‘Dr Bobs’ Animal Tips. Crusty Demons: The Mudfever Saga

Dermatophilosis, a bacterial skin infection colloquially known as “rainscald” or “mudfever” is a common equine ailment especially in wet conditions. I’m sure most horsey people are familiar with this frustrating and painful problem.

There have been endless remedies and potions formulated for this infection, with highly variable (and often disappointing) results. If possible, the first thing to do is to clip the hair overlying the affected areas to help with scab removal. We recommend daily washes with 1% potash alum or a chlorhexidine scrub to remove scabs followed by thorough drying of the skin afterwards. Persistence is the key- any treatment undertaken cannot be expected to work if not used daily.

 

The organism (Dermatophilus congolensis) lives in the scabs, therefore their removal is paramount to allow healing. This also means that the scabs are contagious to other horses and should be disposed of. Systemic (injectable or oral) antibiotics are sometimes given in severe cases. The main point to remember though is that this is not a primary disease. The skin must be damaged in some way for these bacteria to gain entry and set up shop. Therefore once treated, the horse or pony must be kept in dry conditions if at all possible to avoid recurrence of this painful and debilitating condition.

–  Dr Angela Shoemack

Spring Fever, and those Winds!

Crumbs!  With the grass growth and the winds we have been having, some of our horses are going pretty loopy!  There are various causes and some solutions, but I don’t know of anything that is guaranteed to calm horses down when the weather is like this.

 If your normally patient, quiet, well-trained horse is suddenly bucking a little, or pig-rooting, perhaps being generally distracted, even taking off at a wee gallop, you can comfortably blame spring fever.  What we need to think about is causes, and possible solutions.

What can you do with your Horse that is not Riding?

On the horse

What can you do with your horse that is not riding, & not work? Play games! Horses play with each other, and will play with people.

Why play? It’s relaxing to play for no score. Games help create two way communication, and cooperation. Games are a way of giving your horse the opportunity to see you in a different light, and a chance to display their sense of humour.

How do we define a game, how does it differ from a training session? The kinds of games I am talking about have no specific expectations, and are about playing

For an easy game, find a small paddock or a yard. Put in some obstacles, a tarp held down with bricks, a barrel or two, stuff like that. Let your horse loose in the area, and try to dodge out of site behind a barrel or just stand behind them out of view. As soon as your horse looks for you, the game is beginning. If they just look bored, show them some treats, but them walk towards you to get them. Some horses may have never learnt to play, and need help to start.