Mud Fever in Horses
Horses often get affected by a peculiar condition known as mud fever. The skin of the heels becomes infected resulting in scabby wound which could be very painful at times. The infection is caused by a bacterium known as Dermatophilus congolensis usually found in wet areas. Though it is the heels that are usually affected, sometimes the belly might be the victim as well.
The usual symptoms of mud fever in horses include weepy sores leading to scabs. In severe cases, the infection might lead to swelling of the leg and the horse might develop lameness as well. Horses that have heavy feather on the legs are more likely to develop this disease. This is because the hair becomes wet in mud and remains so for long hours, making it prone to mud fever.
The treatment options available for mud fever are as follows
· First and foremost, remove your horse from the wet muddy field conditions
· Remove the matted crusts from the affected areas of the horse’s feet.
· If possible soak the crusts in warm soapy water. This will soften them and relieve the horse of pain.
· Once you have removed the scabs, treat the affected area preferably with anti-bacterial solution such as Pevidine Hibiscrub and leave it for 10 minutes.
· Rinse the treated area properly and then dry it with a clean towel. A good way of drying the affected area is rubbing alcohol or surgical spirits. Ethanol is also very effective in this case.
· An antibacterial ointment or a moisture repelling product such as Vaseline or baby oil can be used to treat the scabs.
· An Equine Corticosteriod ointment can also be applied for treating scabs. This medicine can be obtained from the veterinary doctor.
· However, always remember to apply the ointments only after the excess water has been forced out of the affected area. Otherwise bacteria can thrive beneath the ointments.
The bacterium causing the disease in horses is a natural inhabitant of horses’ skin. Also it is quite next to impossible to avoid muddy and damp fields, one of the major causes of mud fever. So it is advisable that you resort to certain preventive methods which are as follows
· Keep a check on your horse’s leg regularly for any signs of irritation or scabbing.
· Try and wash your horse’s legs every day. If the horse is in the stable, wash the legs when you bring them at night.
· After giving it a wash dry the legs properly.
· If signs of mud fever exist, keep a check. Make preparation to keep it in check properly.
· Even after taking such precautions, if the condition persists consult a qualified veterinary.
If your horse is suffering from mud fever, following the above mentioned points can help in relieving your horse’s pain. Diseases cannot be avoided, but they can certainly be prevented. So following the preventive measures can keep mud fever at bay.