Specific Treatments: Mud Fever Diagnosis Early diagnosis of the causal factors is helpful. Rain Scald appears as crusted, moist mats of hair, where underneath there can be pus which is exudative. Mud fever is also known as pastern dermatitis. The scabs will lift themselves from the skin and can simply be gently brushed away. Mud fever, also known as greasy heel, pastern dermatitis or scratches is often caused by a mixture of bacteria typically Dermatophilus congolensis, and Staphylococcus spp. (Also known as (Rain Rot, pastern dermititis, Dermatophilus congolensis,  equine dermatitis,  Lumpy Wool, greasy heel, Mycotic Dermatitis, cracked heel)Streptothricosis). Greasy Heel or Mud fever sometimes involves swelling in the early stages. Good management practices and vigilant checking of the legs before lesions develop is often all that is required to keep mud fever at bay. It is recognised that mud fever is more susceptible to horses with non-pigmented skin (pink skin), though this should not be mistaken for equine photo-sensitivity which is a subtly different condition that you can read more about here. s immune system starts to react to and break down its own skin. Both are skin infections caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. Here is NZ, there is a great product called, A second product we always sing the praises of, it Equine Super Goo. The result is an acute inflammatory reaction. Best applied by hand (use gloves if you wish), rub generous amounts into and around the horses infected areas in a circular motion and watch the magic happen. The basis is to treat any underlying conditions such as mite infection or contact allergy, remove infection and allow the skin’s natural barrier to heal. Rather, they should be used as part of a range of measures that limit exposure to wet conditions, reduce bacterial numbers, and protect the skin's natural defences. Although soil bacteria are to blame for the majority of mud fever cases, there are exceptions to that rule. I. ll agree your horse will let you know if there is a problem area! Mud fever can occur from muddy fields or when riding in poor conditions – especially during winter. : It was traditionally thought that mud fever was only due to the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis, however now it is more accepted that there can be a number of different bacteria and fungi that can become involved in mud fever such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species. There can also be a fungal component to the infection. If it is possible to avoid or minimise exposure to mud, morning dew in paddocks, heavy rainfall and even excessive leg washing if your horse is susceptible to mud fever and rain scald then this is helpful. (PF), is a fairly rare auto-immune condition where the horse. We highly recommend – you can. EquineCare Probiotic is a topical spray for minor bacterial and fungal skin conditions caused by mud fever and rain scald. We’ve found this technique great for even the most sensitive horses, as long as you apply a good amount of pressure it will almost feel like a massage and they will become a lot more tolerant of the removal. You may want to consider some of the following steps where possible to reduce the risks of your horse suffering this year: Just remember, that mud fever and rain-scald are persistent conditions that can take considerable effort to clear up effectively. Far better to spot and remove scabs within a day – than wait until the infection has spread and you have a bald horse where recovery will take a lot longer. However, certain preparations that are available on veterinary prescription are highly effective at treating mud fever, including a silver based cream called Flamazine. As a final tip, and possibly one of the most important, learn to try and spot the … There’s a wide variety of lotions and potions marketed for the treatment of mud fever, but none of these are “the silver bullet” to a magic solution that will solve all your woes. It is always better to look at methods of prevention to avoid the need to cure. To treat the mud fever - clean the wound thoroughly with coconut oil or an antibacterial scrub, remove the scabs. If you aren’t based in NZ – there will almost certainly be alternatives available, just ensure your treatment contains both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties as both may be present in the infection. Contact Treatment. But it’s not impossible! This is best performed by running your hand over their skin, and especially in places where mud fever may be hiding, such as the feathers or folds of skin. It needs to be sprayed daily (if possible) until the infection is cleared. The problem occurs when the skin becomes damaged and bacteria, fungi and other parasites are able to enter the body. It’s important to know your horses, and how they will react. Interestingly, you often find leg washing recommended for mud fever however, heavy leg washing can remove the, , worsening the likelihood of succumbing to mud fever. Comfort Plus bareback pads $ 195.00 $ 175.00 (incl. For those familiar with mud fever, the first scabby sign of this bacterial infection is a loathsome sight. FAQ Successful treatment for mud fever begins with moving the horse to a clean, dry environment, even if this requires temporary confinement to a stall. This in turn creates an exudate which the mite then feeds on, the horses skin subsequently forms scabs, and secondary infection. Mud fever (also known as pastern dermatitis) is a common condition of the lower limbs, especially the back legs, where the skin becomes inflamed and scabby with oozing serum; the coronet, pastern and heels of the foot may also become cracked; in severe cases … Interestingly, although the cause of PF remains unclear, there are some veterinarians who believe drugs such as antibiotics, dewormers, vaccines, and some supplements have triggered a number of PF cases. Mud Fever Balm and Sunblock SPF25 $ 38.00 (incl. Bring your horse in out of the muddy and wet conditions if you find signs of mud fever and contact your vet for advice. Find out what causes it and how to stop it. , the equine form usually contracted is Trichophyton equinum, however there is also a, soil-borne ringworm fungi Microsporum gypsum.