MUD FEVER
Mud Fever (and a similar
condition called rain scald) is widely held to be initiated by an invasion of
the skin by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis which then enables other
bacteria to gain a footing as well. Swabs taken from established lesions often
show a wide range of bacteria present. Outbreaks are unpredictable.
Factors such as prolonged wetting by rain, high humidity, high temperature,
abrasion and attack by various parasites that pierce the skin enabling bacteria
to penetrate are all believed to influence the development, prevalence,
seasonal incidence, and transmission of this condition. Probably genetics also
plays its part as pale horses seem more susceptible. However some animals never
have a problem whilst their companions in the same field are chronic cases.
Just Download & Print
So how to minimise risk and treat if necessary?
·
Keeping your
horse as dry as possible helps but is no
guarantee.
·
Try not to
wash if the conditions are wet and the horse cannot
dry off quickly as chapping
of the skin can enable bacteria to
penetrate.
·
Wait till mud
etc dries and just brush off.
·
Use a good
quality disinfectant shampoo if you must wash.
Many treatments are
advertised but few have reported clinical
studies of their efficacy.
The
eminent vet Chris Colles recently published a trial in the prestigious journal Equine Veterinary Education of a new product
“Mud Stop” from Equitech
of twelve persistent chronic cases which had failed to respond to conventional
treatments ten were totally resolved and the others showed significant
improvements.
Its novel mode of action and the fact that you
don’t have to pick off the scabs, and of course published evidence of how well
it works, have made it rapidly popular with owners, horses and vets.
You can read more at
Horse 4 Life would like to acknowledge
the support and assistance by Equitech in producing this article and supporting
the Horse 4 Life awareness campaign.
