Mud Fever?

[kal40]

New cob has a sore on this (white) back leg. Its weeping and gets crusty/scabby. It looks like he is developing a bit behind his front knee too.

I think it is mud fever and I have found loads of info on how to prevent it but I can't find anything that tells me what cream/ointment to use after I wash it and dry it.

Any helpful body got any ideas?

Thank you

 

[Albertina]

I have tried allsorts on my boy who is prone to MF and the best thing I have found is Sudocreme! buy a big pot from wilkinsons (cheepest place) and keep putting it on. Don't bother with the supermarket own brand version they really don't work as well.

The other good one is Protocon ointment from feed merchents.

 

[splash30]

just a thought maybe check thats its not feather mite, my cob gets it behind his knee and fetlocks (scaby/crusty) i get the jab from the vet and keep aquaous cream on as the blighters don't like creamy conditions and if its mud fever it will help too

 

[kal40]

I know I sound like a thicko but whats the difference between mites and mud fever (at least the way the scab/sore area looks like).

I have always had TBs/TBXs and WBs so I'm not used to the hairylegs. Love em though

 

[splash30]

the mites can make it look pink and slightly sore and have a crack with skin (proud flesh type thing) round it, they dont like you touching it, mine i can only rub over the area lightly, but you need to keep the hair as short as possible, if in doubt ask you vet when they are next out, i also use front line flea spray this helps keeps them in line,

 

[nurselainee]

Sudocream all the way! a brilliant little miracle cream to have on the yard! I use it for most things! x

 

[lalala]

sorry to hijack but is sudocream ok to use on a horse with dermatitis ?

 

[Magicmadge]

I tried all sorts when my mare had it for the first time last year. It started with harvest mite and this allowed an opening for mf. It spread rapidly up passed her knees. The best thing was flamazine from the vet, expensive but worked quickly. Wouldn't use anything else now.

 

[ever_hopeful]

Last winter I used Pig Oil and Sulphur powder. I would plaster the Pig Oil onto their lower legs several times a week and the wet and mud would just glide off. It's amazingly effective.

The sulphur powder can be mixed into zine and castor oil cream or Sudocrem and applied to the heels and anywhere where soreness or scabs are present. The combination of Pig Oil and Sulphur powder is a traditional remedy for preventing skin problems is working horses and works really well. It kills mites and helps prevent and control mud fever, so might be ideal in your horse's case.
Here's a link to some ready-mixed preparation available on eBay - Link


Alternatively, Camrosa worked well for healing the scabbed areas. Aromaheel is a good preventative and helps heal established patches. Fungatrol was another ointment some people swore by last year. Zinc & Castor oil can be used, as can good old Sudocrem.

 

[Hels_Bells]

Like ever hopeful, I have used sulphur powder but mixed with udder cream. All you do is slap it on, don't worry about picking off the scabs etc. It cleared mine up in about a week and is such a cheap solution too.

However, i have never really noticed mud fever "weeping" or showing up as high up as the knees. I wonder if it is worth getting it checked out by either a vet or a knowledgeable third party to make sure it definitely is mud fever.

 

[kal40]

Just an update - vet is coming today to do teeth so I am getting him checked. I don't think it is mud fever. Other patches have appeared and it looks really awful.