whinny
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Mud Fever - 2007/05/14 13:17
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Mud fever - 2007/05/12 17:01
Mud fever
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This article has been tagged since November 2006.
Mud fever is a disease of horses.
It affects the lower legs.
It is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis.
Mud Fever is the name given to a common skin complaint that affects many horses and ponies during winter and early spring. Resulting in painful sores and scabs, which in severe cases can make a horse lame, mud fever most commonly affects the pastern and heel area but can also affect the upper leg, the belly, and in some cases the neck area (also known as Rain Scald).
[edit] What causes mud fever?
Mud fever is caused by an infection of the skin by the bacteria Dermatophilus Congolensis. Under normal circumstances the skin acts as a protective barrier, preventing the bacterium from entering the horse's system and doing any damage. However, the integrity of the epidermis can become compromised through the abrasion of soil grit on cold, wet skin. The continual wetting of the skin causes a breakdown of the protective barrier of the epidermis, allowing the bacterium to enter and do its worst.
Horses and ponies standing for hours in muddy, wet paddocks and at gates are a common sight during the winter months and early Spring. It is in these conditions that Mud Fever thrives. Generally, those horses and ponies with white socks are more prone to the condition, although Mud Fever will affect horses of all breeds, ages and colours.
As with any bacterial infection, Mud Fever can become a very serious condition very quickly
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