Feared by all riders, mud fever is a small skin disease that generally appears in winter.
How to recognize mud fever?
Mud Fever most often manifests in winter or during wet weather.
It primarily settles on the horse's legs, but it can also be found on the withers, back, or even croup.
It is generally identified by crusts that clump together. These crusts are most often painful for the horse.
When it settles on the pasterns, it can cause swelling of your horse's leg due to inflammation. In some cases, it can lead to cold lameness.
How to treat mud fever?
Since mud fever is caused by wet environments, it is important to keep an affected horse dry in order to treat it properly.
If the affected horse is in the pasture, it is often advised to keep it in the stable.
Some veterinarians recommend clipping the pasterns if the area is affected to prevent moisture retention.
It is important to clean the affected area with an antiseptic soap, dry it well with a clean towel, and then cover it with an ointment.
We recommend our little miracle product, the GDB from Nacricare.
Indeed, the GDB helps to accelerate the process of skin restoration, soothes itching, hydrates, nourishes, and relieves tightness.
To prevent mud fever, Nacricare also offers Nacrimud.
It acts as a protective film for the pasterns. It is a breathable hydrophobic barrier, hydrates, and nourishes the skin.
The mud fever is not contagious, but still prefer a clean brush reserved only for the affected horse to treat it more effectively.