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Causes:
A skin
disease caused by infection with a bacteria (Dermatophilus congolensis),
which is often found in the muddy fields where horses are kept. Skin damage
allows the bacteria entry to the lower legs and most commonly occurs in
winter when conditions are very wet which makes the skin softer and more
easily damaged. Most often seen on the lower legs, heels and feet but the
bacteria also causes other conditions like Rain Scald, Cracked heels and
Greasy Heel.
If a horse
has had Mud Fever once, it is very likely to become prone because the scars
give easy access to the bacteria and causes a loss of the natural skin
protection.
White skin appears to be less able to resist
the bacteria perhaps because it is not so strong as darker skin.
Treatment:
Treatment of
Mud Fever by using antiseptics such as chlorhexidine can be successful, but
a return to the same field where the condition was picked up will only ensure
re-infection. More serious cases warrent the use of antibiotics by mouth or
injection to control the infection. Creams containing antibiotics are also
very commonly used.
PEGASUS
HEALTH PRODUCTS THAT CAN HELP:
ANTIPEST:
a powerful Ayurvedic herbal skin
wash containing Cedrus deodara which repels parasites and micro-organisms.
After legs are cleared of mud use AntiPest diluted as directed and leave on
for 4 to 24 hours and wash off and dry the legs well.
BANITCH
CREAM: a soothing barrier cream
to be applied after scabs have been gently removed,
BANITCH:
an Ayurvedic herbal feed formula
containing Cedrus deodara and herbs with a natural anti-inflammatory action
to soothe sore skin and others which exude a strong smell through the skin
which parasites etc hate. A syrup is available for fussy feeders or
the Ada Cole Rescue Stables 'BanItch Sandwich' method of feeding can
be tried.
If the
condition persists it is essential to call your vet.
SWEET
ITCH: These same 3 products are
also recommened in midge sensitivity conditions see separate sheet. |