MUD GLORIOUS MUD?   

NOT IF YOU’RE A HORSE! 

Mud Fever is the name used for dermatitis affecting the horse’s lower leg and for some reason white-legged horses are more much more prone to the condition than pigmented ones.

The disease begins when the skin is broken through inflammation and chafing, due to wet, muddy conditions and/or poor stable hygiene, allowing bacteria to enter and infect the epidermis (the thin protective outer layer of the skin

§         Legs are tender to the touch.

§         Skin irritation around the back of the pastern ranging from mild, sore too inflamed.

§         Skin may crack and exude fluid, causing pain on movement and lameness.

§         Legs may become filled due to inflammation. 

There also appears to be a connection between mud fever and a skin mite call Chorioptes, which can be seen in skin scraped under a microscope.  If this is the case the condition will recur until the mites have been killed and in such cases you will need veterinary advice and support.

Prevention is always the best policy and with care and attention and following these simple guidelines your horse should not have to suffer this winter: 

§         Keep legs unclipped, hair is the best natural protection for the skin – which’s why it’s there!

§         Hose or sponge off wet mud and then use ourTea Tree Shampoo (diluted) as an antiseptic wash and cleanser before drying. 

§         Thoroughly dry the legs after hosing – it is important legs are dry. 

§         On broken skin apply our Aloe, Kunzea & Tea Tree Gel , which has been formulated to soothe sore, broken and irritated skin.

§         Once legs are clean and dry apply a barrier cream such as our Winter Skin & Cracked Heel Salve, with soothing Aloe and Calendula.

Always maintain good stable hygiene and never use a stiff brush on wet, muddy areas as you may break the skin!   Hard brushes should only be used when the mud is dried. 

In severe cases call your vet who may prescribe antibiotics.