It's MUD FEVER Time Again!
Now that the weather is starting to change, with fields becoming wet and muddy, it is time again to consider what to do about that perennial problem, Mud Fever.
Before taking any course of action it is essential to know just what causes the irritation and lesions on the skin.
This condition usually occurs from the knee and hock downwards and around the heels, but the underbelly may also be affected.
The Cause: Constant wetting of the legs causes the skin to soften and swell. The pores and hair follicles open allowing mud particles to enter.
Certain soils are more irritant than others, especially those containing silicates. Silicates are minute sharp pointed crystals, which can penetrate the skin and then travel about in the underlying tissue. This causes irritation and sores which become infected by the many organisms which naturally exist in soil - dermatophilus congolensis is particularly associated with Mud Fever.
The Symptoms: Very often legs will become swollen and warm to the touch. This swelling will restrict blood circulation and serum may collect on the skin. The reduced blood supply can result in the surface layers of skin dying off causing cracks which again allow access to infection. The hair in the region of the condition will stand up and the horse may move with a stiff gait due to the discomfort.
There are several widely used treatments for this condition, but it is obviously preferable to prevent the condition from occurring in the first place. Remember, Prevention is always better than cure. It is also less distressing for the horse and kinder to your pocket.
Having identified that Mud Fever is caused by a combination of Mud and Water, what can be done to prevent its effects?
The answer is surprisingly simple - Waterproof the legs.
That said it is not that easy to find a waterproofing agent which does not in some way compromise other requirements of the skin; mainly its requirement to 'breathe'. But it is possible, as Keratex have proved.
Keratex Mud Shield Powder is an advanced formulation which actually waterproofs the hair and skin without restricting any of the natural functions. Unlike creams and ointments which seal and soften the skin.
To apply Keratex Mud Shield Powder is simplicity itself. Supplied in a sprinkler type container you just lift the hair, by moving your hand against the natural lay, and dust the skin and hair in those areas prone to Mud Fever so that it is thoroughly coated with the fine powder.
It's that simple. In very wet or muddy conditions apply once a day to obtain complete protection.
Once skin and hair is waterproofed with Keratex Mud Shield Powder the processes which cause Mud Fever are prevented - and it starts working immediately.
Keratex Mud Shield Powder is mainly a preventative, but it does contain a natural disinfectant which can be beneficial in the early stages of Mud Fever infestation. Used over existing lesions it will help them to dry and prevent further infection.
Introduced two Winters ago, Keratex Mud Shield Powder was quickly seen to be superb at preventing the onset of Mud Fever and is now an essential winter purchase by the many horse owners who have been able to keep their horses free from this debilitating condition.
Prevention is better than cure, but remember this is a preventative measure against the causes of Mud Fever, so start using it before your horse shows any symptoms and then continue the protection throughout the Winter, or whenever conditions are wet and muddy.