Mud Fever is a common condition, usually affecting horses lower limbs; especially the back legs, and particularly if they are white. It is characterised by inflammation of the skin, and the appearance of crusty scabs, formed from oozing serum. This is usually caused by the invasion of a bacterium called dermatophilus congolensis, which penetrates the skin following either damage, or softening through exposure to the wet or mud. The bacterium thrives in wet muddy conditions, and our increasingly mild and wet winters are escalating the prevalence of this troublesome condition. When the same condition occurs on the upper body, it is referred to as Rain Scald.

Prevention

Preventing Mud Fever in the first place, is certainly preferable for your horse, however Mud Fever can at times be extremely difficult to prevent. Some horses will always be more susceptible to Mud Fever than others, and wet muddy fields exacerbate the problem. If your horse is susceptible to mud fever, you should protect its legs from the wet and mud as much as possible, and apply a barrier. You should also check the legs regularly, and at first signs of soreness, weeping or scabs, treat immediately with an effective Mud Fever treatment, to prevent the condition worsening.

Treatment

Mud Fever can be a very persistent condition, and difficult to treat. There are several important stages to successfully treating Mud Fever:

1) The skin must be prevented from coming into further contact with the wet or mud, whilst the condition is being treated.

2) All the scabs must be removed, so that the treatment can reach the skin.

3) The infection must then be treated with a product that attacks the bacteria.

4) Once the bacteria has been destroyed, the affected area must continue to be protected whilst new skin and hair grows.

There are many products around to help prevent the onset of Mud Fever, however there is now an entirely natural product available, Equinat Aromaheel®, a low cost solution that rapidly and effectively treats any Mud Fever already present.

Aromaheel is a proven natural treatment, which removes the scabs and attacks the bacteria, whilst providing a waterproof protective layer against further infection, wet and mud.

It is quick and easy to apply, does not require a dressing, and you do not need to keep your horse stabled. The scabs soften and come off after only a couple of days, without any distress to your horse, and once the bacteria has been destroyed, the ointment continues to work to promote rapid healing and hair regrowth.

As Aromaheel is a natural ointment, you also have the comfort that you are treating your horse as safely as possible, without any risk of damaging the new or surrounding good skin.

Prior To Treatment With Aromaheel. A pony with weeping mud fever, that had persisted despite other treatments.
	After 3 Days After just 3 days of twice daily treatment with Aromaheel. The scabs have dropped off, allowing healing to commence.
After 13 Days After just 13 days, the mud fever has healed, and hair regrowth has commenced With occasional application of Aromaheel, the mud fever did not return.

This article was kindly written by Aromesse to give us an insight into the causes and treatment of mud fever. Mud Fever is a common condition during the winter months and can prove difficult to treat. Visit www.aromesse.com , for further information on Aromaheel, including photos & testimonials.

If you have any questions, or would like more details please contact karen@aromesse.com