Top Of The Clops bring you a blog extract all about Mud Fever from our friends at Equilibrium Products
Equilibrium Products explains what is Mud Fever?
Mud fever is a common skin complaint that generally arises during winter and early spring, causing painful sores and scabs. Although mud fever usually affects the pastern and heel area, it can also affect the upper legs and belly. The causes of Mud Fever? Mud fever arises due to a skin infection caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus Congolensis. Healthy skin acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria from entering the horse’s system and causing damage. However, in wet and muddy conditions, the integrity of the upper layer of skin (epidermis) can become compromised by the abrasion of soil grit on cold, wet skin.
Equilibrium Products advice on how to prevent Mud Fever?
Good Paddock Management: Take preventative action as soon as paddocks start to get wet and muddy. To avoid horses having to stand on muddy ground for too long, it’s a good idea, if possible, to rotate the use of your paddocks so they don’t become poached. Use electric fencing to prevent horses from standing in the deep mud that commonly collects in high traffic areas like gateways.
Grooming: Avoid hosing down your horse’s legs when he comes in. It is generally better to allow the mud to dry and then brush off with a soft bristled brush. If you must use a hose, gently dry the horse’s legs with a soft, clean, dry towel afterwards. Penbode Equine vets created this useful post about the fact it’s the chilling of legs from washing that increases the predisposition to mud fever. Check their post out here
What do I do if my horse has mud fever?
Treatment: If your horse contracts mud fever, keep him out of the wet and mud as much as possible. Carefully clip the hair away from the infected area, rub an anti-bacterial cream onto the scabs to soften them and then gently remove them. Once removed, liberally apply more anti-bacterial cream to the area and make sure you keep the skin clean and dry.
Many specialised products are available to help protect the skin from moisture to help prevent mud fever. Barrier creams work by forming a protective layer between the leg and mud. A good quality nappy rash cream, such as Sudocrem® , can work just as well and many experienced owners swear by them. Be aware that creams do have the drawback that your horse’s legs remain covered in mud when they come in from the field.
Top Of The Clops recommends the following top rated products for use to prevent and treat mud fever.
Keratex Mud Shield Powder
Keratex Mud Shield Powder is a handy, easy-to-use powder which you puff onto horse’s legs for a cleansing and waterproofing action on legs which are prone to scabs and broken skin in wet and muddy conditions. This light talc will give your horse's legs a breathable, resilient coat of powder that does not absorb water (and therefore does not become sticky). It also works by making the leg hair so silky that mud cannot grip on to hair or soften the skin underneath.
Further to this it will eliminate the risk of germs getting into breaks in the skin and causing problems. This acclaimed product is widely recognised by the equestrian community as a leading product in its field.
You can find this on our website here
Lincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Powder and Cream
Developed in conjunction with the University of Lincoln, Lincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Powder has been scientifically proven to successfully kill the bacteria responsible for mud sores. It utilises the positive effects of concentrated silver – promoting natural recovery with results seen in just days!
When affected skin is really sore, the unique, easy to use ‘puff’ applicator enables you to apply the powder without having to touch the area, making it kinder for your horse.
Once improvements are seen, we recommend using Lincoln Muddy Buddy Magic Mud Kure Cream to protect and soothe until recovery is complete.
Mud Kure Cream is a highly effective cream which utilises the natural antibacterial properties of pure silver to promote gentle but effective recovery. The formulation is easily absorbed and helps to soften scabs to aid humane removal.
You can find this on our website here Mud Kure Powder and Mud Kure Cream
NAF Mud Guard Supplement
Nutritional support for skin challenged by wet, muddy conditions. When exposed to wet muddy conditions, some horses can be affected by soil dwelling bacteria that gain access into the skin when weakened by the external conditions. By improving the diet we can help the horse to strengthen his skin from the inside out.
Mud Gard contains a unique complex of scientifically verified, naturally sourced antioxidants to flush excess free radicals away from the areas affected by the ravages of the mud. It also contains key herbs and other nutrients, including MSM, to support strong healthy skin from within. For optimum nutritional support improve the diet with Mud Gard prior to the onset of wet, muddy conditions to allow the key nutrients to assimilate in the system.
You can find this on our website here
NAF Mud Gard Barrier Cream
Protect your horse’s skin when exposed to the wet and mud with this rich, nourishing barrier cream. Wash legs off thoroughly and apply before turnout. Contains MSM to support healthy skin and hair growth, and rosemary to soothe sore areas.
You can find this on our website here
Supreme Products Mud Guard
Use Supreme Products Leg & Mud Guard to protect the legs from the elements and to help avoid mud fever.
Apply to the legs and underbelly.
Contains antibacterial agents and waterproofing properties in a barrier cream to protect legs.
Fantastic for use in the colder months as a prevent or ease mud fever.
You can find this on our website here
If you have any questions about any of the products listed please do not hesitate to contact Top Of The Clops by email or social media and we will do our best to help you