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Equine Signed

Mud fever, greasy heel cracked heels are all the problems experienced by horses and ponies that are kept outside in wet and muddy conditions.

In this article I will outline the underlying problem, symptoms and signs, and the management of this disease.

Because your feet are continually exposed to the elements, heels and the skin below the hocks are becoming red and swollen, and may be a pus-stained discharge and crusting. Greasy heel, cracked heels can occur in winter or summer, and may be related to allergy.

Mud fever occurs mainly in winter, and may affect the leg above the knee or hock. With the fever sweeping the hair becomes dull, and the animal may become weak and sick. The main culprit seems to be the body Dermatophilus congolensis.

Signs that your horse is suffering from mud fever are: swelling of the skin, hair matted, crusting, lameness and unloading.

Prevention is always the best treatment, so keep the legs of animal dry and warm, if possible, ensure they have access to a dry area, ensure dry bedding, and to reduce over-washing your horse's legs, rotate paddocks and walkways if possible, seal off the muddiest areas with electric fencing, disinfect all equipment and barns periodically to reduce the possibility of spores Dermatophilus remaining.

There are a variety of western treatments currently in use. You may need to cut some hair to gain access to the entire area affected. Soft bath is necessary to remove the crusts before other treatments will reach the affected area as a mild antiseptic like chlorhexidine diluted very useful. It may be necessary to soak the area to ease away the worst of the scabs. Wipe dry with a hairdryer, as it is essential that the legs do not become wet. Topical creams such such as zinc and castor oil (barrier) or anti-inflammatory creams can be useful, provided that the leg is dry first. Keep your legs dry "horse dressing may be necessary. Waterproof leg wraps available for participation. Antibiotics may be needed.

Complementary Therapies and support can accelerate the healing process.

A variety of herbal remedies can be helpful. Barrier creams may be improved if they contain tea tree oil, aloe vera, honey, vitamin E, MSM, Calendula, Hypericum, and / or sulfur. Feed supplements containing cod liver or soybean oil, antioxidants and algae (not pregnant mares) can help promote healthy skin.

Aromatic and aromatherapy are often found to be useful. Garlic, thyme, lavender, yarrow, Chamomile Roman or German chamomile aromatic oils may be offered for a horse to self select by inhalation or licking, or if added to a base of aloe vera and water can be applied to the affected area 1-2 times daily.

Healing with Reiki or spiritual healing can help calm a horse and bring in their own ability to heal, reduce pain and help the affected skin to heal. The effect can be improved with the use of crystals such as amethyst. Healing is also likely that aid the use of magnetic therapy.

Selection of appropriate Bach flower remedies depends on the personality and current mood of his horse, so it is best to seek expert advice for the optimal mix of resource.

Rescue Remedy, which contains Star of Bethlehem, rock rose, plum Garden, Impatiens and Clematis, ideal for use in emergencies. Homeopathy works best if you consult a trained veterinary homeopath, as the resources Specifics may be directed to your horse.

Mud fever is common in our climate, but with good care can be prevented with a combination of veterinary and complementary therapies, treatment as it raises.

About the Author:

Dr Alison Grimston is a holistic doctor and animal healer specializing in connecting and informing animal therapists. Her natural animal therapy website informs the public about animal therapies while connecting animal therapists worldwide. http://www.TheNaturallyHealthyPet.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Mud Fever in Horses - Natural Treatment

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