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Mud Fever - prevention
is better than cure!
by Hermione Perry MSc, Equine Nutritionist,
Brinicombe Equine
Mud fever is an all too
common condition which many horse owners
have to cope with during the winter months.
With the weather becoming milder it seems
likely that this condition is only going
to be on the increase. What starts out as
a seemingly minor scab can quickly spread,
with all four legs inflamed and sore so
it is important to stay one step ahead of
the mud.
What is Mud Fever?
Mud fever is caused by
the bacterium, Dermatophilus Congolensis
which lives in the soil and thrives in wet
muddy conditions. If this bacteria penetrates
the skin, either via a wound or just because
the skin has softened in the wet, it can
cause a nasty infection.
What are the Symptoms?
It is generally the lower
legs that are affected, particularly the
pastern area which is most exposed to the
wet, however it can spread above the knees
and hocks and even onto the belly in severe
cases. The first signs of mud fever are
normally small crusty scabs. They tend to
be quite sore to touch, and can weep with
local skin inflammation. If untreated, the
scabs will quickly spread, and the whole
of the lower leg may become inflamed. The
area is generally very sensitive, and if
left untreated will cause lameness. If the
symptoms are ignored, it is likely that
the horse will have to be stabled 24-7 and
given veterinary treatment (usually antibiotics)
until the skin has healed. The legs may
also have to be clipped to make the area
easier to treat.
How do you prevent
a serious outbreak?
Unfortunately advice
is very varied and it is important for you
to find a regime which suits you and your
horse. There are advantages and disadvantages
to several treatments:
| Action |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Removing scabs |
Some say that if you
leave the scab the bacteria will multiply
because the scab has created a protective
environment. Removing the scab opens
up the wound to the air. |
Removing scabs is
often painful for the horse, and therefore
can be dangerous for the handler. Removing
the scab early may leave a sore wound,
which would allow more bacteria to penetrate
if the horse is turned out |
| Washing the legs regularly |
Cleans off the mud,
allowing you to get a better look at
your horse’s legs. An antiseptic shampoo
will cleanse the legs. |
Washing will soften
and weaken the skin further making it
easier for the bacteria to penetrate.
Wet legs take a long time to dry in
the winter. |
| Clipping the legs
& feathers |
Allows the legs to
dry more quickly and the condition is
also easier to identify and treat. |
The feathers are the
horse’s natural protection from the
wet and mud, and although the hair may
be wet, the actual skin could be dry. |
The only way to guarantee
that your horse is not affected, is to keep
him away from the mud, but this is not only
impossible but would mean no more turnout.
Therefore any actions you can take to reduce
the mud he is exposed to will help eg, rotating
fields, creating a hard standing area around
the gate, stabling for part of the day to
allow the legs to dry out, etc
How can a feed supplement
help an ‘outside’ problem?
Feeding a supplement to
help protect the horse on the outside is
not as unlikely as it sounds. We all know
that ‘health comes within’ and just like
feeding oils to create a shiny coat (far
more effective than grooming!) you can also
feed targeted nutrients to help prevent
mud fever. Firstly, a good supplement will
contain ingredients such as MSM and zinc
for healthy skin and hair, as you need your
horse’s skin to be in optimum health if
it is to withstand constant wet and mud.
Secondly, the bacterial infection causes
an immune response, and the body will immediately
try to repair itself. By providing anti-oxidants
in the diet, you can help ensure that your
horse’s immune system is strong, so that
it can fight off the bacteria and start
to heal quickly. Thirdly, ingredients which
support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory
mechanisms could help to reduce swelling
and thus reduce the chance of lameness.
Key points:
Take actions to reduce the amount of mud
your horse has to deal with
Don’t ignore any small nicks or scrapes,
but ensure you treat them with an antiseptic
application, such as Forward Thinking Skin
Spray
Check the legs daily for any signs of mud
fever
Feed a supplement which benefits skin and
hair and supports the immune system
Be prepared! Ensure you have antiseptic
creams and shampoos in the tack room so
you can treat your horse’s legs before the
mud fever takes hold.
Recommended products:
Think Mud
Forward Thinking Skin Spray
Forward Thinking Shampoo
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