It’s that time of year again! Endless days of rain with flooded fields and mud as far as the eye can see! During the winter months our horses are more likely to be standing in wet, damp or muddy conditions which can cause skin irritations such as mud fever. When it comes to mud fever prevention is key, and considerably more effective than waiting until it becomes a problem. Read on for our tips for surviving the muddy months of winter.
What is mud fever?
Mud fever is a skin condition, often caused by bacteria found in wet and muddy conditions. When horses stand for long periods in wet environments, for example in fields or even in damp bedding, the skin naturally softens. This softened skin, usually around the ankles and pastern is then exposed to rubbing and irritation from muddy conditions. In time this rubbing damages the skin allowing bacteria in and thereby causing the skin to become irritated, sore and inflamed.
What does mud fever look like?
Mud fever is commonly found on the horses pastern or heel. Look for matted hair, crusty patches or red irritated skin that looks sore and uncomfortable. Eventually scabs will form on the horses skin and these can become infected causing swelling in the legs in severe cases. It can be very painful and your horse may not be comfortable having these areas touched.
Can all horses get mud fever?
Yes, although some horses will be more prone to catching mud fever than others. Horses and ponies with white legs are particularly at risk as the pink skin beneath white markings is more sensitive than darker skin. Similarly, breeds that have thinner skin are more prone to mud fever as the skin is more easily damaged, allowing entry points for bacteria. The health and age of your horse or pony can also be a contributing factor. Horses that have a weakened immune system, through diseases such as Cushings find it harder to fight off infections and may therefore be more prone to mud fever.
Environmental conditions also have a significant impact on whether or not your horse will suffer from mud fever. Horses that are stood in wet fields or wet bedding have a higher chance of mud fever infections. You should also avoid regularly washing your horses legs unless you can effectively dry them afterwards.
How can I prevent mud fever?
The best way to manage mud fever is to try and prevent it from becoming an issue in the first place. Keeping the legs as dry as possible is a very good start. Fence off areas of the field that are particularly muddy or wet and try and encourage drainage near gates.
You can also apply sprays and creams to the horses legs that stop the mud from sticking to the coat, thereby reducing the chances the skin will become irritated and inflamed.
Nettex Seven Day Mud Away is easy to apply and forms a barrier between the legs and wet, muddy conditions. It also makes it easier to remove dried on mud.
Other barrier options include NAF Mud Gard Barrier Cream that creates a waterproof barrier over the legs when applied to dry skin. It contains MSM to support healthy skin and hair growth, and rosemary to soothe sore areas. Pig Oil is a traditional remedy for mud fever that again is sprayed on to the legs to condition the skin and thereby protect from mud-borne irritations. Lincoln Muddy Buddy Mud Screen is also a popular product that contains dimethicone to actively repel mud and water and is combined with powerful antibacterial agents PCMC and cetrimide.
There are also supplements that can be fed to your horse to help encourage skin health from the inside. NAF Mud Gard Supplement helps to strengthen the skin from the inside out and 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.
The soothing properties of Global Herbs Mud-X on the other hand help enable your horse to maintain the correct bacterial balance in their skin.
How do I treat mud fever?
Treatment for mud fever should always be done in consultation with your vet. They will usually advise a treatment you can apply yourself but if the symptoms persist or get worse you should notify your vet. As with prevention of mud fever, the treatment requires your horses legs to be kept dry.
Treatment usually involves daily cleaning of the leg with products such as Lincoln Muddy Buddy Scrub, specially formulated to help remove mud and dirt from the legs of horses. It contains a powerful broad-spectrum antibacterial agent to help overcome and combat harmful bacteria present in wet, muddy and dirty environments whilst remaining gentle on sore and chapped skin. Always ensure your horses legs are properly dried after washing.
If the mud fever is severe it may be necessary to apply a cream to help kill the bacteria causing the infection. Lincoln Muddy Buddy Mud Kure Cream was developed in conjunction with the University of Lincoln, and is scientifically proven to kill the bacteria responsible for painful mud sores. It’s a highly effective cream that 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.
We hope you’ve found this mud fever guide useful and it helps to keep your horses more comfortable during the winter months. It won’t be long until we’re turning our attention to flies and sunburn (honest!).
One final tip, if your horse is prone to mud fever Lincoln offer a great value Muddy Buddy Pack that helps to keep mud fever at bay with a disinfectant scrub and sponge, a water repellant powder to keep legs dry and an antibacterial barrier cream. Everything you need (hopefully!) to see you through the wet and mud.
