KATES COLUMN
ASK KATE – MANAGING MUD
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
BYKATE HORE
RNUTR (Animal) Snr Nutritionist at NAF
with bacteria such as Staphylococcus can also be involved. Ordinarily the Dermatophillus bacteria live happily on skin without causing any issue. However if a break in the skin allows the bacteria to enter then a dermatitis sets in. Mud fever affects many animals, including horses, and is seen as painful scabs and matted hair around the heel area. Prolonged wetting fromwet, muddy conditions in the field can weaken skin allowing entry; but so too can abrasive bedding, and any minor nicks and cuts, so check legs daily and quickly treat any minor abrasion with a wound creamand effective barrier cream. While it can be seen in any animal, those with thin skin and
M
white legs do seem to be particularly prone. Conformation also plays a role, as those with deep groves between heel bulbs are often susceptible, and the trickiest to treat. Feathersmay help protect frommud but, once infection sets in, can encourage it by keeping the area warm and wet – ideal conditions for bacterial proliferation, particularly as this bacteria is anaerobic
meaning it thrives where there’s a lack of oxygen. Feathering also makes it harder to effectively treat the area, so for affected animals it is advised to closely clip the heels, which allows you both to get at the area easily and allows air to circulate.
MANAGEMENT Clip, if required, then remove the scabs – but carefully. Never pick off dry, hard scabs
as this leaves an open wound which allows bacteria in, and is also likely to be both painful for the horse and, therefore, potentially dangerous for you!Wash the area with a natural anti-bacterial shampoo, massage in well and leave for ten minutes before rinsing with clean water. For persistent scabs apply a cleansing solution and poultice overnight, which should soften the scabs making them easier to remove. Once the scabs are removed and the area cleaned, ensure the legs are carefully
dried using paper towelling or clean, dry towels. Avoid re-using the same towel, or sharing between horses, as this could potentially spread infection.
MAINTAININGHEALTHYSKIN Just as there are two sides to every story, so there is to the skin. So as much as we must
tackle what’s happening on the surface, supporting the body fromthe inside out will help maintain a healthy skin barrier. Choose a natural supplement based on antioxidants and ideally ensure your chosen supplement also includes nutrients to maintain skin strength, such as bio-available sulphur (MSM), zinc and amino acids. For prone individuals introduce dietary support ahead of the season, and feed at maintenance throughout. Daily ensure you liberally apply an effective barrier creamto clean, dry legs
before turnout or exercise. Opinions are divided as to whether to wash legs or not. It is thought that both wetting and chilling are key triggers, so if you do wash legs regularly ensure they’re thoroughly dried too. If washing, simply hose mud away – don’t be tempted to vigorously brush as thismay open up minor abrasions that could allowbacteria in. Alternatively youmay wish to apply wraps or bandages over the muddy legs, which keeps them warm; simply brush dry mud off in the morning and reapply your barrier creambefore turnout. Remember if applying wraps or bandages care should be taken to apply evenly and not over-tighten. Ensure the stable is clean and dry, and consider the bedding. Straw is quite
abrasive, so not recommended for delicate legs, while research shows some anti-microbial action fromScots pine shavings, making these an ideal choice for your horse. Avoid sharing bandages or boots with other horses. Howlong your horsemay be affected can vary enormously. Vigilance
is the key! Monitor legs closely and treat any minor scab or wound thoroughly and quickly. With care your horse can showwinter a clean pair of heels and get away to the warmer, drier days of Spring. ForfurtherinformationoradvicepleasecalltheNAFFreeNutritional
AdviceLineon0800373106oremailinfo@naf-uk.com
Pleasemention CentralHorseNewswhen responding toAdvertisementsJANUARY/FEBRUARY2018 7
ud Fever, or Greasy Heel, is a bacterial infection of the skin caused principally by the bacterium, Dermatophillus congolensis, though secondary infection
WOOD FIBRE BEDDING An economical
bedding option from the BEDMAX stable
Great value • Recycled
Easy to use • Dust extracted Absorbent • Longlasting Minimal waste
Find out more at:
fibremax.com
or call us on 01668 213467
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
