Reminder: Microchipping foals

This is a reminder for all of you who are expecting foals this year. The new identification and passport regulations that came into force last summer require all foals to be microchipped and have a passport by the age of 6 months or by 31st December in the year they were born, whichever is the later date. Microchipping is often easiest to do shortly after birth, before foals get too boisterous! Please telephone the clinic to make an appointment for your foal to be microchipped and passported. Trading Standards are performing spot checks in the local area and failure to comply with the regulations could result in a fine.

Mud Fever

At this time of year, with the wet weather we have had, we are seeing quite a few cases of Mud Fever.

What is Mud Fever?
Mud fever is a bacterial skin infection that usually involves the backs of the pasterns and fetlocks, but can occur anywhere on the lower limbs, the back, and quarters. White legs are more commonly affected than dark legs. The affected areas can be quite extensive and can cause swelling, pain and even lameness. The hairs over the area are matted and tufted (so called 'paint brush' lesions) if removed the skin below is red and inflamed and serum oozes to the surface.

How can mud fever be treated?
Use an antibacterial shampoo to loosen the crusts, dilute povidone or hibiscrub is ideal (1:40 dilutions). Work the shampoo into a lather, leave on for 5 minutes and then rinse off and DRY the area. In very severe cases it may be necessary to clip away the hair from around the area as thoroughly as possible (this may require sedation). Once clean an antibiotic ointment can be rubbed into the inflamed area. Severe cases will require systemic antibiotic treatment by your Vet. At Meadowbrook, we have formulated our own mud fever cream containing antibiotics and steroids that can help to loosen the scabs and treat the infection.

Can mud fever be prevented?
Mud fever can rarely be completely prevented, however you can reduce both the chances of your horse getting mud fever and the severity of the disease. Dry legs thoroughly after exercise in wet conditions and if your horse comes in from the field with wet muddy legs. If, however, the mud is dry, simply brush the mud off the legs rather than rinsing it off as it is this repeated wetting then drying that weakens the skin barrier and predisposes to the bacteria penetrating the skin and setting up an infection. Barrier creams such as Sudocrem can be applied to clean, dry legs prior to turning your horse out into a field.

Mud fever can be an unpleasant and painful problem for your horse. Early veterinary attention can stop mild cases becoming severe.



Please call Chalgrave Equine Clinic to make an appointment:

0845 2966675
 

|| Site designed and hosted by jump media ||