The weather is changing and with it comes the endless mud and the topic of mud fever returns. What works best? Should I apply barrier cream or wash and scrub, take in or leave out? It’s one of the simplest conditions to diagnose, but actually one of the most difficult to manage, so what can be done?
Mud Fever is a skin infection, caused by a variety of different bacteria and fungi. Typical signs include scabbing, pain, swellings, discharge and ulcerated areas in the skin. More severe cases can progress to lameness and lower limb swellings. The importance of regular inspection of the horse’s legs to catch the condition early cannot be stressed enough, and as always, prevention is much better than cure. Mud fever occurs especially in warm, wet weather. It is certainly not limited to horses that are paddling knee deep in mud!
TOP TIPS:
Fence off boggy areas to prevent your horse from standing around in muddy conditions.
If possible, stable your horse overnight for a period of time to allow the legs to dry out completely.
Always allow mud to dry completely before removing with a soft bristled brush to avoid scratching and irritating the skin.
If you have to wash the legs, ensure they are gently and thoroughly dried afterwards.
Clip thick, hairy feathers, as these trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive.
A tough antibacterial barrier salve should be applied to clean dry affected areas such as Pro-Equine Mud Bug Buster which also includes natural key ingredients to heal and protect vulnerable areas exposed to wet and muddy conditions. Mud Bug Buster includes Benzoin a balsamic resin from Sumatra and Neem Oil from India, along with a carefully selected combination of bug busting oils. Mud Bug Buster seals and heals cracked skin and promotes fast results for Mud Fever issues.
