MUD
FEVER - THE CAUSE.... AND THE CURE? We investigate this pestly winter
problem and discover some useful mud fever products available in NZ.
"Mud fever" is quite a common condition in New Zealand as it thrives on our mild, wet springs/winters and horses constantly living outside in damp conditions. Also known by many other names including cracked heels, greasy heel, mud rash etc, mud fever affects the horses lower leg and heels and is often more prevalent on horses with white legs, as well as horses with heavy feathering on their legs (because they retain mud and moisture).
| Characteristics of mud fever include the appearance of sore cracks and crusty scabs around the horses heel, and inflammation of the area. This is all caused by the invasion of a bacterium called "dermatophilus congolensis". This bacterium penetrates the skin when it has been softened through exposure to the wet or mud, or following damage to the area. (Interestingly, this is the same condition that we sometimes see on the upper body that is referred to as "rain scald".) |
 This photo above shows quite bad mud fever on a ponys hind legs resulting in the scabby appearance around the fetlock and heels with some swelling of the area. |
While
prevention is always better than cure, mud fever can sometimes be extremely
difficult to avoid or prevent. It seems that some horses are always more
susceptible to mud fever than others, and horses standing around in wet
muddy paddocks and yards only increases the problem. If you know your
horse is susceptible to mud fever, you need to try protecting its legs
from the wet and mud as much as possible by ensuring there is always a
clean dry area for them to graze and stand on - you may need to fence
off the very wet sections of the paddock, and always feed your horse out
of the mud. Keep the legs clean and dry as much as possible, possibly
apply an oil based barrier cream to repel mud and moisture. Avoid hosing
the legs whenever you can, but if you have to, thoroughly dry them off
with a towel afterwards, patting dry the affected areas (not rubbing).
Make sure you check your horses legs regularly and at the first sign of
any cracked heels or scabs, treat immediately with an effective mud fever
cream to prevent it from getting any worse and to hopefully clear up the
problem.
A good
situation to try and avoid to help prevent mud fever!
As well as many natural internal and external product treatment options available from most saddlery shops and vets, there are also anitbiotic creams available. If the problem has become more severe and the legs are swollen (sometimes resulting in the horse showing signs of lameness), prompt antibiotic treatment may be required from your vet.
Mud fever is quite a persistant condition and can take time to treat effectively. Once the bacteria has been destroyed, the skin needs to continue to be protected from any further contact with wet and muddy conditions to allow new hair and skin to grow back and heal properly. Applying lanoline based ointment or creams to the area as it heals can avoid excessive drying (which can also lead to cracks!) and keep the skin supple and soothed as it repairs itself.
Product Ideas for assisting with Mud Fever (Advertising Feature)
| Animal
Health Solutions offer two useful products: • "GREASY HEELZ CREAM" - For mild cases • "GREASY HEELZ KIT - CHRONIC" - For extensive/long standing cases (Includes cream and oral treatment). For a quick and easy solution that is natural. The following comment from a customer reflects the feedback we get: "We live in a very muddy area and my horse is very prone to mud fever. I used the Greasy Heelz Kit, and after about 10 days the scabs came off easily and he had a new growth of hair underneath. As it was so muddy I was unable to keep his legs clean during the treatment but it worked just as well, even under a layer of mud!' If you are interested in trying these products please contact Animal  Health
Solutions Ltd today!Post: P.O Box 13-544 Tauranga, New Zealand Email: info@animal.co.nz Web: www.animal.co.nz NZ Freephone: 0508 ANIMAL (0508 264 625) Fax: 07 927 3002 |
Note: No
information or product described herein should be relied upon implicitly,
Please always make your own conclusions or consult your vet or other professional
for further advice.
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our Disclaimer.