores

5. Best Traditional Liquid Treatment

1
BEST RAPID WOUND REPAIR

Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Wound Repair

Absorbine

Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Wound Repair pairs medical-grade honey with ionic silver to deliver antimicrobial, moisture-balanced care tailored for equine wounds; its dual-action formula helps manage contaminated or slow-healing cuts common in horses. Compared with the other products on this list, Silver Honey is a technically advanced topical that often carries a higher unit price but can reduce overall treatment time and re-application frequency, offering potential long-term financial savings for more serious or infected lesions.

4.5
★★★★☆
  • Silver-powered heal

  • Honey-soothing shield

  • Silver-powered heal

  • Honey-soothing shield

Review Summary

90%

"Users report rapid reduction in wound discharge and faster healing with the silver-honey gel; it’s easy to apply but can be a bit sticky and is pricier than basic ointments."

  • Lightning-fast fix

  • Silver-infused honey formula that supports a moist healing environment and helps reduce bacterial load.

  • Lightning-fast fix

  • Silver-infused honey formula that supports a moist healing environment and helps reduce bacterial load.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Wound Repair pairs medical-grade honey with ionic silver to deliver antimicrobial, moisture-balanced care tailored for equine wounds; its dual-action formula helps manage contaminated or slow-healing cuts common in horses. Compared with the other products on this list, Silver Honey is a technically advanced topical that often carries a higher unit price but can reduce overall treatment time and re-application frequency, offering potential long-term financial savings for more serious or infected lesions.

  • Silver-powered heal

  • Honey-soothing shield

  • Lightning-fast fix

  • Silver-infused honey formula that supports a moist healing environment and helps reduce bacterial load.

  • Thick, stay-put gel that shields minor cuts, abrasions and surgical sites from contamination.

  • Silver-powered heal

  • Honey-soothing shield

  • Lightning-fast fix

  • Silver-infused honey formula that supports a moist healing environment and helps reduce bacterial load.

  • Thick, stay-put gel that shields minor cuts, abrasions and surgical sites from contamination.

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From 36.50$
2
BEST ANTIMICROBIAL HYDROGEL

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hydrogel

Vetericyn

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hydrogel is a non-antibiotic, saline-based hydrogel designed to maintain a moist wound environment while helping control microbial load, making it a gentle option for sensitive equine skin and exposed wound beds. Unlike oil- or petroleum-based barrier ointments and aggressive astringents in this list, Vetericyn is especially useful for open wounds and post-debridement care; its versatility for frequent dressing changes can make it a cost-effective everyday choice for routine wound management.

4.4
★★★★☆
  • Non-toxic gel

  • Mess-free soothe

  • Non-toxic gel

  • Mess-free soothe

Review Summary

87%

"Long-term users praise its broad antimicrobial action and gentle, non-irritating formula for wounds and burns; some say it’s expensive and less effective on deep abscesses."

  • Vet-trusted formula

  • Non-toxic, preservative-free hydrogel designed to cleanse and hydrate wounds while reducing microbes.

  • Vet-trusted formula

  • Non-toxic, preservative-free hydrogel designed to cleanse and hydrate wounds while reducing microbes.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hydrogel is a non-antibiotic, saline-based hydrogel designed to maintain a moist wound environment while helping control microbial load, making it a gentle option for sensitive equine skin and exposed wound beds. Unlike oil- or petroleum-based barrier ointments and aggressive astringents in this list, Vetericyn is especially useful for open wounds and post-debridement care; its versatility for frequent dressing changes can make it a cost-effective everyday choice for routine wound management.

  • Non-toxic gel

  • Mess-free soothe

  • Vet-trusted formula

  • Non-toxic, preservative-free hydrogel designed to cleanse and hydrate wounds while reducing microbes.

  • Promotes moist wound healing and is safe for use on skin, eyes and mucous membranes when used as directed.

  • Non-toxic gel

  • Mess-free soothe

  • Vet-trusted formula

  • Non-toxic, preservative-free hydrogel designed to cleanse and hydrate wounds while reducing microbes.

  • Promotes moist wound healing and is safe for use on skin, eyes and mucous membranes when used as directed.

