Fuciderm Gel and Pregnant Mare

[TheresaW]

Noticed Dolly was itching her legs on Tuesday, and again yesterday morning. Was off yesterday afternoon, so got to see her in daylight. Both back legs and one front leg are covered in sores. First thought was that she had reacted to the pig oil and sulphur we painted her with on Saturday. Vet was coming to see one of the ponies anyway, so got him to have a look.

She is a hairy, but in the 7 years I've owned her, has never had feathers. She always used to suffer from badly cracked heels, but since moving yards 2 years ago, not had any problems. As she is now in foal, rather than stress her out clipping legs, we have let her feathers grow.

Anyway, vet has given me some Anti Biotics for her and a tube of Fuciderm Gel to rub on the sores and reduce the itching. I checked with Sally at the stud that it is ok for her to have the AB's, but forgot to ask about the gel. Reading the leaflet this morning, it is generally used for dogs and says not to use on pregnant bitches, so now I am unsure whether to use it on her or not. She is 7 1/2 months along.

Help please!

 

[The Bouncing Bog Trotter]

I'd call your vet and ask them. My gelding was given some fuciderm cream for a cut while I was pregnant and I was told I had to use gloves to apply it or get someone else to do it.

 

[Theresa_F]

I would have thought if vet gave it you it would be ok, but I know I had to wear gloves when putting it on Stinky's sheath - if you need more, I have some kicking around - my dad gets it for me from Thailand far cheaper than the vet - you don't need prescriptions out there.

Ring him and double check or you know you will only worry.

 

[Sam22]

Fuciderm contains steroids and therefore should not be used on pregnant animals.

 

[GreedyGuts]

If your vet advised you to use it then go ahead.

Steroids induce abortion in lots of species, but don't have that effect on pregnant mares.

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

Id be very careful!

As sam said fuciderm is a steroid containing gel (hence why is help reduce inflammation, but actually prolongs healing!) However this steroid application can cause abortions in some preganant animals! so Id say please double check with your vet before applying! especially being so far along!

 

[Sam22]

If she has sores and itchy legs she probably has feather mites which steroids will also make worse. Mites are best treated with dectomax injections but I'm not sure if you can do this in pregnant mares? I will look it up for you.

 

[Angelbones]

I am not saying for a minute that this has anything to do with the patches, but my horse did have a bad allergic reaction of pig oil & sulphur, so perhaps whilst you are unsure as to what the problem is it may be best to keep it off her legs. Just a bye the way sort of suggestion! good luck x