preventing mud fever

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showjump123

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hi my horse had dior mud fever last year resulting in lots of vets bills and permenantly stabled from about november till april. i really dont want a repeat again this winter! she has all white legs very very sensitive allergic to lots including sudocrem! any ideas about how to prevent it!?!?!?! any tips well appriciated!!:)
 
I feel your pain . . . Kal had it for three months last year - sometimes I cried with frustration . . . I am now scrupulous about checking for nicks in the skin or places where he has caught himself and always clean those thoroughly as soon as I find them. I keep his bed ridiculously clean too and don't overboot as that can also cause rubs.

Essentially, mud fever is a catch-all term for a persistent skin infection where something nasty has entered the body through a break in the skin on the legs . . . so if you can stay on top of wounds and make sure they are always kept clean (salt water is sometimes enough), then you'll have a fighting chance.

P
 
Zinc! Human zinc suplement I start about the end of september when uou star to get the heavy due on the grass I put 2 x tablets in evening feed right tbrough till about may. Boots the imune system and helps the skin heal from the inside out.
 
Thanks for that Charlie77 I will be trying that this winter. It makes perfect sense since I have previously successfully used shampoo containing zinc to help treat it before.

OP, keratex powder is a good preventer, used on brushed, dry legs before turnout.
 
Thanks ill try that zinc. Its just been so lovely not having to worry with this hot weather but thought I should start preparing if we're going to be in for a rough winter again!
 
Turn out boots? I know many people will say no way but ive used them and tbh every night I took them off and hosed for the next day and underneath my horses legs were actually clean and dry.
You do have to be sure there is absolutely no mud fever present before putting them on though.
Ive bought a set for my current horse as im still trying to get rid of the last patch of mud fever from last winter.
 
My mare had it bad last winter, she lived out for the first time but it never developed to cellulitis so we were lucky. I found that the Keratex mud shield powder or the Lincoln Muddy Buddy powder worked best for her. I also did a bit of research and found advice given about using a zinc and copper salt lick to keep levels in the horses body correct. Apparently they will use the lick if they are deficient without being fed unnecessary amounts which may do harm, thus feeding from the inside of the horse to fight these skin problems. I also fed her a different diet and used Ready Mash Solution Mash and I do think that better feed helped too. The Farrier said her feet had never been better too.
 
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