cracked heels

[0]

why do horses get cracked heels?
my horse has her legs washed as soon as she comes in every day whether they look muddy or not, she is ten and has never had them before (had her since baby) but she has just got cracked heels - why would this be?
she has moved to a new area so can different soil etc cause it??
vet has looked and she is on anti-biotics i just want to understand how she got it when her legs are washed every time she has been out (field and ridden)

 

[Natalie_H]

Yes - different soil can affect it. I was told that the bacteria that causes the problem is not present in all soil so the change of area could definitely have caused the problem.

 

[Skhosu]

I believe the constant washing may be the problem? This is (I belive) supposed to weaken the skin making it more susceptible to cracked heels/mud fever/

 

[TLL67]

My lad has got cracked heels at the mo, it really is the same of sort of thing as mud fever as its the same bacteria that causes both.

My boys has MSM put on twice a day, he also has NAF Mudguard in his dinner twice daily.
H'es not going back out until its cleared up either, vet recommmend that he be kept in until all signs were gone.

Its each to there own regarding the constant washing, bit I don't purely because it be wet all time the bacteris continues to breed, but it is down to personal choice.

 

[madabout2]

My understanding is that the bacteria is in the soil - so washing won't stop it as the bacteria is on contact with the horse when the hosre is grazing.

My horse got mudfever - until this year (quickly crosses everything!!)
We turned out at the beginning of September in sportabac boots and have been feeding naf mudgard - so far no problem.

Think the boots are super and although some people say the legs sweat my horses don't and it is getting colder. Also he is grey so there is a God!