Dealing with mud fever

[shadowboy]

After 23 years of horse ownership ive finally succumbed to mud fever- at least that's what I think it is?! Pony has come in with really hot hind fetlocks - just before the bulb of the heel starts- no scabs yet. Both hinds are blazing the fronts are cool as cucumbers.

So what's the best way to deal with this? I'm thinking of leaving him in for 24 hours to give the skin a rest. Ate there any barrier creams I can use? His field is very wet so are chaps a better option or.do.they cause more problems? Much needed advice please

 

[Izzwizz]

Pain in the rear isnt it? My grey mare is suffering with it at the moment, first time for her though it is the first time she's lived out...

For her I have had to clip her legs to the knees/hocks, wash with a bucket of warm water and a cap of Hibiscrub, do not overuse this stuff, its good but can be harsh and strip away all the good bacteria as well as the bad. Dry her legs thoroughly and then I used Flamazine on the sore bits. Her hind legs were worse than the fronts. As a barrier I use baby oil so the mud slips off. It doesnt go far though so today bought some Muddy Buddy barrier cream. NAF do a barrier cream, there are several on the market. I have used Pig oil and sulphur in the beginning but am wary of the sulphur as in some cases if they are really sore, have read it can burn and make matters worse. I think its a case of trial and error to see what works for your horse.

One thing I have read on the net is a suggestion that the diet may be lacking in zinc and copper and to find a supplement for this or a lick. I have seen that NAF do a supplement, forgot its name now, Mud Guard I think, so that you can feed from the inside out to help protect the skin but f the damage is done it may be too late in the day for feeding this. Not entirely sure.

Hope that helps

 

[Izzwizz]

Ps - I wouldnt use chaps for turnout as they can harbour bacteria and create a moist environment for bugs to breed..