Winter is here! and with it, here in the UK, is WET weather. One of the concerns at the forefront of many horse owner’s minds is mud-related skin conditions. Scientific Nutritional Products takes a look in our latest blog…
There are several types of mud related skin condition but pastern dermatitis, known as mud rash or mud fever is the most common. The mud- related skin condition can cause painful skin irritation and infected sores that can result in swelling of the limb and even lameness!
Pastern Dermatitis is caused by a bacteria which resides in soil as spores, and then becomes active in wet weather. The bacteria enters the body through small cuts which generally occur due to wind, rain or horse owners washing our horse’s legs and softening the skin. These small cuts, once the bacteria has entered the body can then turn into painful sores and scabs as the infection spreads. This skin condition most commonly affects the pastern and heel area of the horse - hence it’s descriptive name!
How to Prevent and Manage Mud-Related Skin Conditions
Try to keep exposure to wet muddy conditions to a minimum – reduce turn out time if your field is particularly boggy or see if you can swop to a less saturated field. Consider placing hardcore or woodchip in your gateways to help absorb water – a great idea for horses who love to wait by the gate before dinner time!
When you bring your horse from his turnout time, dry his limbs carefully with a clean towel and where required use a medicated spray or a cream to help fight infection and soothe the skin.
If your horse or pony typically suffers from mud-related conditions, once you have removed the scabs clip around the lesions to stop bacteria building up in fluffy coats around their
Scientific Nutritional Products offer a unique supplement called Mud Manager which helps to improve your horse’s skin and coat condition – perfect for Cracked and Sore Skin. It works by helping mud related conditions from the inside out with a formula packed full of beneficial ingredients including Zinc, MSM, Biotin, Methionine, Protein and Omega-3. It soothes cracked and sore skin and encourage the natural regeneration of skin and hair in the affected area.
Visit their website www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk to find out more about their full range of products including their Dog Joint Supplement Canine Joint Right Glucosamine for Dogs.
