What Is Mud Fever?
Mud Fever is a bacterial skin condition found around the lower leg and fetlock caused principally by the bacterium, Dermatophillus Congolensis. On un-rugged animals, it may also be seen across the back where it is referred to as Rain Scald or Rain Rot. Ordinarily, the bacteria live happily on the skin without any issue. However, any break in the skin allows the bacteria to enter then dermatitis sets in.
Prolonged wetting from muddy conditions in the field can weaken skin allowing entry; but so too can abrasive bedding, and any minor nicks and cuts. Check legs daily and quickly treat any minor abrasion with wound cream and effective barrier cream. While it can be seen in any animal, those with thin skin and white legs do seem to be particularly prone.
How to Treat Mud Fever
Feathers may help protect from mud but, once infection sets in, can encourage it by keeping the area warm and wet – ideal conditions for bacterial proliferation. Feathering also makes it harder to effectively treat the affected areas, so for affected animals it is advised to closely clip the heels, allowing easy access and air to circulate. Clip the affected horses' legs, if required, then remove the scabs – but carefully. Never pick off-dry, hard scabs as this leaves an open wound allowing bacteria in, and is likely to be painful for the horse and, therefore, potentially dangerous for you! Wash the area with a natural anti-bacterial shampoo, such as one based on tea tree oil, massage in well and leave for ten minutes before rinsing with clean water. For persistent scabs apply a cleansing solution and poultice overnight, which should soften the scabs making them easier to remove.
Once the scabs are removed and the area cleaned, ensure the legs are carefully dried using paper towelling or clean, dry towels. Avoid re-using the same towel, or sharing between horses, as this could potentially spread infection.
While tackling what’s happening on the surface, supporting the body from the inside out will help maintain the body’s own defences. Choose a natural supplement based on antioxidants, to support the body’s own defence against the toxins involved in the reaction. Ideally ensure that supplement also includes nutrients to maintain skin strength, such as bio-available sulphur (MSM), zinc and amino acids.
Preventing Mud Fever
To prevent further issues ensure you apply an effective barrier product to clean, dry legs before turnout or exercise. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, as all products differ in their use, and take care not to apply to broken skin. Opinions are divided as to whether to wash legs when they come back in or not. It is thought that both wetting and chilling are key triggers, so if you do wash legs regularly ensure they’re thoroughly dried too. Alternatively, you may wish to apply wraps or bandages over the muddy legs, which keeps them warm; simply brush dry mud off in the morning and reapply your barrier cream before turnout.
With care, your horse can show winter a clean pair of heels and getaway to the warmer, drier days of Spring.
