While Winter can be a beautiful time (cold, crisp days, maybe a light snowfall, icicles reflecting the light of a low, red sun...), for those of us who work outdoors, this time of year usually means...

MUD!

And mud and horses are a pretty bad mix. Not only do they always manage to find the muddiest wallow to roll in (meaning more grooming at best and a new rug at worst), mud and wet can contribute to the development of several diseases. Of these, the most important are Thrush, Rain Scald and Mud Fever.

Thrush is a fungal infection of the hooves, especially round the frog. It is caused by standing in the wet, which allows the fungi to multiply, and is easy to identify because when you pick out the hoof, it stinks to high heaven! In severe cases, the frog turns black and slimy, and it can even progress to full-grown mushrooms growing out of the hoof (yes, I really have seen this!). Treatment is drying... but that’s not always practical! Application of cleaning products like Keratex Hoof Disinfectant or povidone iodine (e.g Betadine) can help to prevent and control the infection, but if its severe, you may need advice from your vet or farrier.

Generally, Rain Scald occurs on the back of the horse, and is easily recognisable - small scabs appear, which may be a bit pussy underneath. When the scabs come off, the hair comes with them, so they look like tiny paint brushes. Rain Scald can occur even if a horse is rugged up - especially if the rug isn’t changed often enough! Its is caused by a bacteria - Dermatophilus congolensis - and when the skin gets wet and stays wet, the bacteria can invade and set up the infection. Treatment is usually just a matter of keeping the horse dry, and perhaps using a chlorhexidine based wash (e.g. Hibiscrub or Vetasept). In severe cases, however, the horse may need antibiotics.

Mud Fever, aka Greasy Heels, aka Cracked Heels is a much more complicated disease! Usually presenting as hot, painful scabs (with or without pus and even lymphangitis in severe cases) behind the pasterns, it has many possible causes, but its usually triggered by prolonged wet, muddy conditions. There are often bacteria involved - frequently the same ones as in Rain Scald - but other problems include Chorioptes mites and yeast infections. The basic first-aid treatment is the same: keep it dry and clean! There are now products available that are specifically designed to protect the skin, for example Muddy Marvel Barrier Cream.Once the scabs have formed, it is useful to try and remove them, but don’t just yank them off - its a great way to get kicked! Wetting them can help (use a chlorhexidine based wash e.g. Hibiscrub or Vetasept), and the Muddy Marvel De-Scab Cream is specially designed to make them easy to remove. Once the scabs are off, an antiseptic ointment (e.g. Cut-Heal or Filtabac) or lotion (some people recommend Aloe Vera Juice as a natural antiseptic) can be very useful in treating the raw skin left behind. However, if in any doubt, contact your vet, as Mud Fever can become very serious, very fast, even if treated properly.

And don’t forget those joints! Muddy ground puts extra stress on the joints, so we’ve extended our special offer so there a double Reward Points on all equine joint supplements!

David Harris BVSc MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

If in any doubt about your horse’s condition, contact your vet! They will be able to advise you over the phone whether or not a visit is required.