If you've ever heard of scratches, greasy heel, or pastern dermatitis, you know that they're all terms to describe mud fever.The back part of the horse's body is covered with a pastern.It's a painful disease that can cause a lot of problems.You can try to keep your horse out of the mud by keeping it clean.Some horses are more susceptible than others, like those with long hair on the backs of their legs, which are kept in dirty environments.
Step 1: Keep your horse's legs clean.
Your horse's legs should be looked at every day for any signs of irritation.If you notice skin irritation, you can wash the legs with a chlorhexidine scrub preparation.Apply enough chlorhexidine to cover the area after rinsing your horse's legs.Remove the cleanser from the legs.If you apply too many different products, it will make it harder for your vet to diagnose your horse's condition.Many of these products are used for prevention of mud fever, as well as providing a barrier to dampness.If you notice signs of mud fever, it's time to get treatment.
Step 2: There are causes of mud fever.
A secondary condition like skin weakened by constant wet is what causes fever mud.Infections due to wet folds in the skin, fungus, mites, and minor skin injuries are some of the primary causes.If it's an auto immune related disease, redness, inflammation, sores, and itching weaken the skin and allowbacteria to invade, leading to mud fever.If the skin's surface is damaged or the immune system is not strong, your horse may have problems with its skin.Constant wetness causes the skin to become soft and swollen, which weakens natural defences.
Step 3: Take your horse for a checkup.
Areas that are frequently in contact with mud show signs of the disease.It affects the back of the heels and the fetlocks, but it can also affect the legs, because mud can splash when walking over heavy, moist ground.Painful cracked skin, thick white, yellow or green discharge, and loss of appetite are some of the symptoms to look for.
Step 4: Prepare your horse for treatment.
Remove the hair from the back of the heels if you have a horse.This will allow you to treat the skin and remove mud.The hair should be clipped right down to the skin.This will allow you to monitor the healing of existing scabs and check the area for new ones.Stable the horse for a few weeks on clean dry straw, move him onto dry pasture, or improve the drainage system in the existing pasture.
Step 5: The scabs need to be picked away.
To soften the scabs, soak them in baby oil, use a cold poultice, or apply a cream.If using a cream or oil, cover the area with a loose wrap of clingfilm and let it cure for 1 to 3 days.The clingfilm needs to be changed every day.Pick the scabs away until they're completely removed.You will need to remove all of the scabs in order to get rid ofbacteria that causes the disease.
Step 6: The legs need to be cleaned.
After you remove the scabs, you should see open sores on the lower limbs.The legs should be wet with warm water.Put a chlorhexidine solution into the area and let it sit for 10 minutes.The solution will have a chance to kill thebacteria.The water will run clear if you rinse the area.If you want to dry the legs twice a day, use disposable paper towels.If you want to dry your horse's legs, use a cotton towel or terry cloth.The infection can be reintroduced by using a towel.
Step 7: Know when to seek medical attention.
If you're having trouble with the removal of the scabs, you should call your vet.If you try to remove the scabs yourself, you may be causing your horse pain.If you're having trouble keeping the area clean, you should call the vet.The exact cause of the problem will be tested by the vet.The most effective treatment can be determined by a correct diagnosis.If the vet suspects your horse has an immune system problem, you may need to give him steroids.If feather mites are suspected, your horse will need treatment to get rid of the mites and prevent the itching from recurring.
Step 8: Infections and causes of infections can be treated.
If you notice a moist area with a sticky discharge, you should get an antibiotic from your vet.Wrap the cleaned legs of your horse with clingfilm after applying a generous layer of the medication.You should treat the skin for two weeks after it looks better.It's important to complete antibiotic treatment in order for the infection to be completely gone.The biggest cause of treatment failure is stopping treatment too early.Don't ride your horse while treatment is going on.The skin can heal and settle.
Step 9: Determine why treatment didn't work.
There are a number of reasons why treatment failed if you've tried to treat your horse with it.preventative treatment which doesn't have the needed medication to cure the condition is one of the factors in unsuccessful treatment.The horse is wet.There are underlying problems that have not been addressed.The medication cannot get to the skin.The hair on the skin prevented it from being cleaned.The condition was completely cured after stopping treatment.A deep infection can be treated with oral antibiotics.