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$30-55 CAD

3
BEST MULTI-PURPOSE OINTMENT

Corona Multi-Purpose Ointment

Corona

Corona Multi-Purpose Ointment is a classic, petrolatum-based topical used widely in barns for protection against moisture, rubbing and mild abrasion on horses; its straightforward barrier function makes it a staple for preventive skin care. Financially and logistically it’s often the most accessible option for routine use compared with specialty antimicrobials or astringents, though it lacks the antimicrobial specificity and active healing promotion found in products like Silver Honey or Vetericyn.

4.3
★★★★☆
  • All-in-one fix

  • Thick protective balm

  • All-in-one fix

  • Thick protective balm

Review Summary

84%

"Owners appreciate its versatility for minor cuts, abrasions and skin soreness and the convenience of a multi-purpose salve; a minority find it greasy and not strong enough for severe wounds."

  • Pocket hero

  • Versatile, long-lasting ointment that protects and soothes minor cuts, chafing and dry or cracked skin.

  • Pocket hero

  • Versatile, long-lasting ointment that protects and soothes minor cuts, chafing and dry or cracked skin.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Corona Multi-Purpose Ointment is a classic, petrolatum-based topical used widely in barns for protection against moisture, rubbing and mild abrasion on horses; its straightforward barrier function makes it a staple for preventive skin care. Financially and logistically it’s often the most accessible option for routine use compared with specialty antimicrobials or astringents, though it lacks the antimicrobial specificity and active healing promotion found in products like Silver Honey or Vetericyn.

  • All-in-one fix

  • Thick protective balm

  • Pocket hero

  • Versatile, long-lasting ointment that protects and soothes minor cuts, chafing and dry or cracked skin.

  • Provides a protective barrier against dirt and flies to help prevent further irritation.

  • All-in-one fix

  • Thick protective balm

  • Pocket hero

  • Versatile, long-lasting ointment that protects and soothes minor cuts, chafing and dry or cracked skin.

  • Provides a protective barrier against dirt and flies to help prevent further irritation.

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$12-30 CAD

4
BEST FOR GALLS & SORES

Bickmore Gall Salve

Bickmore

Bickmore Gall Salve is a thick, adhesive salve formulated to protect high-friction spots, soothe raw areas and support superficial skin recovery on horses; it’s optimized to stay in place under tack and movement. Technically focused on prevention and management of galls and chafing rather than deep antimicrobial action, it offers a mid-range price with strong durability, delivering low cost-per-application for routine protective treatment compared with more frequently reapplied specialized therapies.

4.6
★★★★☆
  • Girth-gall fixer

  • Soothes raw spots

  • Girth-gall fixer

  • Soothes raw spots

Review Summary

88%

"Horse owners consistently report it forms a protective barrier that helps galls and rubs heal with regular use; a few note an unpleasant odor and the need to clean the area before reapplication."

  • Tack-friendly balm

  • Thick, tacky salve that cushions and protects rubbing points like girth galls and saddle sores.

  • Tack-friendly balm

  • Thick, tacky salve that cushions and protects rubbing points like girth galls and saddle sores.

Increased Safety & Security

Skill Development & Mastery

Bickmore Gall Salve is a thick, adhesive salve formulated to protect high-friction spots, soothe raw areas and support superficial skin recovery on horses; it’s optimized to stay in place under tack and movement. Technically focused on prevention and management of galls and chafing rather than deep antimicrobial action, it offers a mid-range price with strong durability, delivering low cost-per-application for routine protective treatment compared with more frequently reapplied specialized therapies.

  • Girth-gall fixer

  • Soothes raw spots

  • Tack-friendly balm

  • Thick, tacky salve that cushions and protects rubbing points like girth galls and saddle sores.

  • Helps soften and condition skin while providing a durable barrier against friction.

  • Girth-gall fixer

  • Soothes raw spots

  • Tack-friendly balm

  • Thick, tacky salve that cushions and protects rubbing points like girth galls and saddle sores.

  • Helps soften and condition skin while providing a durable barrier against friction.

