Neem Oil for Mud Fever?

[MS123]

Hi all,

I've heard that Neem Oil is very good for treating/preventing mud fever, so I'm going to invest in some for my mare who currently has it. Just a question with how often should I apply it? And whether I should keep her in for the time-being? She does have quite a few scabs on her backs, but fortunately they do not seem to be sore/oozing! We do have alot of boggy mud where we are, and I can't keep her in forever. The mud (and mud fever) is always going to be an issue until winter is over. I was thinking of keeping her in for a few days, then investing in some turnout boots? Could I apply the Neem Oil with the boots on top for turnout?

Sorry for the silly questions, I haven't had to deal with mud fever before.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JillA]

I use it for mine. I apply it with a brush (mine is solid at ambient temperature, I have to stand the tub in hot water to get it runny enough,) before they go out in the morning, when their legs are dry from being in overnight. It is antibacterial and forms a barrier. Early days with mine - I did use it as a preventative for a while but my lot were out 24/7 until a week ago so legs were never dry enough to apply it. They have been back on it now for about 3 days.
I wouldn't use boots etc - that would provide a warm and moist environment which is what the bacteria thrives in. Just keep her in at night to allow the legs to dry properly then cover with oil before they get wet again.

 

[MS123]

I use it for mine. I apply it with a brush (mine is solid at ambient temperature, I have to stand the tub in hot water to get it runny enough,) before they go out in the morning, when their legs are dry from being in overnight. It is antibacterial and forms a barrier. Early days with mine - I did use it as a preventative for a while but my lot were out 24/7 until a week ago so legs were never dry enough to apply it. They have been back on it now for about 3 days.
I wouldn't use boots etc - that would provide a warm and moist environment which is what the bacteria thrives in. Just keep her in at night to allow the legs to dry properly then cover with oil before they get wet again.

Thank you for your reply. Did you wash your boys legs at all? I wasn't sure whether to wash, towl dry, and re-apply daily? Or leave wet and muddy until the morning and brush off and re-apply (she is in over-night and is on a deep, clean, shavings bed)

 

[putasocinit]

Treat heels in particular about every 3 days, do not use boots, lather cheap tesco condioner over legs and need oil, it makes the hair silky so mud slides off.

 

[JillA]

No, I don't wash, just brush off the dry mud in the morning before applying the oil. My soil (and therefore mud) isn't clingy clay though, that might be different. Great tip about the conditioner.