mud fever with no mud! anyone tried NAF mud guard feed additive?

[vthrossel]

I've had re-occuring mud fever on my 2yr old all sumer and the field is compleatly dry. He is not happy that I keep treating his foot. Has anyone tried the NAF mud guard feed additive and did it work? also any ideas on how to prevent this dry form of mud fever as the skin barrier cream would only encourage the dust to stick to his pastern?

 

[teddyt]

Mud fever is caused by a bacteria getting under the skin. You dont need mud to get it, its just more common when its wet and muddy because the skin is softened.

I would cover the heels in liquid paraffin. Its cheap, it acts as a barrier/waterproofer and also softens scabs, which have to be removed. Nettex muddy marvel cream is very good but more expensive. You dont need to put it on everyday though.

If you want to feed something then i suggest marigold. It is specifically good for skin conditions and much much cheaper than the NAF poduct.

 

[chl]

Udder cream works well on my horse. I know they say you shouldn't put creams on as they form a barrier but it works for us. The udder cream is kind to the skin and helps keep it supple, thus avoiding minute sores in the skin for the infection to go in. It also has antiseptic qualities. I put it on as a preventative but also if he has scabs, as it helps to get them off. Haven't tried any supplement for it, can't see how they would help.

 

[Rana]

I used to swear by NAF mud guard, but stopped using it for my horse this year. When I first started using it, it really helped clear up the initial infection, then kept it at bay and she didn't get mudfever again (to give you an idea, she used to have the vet out 5 times a year, antibiotics etc). Then she didn't get the mudguard for a month (don't ask!) and got really bad mudfever which took me (no exaggeration!) 9 months to clear. I started her back on it, but noticed it wasn't really helping. Mudfever cleared up with treatment, but she got it again this summer. So I stopped the mudguard and can honestly say I haven't noticed a difference.

Perhaps NAF changed the "recipe", or perhaps my horse just became too used to it and it wasn't helping any more. Personally I wouldn't bother with it again.

Treatment wise, I've found Hibiscrub with Heel to Hoof cream, or Sudocrem, worked well. That probably goes against what you "should" do, but it worked for her.

 

[jmk]

Is it definitely mud fever? My cob had what looked like mud fever for years. I tried everything! Then we got referred to another vet for a different matter and I asked his opinion. He injected her with what I think was a cow Ivermectin injection (for mites) and low and behold she has been free from it ever since. Might be worth giving it a go?