Mud Fever: effective solutions for treating and preventing it permanently

Mud fever refers to skin lesions that often appear in the pastern area of horses, typically forming during the autumn and winter months when horses spend long periods in damp and muddy environments or in bedding that is not properly cleaned. The most common signs include redness, scabs, hair loss, and thickened skin.

Some horses, especially those with a compromised immune system, are more vulnerable to developing these issues.

The good news? With the right care and attention, mud fever can heal. Applying specific ointments and keeping the horse's environment clean and dry makes a real difference.

It is important to intervene quickly: if left untreated, mud fever can become painful and cause lameness, making movement difficult for the horse.

Necessary precautions to prevent mud fever:

• Always wash the horse's legs after work

• Thoroughly dry the legs, especially the pastern area

• Keep the stable or paddock clean

Here are our tips for treating mud fever:

1. Clean thoroughly: carefully wash your horse's legs using Gallop Medicated Shampoo and lukewarm water. This gentle antibacterial shampoo, with a neutral pH, is designed to cleanse the skin without irritation, helping to keep the area clean and healthy.

2. Dry thoroughly: after washing, dry the horse’s legs completely, ensuring not to worsen any existing lesions. Proper drying is essential to avoid moisture build-up, which could hinder the healing process.

3. Facilitate healing: apply Wound Cream, a cream formulated with Aloe Vera, Tea Tree, Vitamin E, and zinc oxide, which promotes skin regeneration. Apply the cream to the scabs and wounds, repeating the cleaning (shampoo) and application (wound cream) steps until the scabs fall off, the redness decreases, and the skin appears fully healed.

4. Protect: once the Wound Cream is fully absorbed, before returning your horse to the stable or paddock, generously apply Protection Plus Cream to the dry legs, focusing on the affected areas. This ointment creates a waterproof barrier, protecting the treated areas from mud and moisture.

Necessary precautions to treat mud fever:

• Always keep the horse's legs dry

• Ensure the horse gets adequate rest

• Keep the horse in dry and thoroughly clean environments during the winter months

In any case, it is important to consult a veterinarian who can assess the severity of the condition and recommend the best course of treatment.