For most of us the mud is on its way out with the sun creeping through for many of us across the country during the past week. But after a long winter countless yards are still coping with muddy conditions with only a small amount of rain leaving us paddling in the mud again in fields which have suffered significant damage during the colder months. More importantly than pulling your wellies out of the mud some equine owners are still coping with skin conditions developed in our horses and ponies as a result of the boggy conditions. Mud related skin conditions known as pastern dermatitis, mud rash, mud fever or rain scald occurs in horses and ponies alike and is often associated with equines standing in mud over the wetter, colder months. Mud caused skin conditions can range from mild skin irritation to painful infected sores which can cause swelling in the limb and lameness. The bacteria which results in a skin conditions can be such as Dermatophilus congolensis, Staphylococci or Streptococci which resides in soil as spores and becomes active in wet weather. The bacterial and fungal organisms can lead to painful sores and scabs developing, most commonly affecting the pastern and heel area of the equine. The bacteria can enter the body through small cuts which can result from the wind and rain softening the skin. Interestingly some horses appear to be more prone to suffering from this condition than others, it is commonly accepted that equines with white hair on their limbs can be more susceptible. Treatment of mud induced conditions for example mud fever and rain scald involves minimising exposure to mud, removing and cleaning any scabs or lesions and keeping the limbs as dry as possible. Stabling horses on clean, dry bedding and clipping around the lesions can help alongside using a medicated spray or cream; or a health supplement. Whilst many of us only associate mud related skin conditions with the winter months the veterinary profession has recently recognised a summer form of the skin disease which shows characteristically red scabs and is thought of to be exacerbated by photosensitivity; the sensitivity to sunlight. Mud Manager Supplement brought to you by Scientific Nutritional Products can help to improve your equine's skin and coat condition. Helping mud related conditions from the inside out, Mud Manager contains Zinc, MSM, Biotin, Methionine, and proteins and Omega-3 . Mud Manager Supplement helps soothe cracked and sore skin and encourage natural regeneration of skin and hair in the affected area.
Mud Manager Supplement can be purchased online from www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk or for more information contact our nutritional specialist Peter Fishpool on FREEPHONE 0800 032 7774
Mud Manager Supplement can be purchased online from www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk or for more information contact our nutritional specialist Peter Fishpool on FREEPHONE 0800 032 7774
