de Boiz Turnout Boots Mud Fever Wound
Managing Mud Fever
As the old saying goes, “The best cure is prevention”
The best way to manage mud fever is quite obviously to prevent it, however despite the best of intentions, care and horse management it still sometimes occurs.
The information below is correct, but if you are in any doubt or you are not comfortable with treating mud fever yourself, call your vet.
- Once mud fever is suspected or diagnosed, make sure your horse is stabled on clean dry bedding in a well-ventilated area.
- Taking great care, clip the affected area, do not shave the area, it is necessary for air to get to the infected area to allow it to dry.
- You will need to use an antiseptic wash such as chlorhexidine with warm water to help reduce the infection.
This will soften the scabs and assist in removing them, it will be painful for the horse, so take care as he/she may object, in extreme cases the horse may need sedation. - It is very important to dry the area thoroughly afterwards with clean towels or a hair drier, but make sure you plug it in using a circuit breaker to guard against the possibility of electric shock. (Water and Electricity don't mix)
- There is a variety of ointments, lotions and potions available to treat the problem, and to hydrate the skin. “You pays your money and takes your choice”
- Clean up after yourself thoroughly, do not leave any scabs or debris about and renew the disinfecting of the stable or area where you have been working, if necessary.
- If there are open sores or deep heel cracks, these should be covered using a soft dressing like gamgee, otherwise you can leave them without bandages if the horse is somewhere where the wounds can stay dry.
Deep heel cracks or big open sores, these should be dressed with a dressing that won’t stick like cotton wool or gamgee. - Otherwise leave the legs un-bandaged to allow the area to breathe.
- You may still need the vet’s help if it is not clearing, for anti-biotics and a possible tetanus injection if the horse is not already vaccinated.
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Please note this is only guidance for you, most of this information can be found on the internet on vet’s or equestrian magazine sites, if in any doubt at all consult your vet.
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Our boots are designed to reduce the chances of your horse developing mud fever by covering/protecting the areas that can become affected, but they are not a guarantee.
They should not be used for more than 10 hours continuously.
Remove them each night and simply rinse the inside clean with water, neoprene is non absorbent so even in the worst of our winter conditions they should dry over night ready for use the next day.