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From 71.27$
5
BEST TRADITIONAL LIQUID TREATMENT

Shapley's Original M-T-G

Shapley's

Shapley's Original M-T-G is a concentrated astringent topical used historically in equine care to control excess granulation ('proud flesh') and promote tighter, dryer healing of wounds. Its drying, contracting action makes it uniquely effective for targeted use where contraction is desired; economically it is often highly efficient because small amounts are effective, but it is more aggressive than hydrating or antimicrobial options and should be used with care on delicate or open tissues.

4.7
★★★★☆
  • Classic antiseptic

  • Quick scab control

  • Classic antiseptic

  • Quick scab control

Review Summary

91%

"M-T-G is widely regarded as highly effective for thrush, mud fever and rain rot with noticeable improvement after a few applications; reviewers warn of a strong odor and stinging on raw tissue."

  • Old-school trusty

  • Concentrated, oil-based topical used for spot treatment of rain rot, mud fever and stubborn scabs.

  • Old-school trusty

  • Concentrated, oil-based topical used for spot treatment of rain rot, mud fever and stubborn scabs.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Shapley's Original M-T-G is a concentrated astringent topical used historically in equine care to control excess granulation ('proud flesh') and promote tighter, dryer healing of wounds. Its drying, contracting action makes it uniquely effective for targeted use where contraction is desired; economically it is often highly efficient because small amounts are effective, but it is more aggressive than hydrating or antimicrobial options and should be used with care on delicate or open tissues.

  • Classic antiseptic

  • Quick scab control

  • Old-school trusty

  • Concentrated, oil-based topical used for spot treatment of rain rot, mud fever and stubborn scabs.

  • Penetrating formula helps loosen crusts and promotes shedding of damaged hair and scab tissue.

  • Classic antiseptic

  • Quick scab control

  • Old-school trusty

  • Concentrated, oil-based topical used for spot treatment of rain rot, mud fever and stubborn scabs.

  • Penetrating formula helps loosen crusts and promotes shedding of damaged hair and scab tissue.

Order Now
From 41.95$

What the Research Says About Equine Topical Therapies

Scientific literature and veterinary guidance support several core principles for effective topical care: creating a moist, protected wound environment; using proven antimicrobial agents when infection is suspected; and choosing barrier or emollient products to protect fragile skin. While high-quality randomized controlled trials in horses are fewer than in human medicine, results from veterinary wound management studies, in vitro antimicrobial testing, and clinical experience inform safe, effective use of topical therapies in equine practice. Regulatory oversight and label instructions remain important for safe use in Canada.

Medical-grade honey and formulations containing silver ions have evidence for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and for supporting granulation and re-epithelialization in wounds.

Hydrogel and hydrogel-based antimicrobial carriers maintain a moist wound environment, which promotes faster healing and reduces scab formation compared with dry dressings.

Hypochlorous- and oxygen-based antimicrobial solutions show rapid reduction of surface bioburden in vitro and are commonly used as adjuncts to wound irrigation.

Topical corticosteroids and strong anti-inflammatories can reduce local inflammation but should be used cautiously when infection is possible; veterinary oversight is recommended.

Barrier balms and emollients (petrolatum, lanolin blends) are supported for protecting skin from friction, moisture-associated damage and environmental irritants, especially in colder or wet Canadian conditions.

Essential oils and plant extracts demonstrate antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies, but in vivo efficacy and safety vary widely; patch testing and conservative use are advised.

Overall, equine-specific studies exist but are limited; best practice combines evidence from veterinary wound care research, manufacturer data, and clinical judgment—always consult a veterinarian for significant wounds or suspected infection.

In the Canadian 2025 market, practical and regulated options lead the pack. The five highlighted products — Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Wound Repair, Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Hydrogel, Corona Multi-Purpose Ointment, Bickmore Gall Salve, and Shapley's Original M-T-G — cover a range of needs from active antimicrobial wound care to barrier protection and itch relief. For most routine wound-repair and antimicrobial needs, Absorbine Silver Honey Rapid Wound Repair stands out as the best overall choice due to its combined honey-and-silver approach, strong wound-healing profile, and wide availability in Canada. We hope you found what you were looking for; if you want to narrow results by issue (fungal, bacterial, wound, or protection), ingredient preference (natural vs. medicated), or price, use the search to refine or expand your options.

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