How To Manage Mud Fever In Horses - Best Products For Mud Fever
We may have all heard the term ‘mud fever’, and many of us will have owned or dealt with horses that suffer from it. But what actually causes this condition, and what is the best way to treat it? During the winter months, rain and wet conditions are inevitable. Our horses, still needing valuable turnout time, are often spending large periods of the day in waterlogged or muddy paddocks. This exposure can cause the skin to become soft, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and damage. This is when the bacteria in the mud can penetrate and wreak havoc! Mud fever usually presents itself with scabs most commonly on the pastern, however, it can also be seen to spread up the lower legs too. Bacteria can soon thrive underneath the scabs, causing the condition to worsen. It can be very painful to the horse and difficult to deal with, as the horse may not tolerate you touching the area.
Let’s go over the common causes: Prolonged exposure to wet and muddy conditions, broken or damaged skin in the commonly affected areas (between the heel and fetlock), too frequent leg washing without drying out properly afterwards, or having weakened immune system.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS & EARLY SIGNS?
If mudfever is caught early, it can be a lot easier to manage. Make sure you check your horse’s legs daily and look out for the following; - Scabs appearing on the lower legs or heels - Broken or damaged skin on the lower legs or heels - Matted hair or bald patches - White, yellow or green discharge between the skin and the scabs - Heat, pain or swelling in the lower legs and heels - In severe cases mud fever can also cause lameness.
HOW DO WE TREAT IT?
To get a solid diagnosis, it’s always best to speak to your vet before starting treatment as some of the symptoms of mud fever are similar to other conditions such as malanders. Once a proper diagnosis has been established, there are steps we can take to help to treat mud fever. Cut it off at the cause! Bringing your horse in from the wet and muddy conditions and allowing their legs to dry properly after cleaning them. This will help to prevent the bacteria from entering the skin. Try and give your horse dry turnout if possible, and remember to keep your stables clean too. Bacteria from a dirty bed can also cause mud fever, so avoid deep littering and skip out your stable as often as possible. Removing the scabs from the affected area will help allow air to reach the skin and promote healing. However, you need to approach this step with caution! Mud fever causes the skin to become very sore, and your horse may react to try and keep you away.
To help make it more comfortable for them you could always soak the affected area with an anti bacterial solution first, to soften the scabs and make them easier to remove. If using liquid to soak the area make sure that it is then dried thoroughly afterwards.
Hibiscrub 500ml £7.94 5ltr £44.94
Lincoln equo-scrub 500ml £8.40
Lincoln equo-crem 400g £12.49
Make sure you are keeping the affected area clean by washing it at least twice a day. Something like diluted hibi scrub as mentioned before or equo-scrub by Lincoln makes an ideal rinse to kill off any bacteria. Again as previously mentioned, make sure the area is thoroughly dried off afterwards.
Applying a specialised cream or ointment may help by creating a protective barrier over the affected area. Clipping or removing the feathers will make it more manageable by giving you easier access to clean and monitor the condition.
Applying stable bandages can support the leg to reduce any potential swelling, as well as keeping the area clean and dry.
GOOD NEWS! There are definitely management techniques we can adopt to help prevent mud fever from starting, let’s take a look at what we can do; Manage your grassland! By rotating your grazing, you can reduce the risk of your paddocks becoming poached. This will therefore reduce the amount of time your horses are standing in deep mud. However, rotating paddocks isn’t always possible. If you don’t have the facilities to do this, you still have a few options. Mud boots or turnout boots can be a great help in the battle against mud fever. As long as you ensure that the legs are clean and dry before they are put on, and take care to wash the boots off daily. Any mud or grit that is on the inside of the boot when they are put on could have the opposite effect, causing rubs on the legs and leaving them vulnerable to infection.
You could also think about stabling your horse for longer periods (e.g overnight) or using an area for dry turnout. Try to avoid washing off your horse’s legs when they have come in from the field. If you allow the mud to dry it can be easily removed with a soft brush. If washing the legs is unavoidable, make sure you dry them off thoroughly afterwards. Barrier Barrier creams are another handy tool. They create a protective waterproof layer over the skin, protecting it from the wet and mud, and can also help to prevent the mud from sticking to the legs too. They should, however, be used carefully. If bacteria is trapped on the wrong side (between the skin and the cream) it can be a perfect environment for the bacteria to grow.
ARMA MUD SOCKS are made from neoprene are designed to help prevent mud fever by keeping the legs mud free and to protect against injuries in the field. Providing full coverage of the lower leg and shaped out of soft, flexible shock absorbing neoprene for comfort. Airflow perforations help prevent legs Airf from over heating. Suitable for front or hind legs. Fastened with touch close straps. Set of 2. Available in Pony, Cob & Full £22.99 (subject to availability).
MUD FEVER BOOT FROM WOOF WEAR is a Breathable & Waterproof turnout boot which keeps your horse’s legs clean and prevents and aids recovery from Mud Fever. The Boot seals the leg between the knee and below the heels. The loose fitting breathable and waterproof fabric then creates a micro-climate to prevent the warm and damp conditions in which bacteria thrive. Available in S - XL £59.94.
NETTEX SEVEN DAY MUD AWAY is a unique product that helps to prevent the build-up of mud to all areas of the horse resulting in easier winter grooming. It can be used all year round to aid quicker grooming as mud, muck and dirt simply brush away easily leaving a smooth coat. It is ideal to use in the winter during adverse weather conditions to help keep mud at bay. It can be used on the body, legs, mane and tail and is suitable for all horses and ponies. £9.95
THE LINCOLN MUDDY BUDDY RANGE Their muddy buddy scrub (£6.95) is a powerful antibacterial leg wash for easy removal of mud and dirt from the legs of horses. Contains a powerful broad spectrum antibacterial agent to help overcome and combat harmful bacteria present in wet, muddy, dirty environments. It will soothe and cleanse helping to maintain prolonged hygienically clean skin.
The muddy buddy ointment (£9.95) is a soothing, powerful and protecting antibacterial waterproof barrier for horses. For application to the heels and lower legs in wet and muddy conditions. It will soothe the affected area and offer an effective, protective waterproof barrier.
The muddy buddy powder (£9.95) is a a powerful antibacterial water repellent powder for application to the lower legs of horses in wet and muddy conditions. Beneficial to horses prone to irritation from a wet and muddy environment. Effectively protects the area and offers a powerful water repellent barrier to keep the area hygienically clean. Shields against mud and water.
Did you know?
"Mud fever can also occur in other areas of the body such as on the belly, and on the back where it is called rain scald. Rain scald can also be triggered by spending long periods in damp, mild condition, or from excessive sweating under tack and rugs."
- From the BHS