Crumbly chestnut?

[Ellie.Kerrison]

Hello all, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Does anyone know what this is in my mares feathers? It looks like her chestnut has crumbled into her feathers but I'm really not sure what it could be. If anyone knows what it is, could they also inform me if its harmful and/or what treatment I could do to get rid of it!

Many thanks

 

[Shay]

Looks like classic Mallenders (Or Sallenders if it is the hind). Also called Hyperkeratosis or cob knee. The body produces excess keratin which balls up as scabby or crusty patches. If you leave it it will eventually rub the underlying skin raw.

Like mud fever you'll get almost as many treatments for this as there are horses. But if this is mallenders the bottom line is that you have to get the mess off and then keep it off. Personally I use udder cream to soften the crusts then you can remove it with your fingers - but my cob is clipped. Pig oil prevents it building up in the first place.

 

[Ellie.Kerrison]

Thank you so much, will definetly follow your advice and put into action!