Rain/Mud Management

We have been seeing rain and expecting more with the developing hurricanes and tropical storms. Rain and associated factors, like mud can cause problems in horses. 

Rain can cause rain rot. Rain rot, also called rain scald, is a skin condition that is caused by bacteria that live in the outer lay of the skin. The bacteria multiply in damp, humid conditions. Rain rot can cause painful, crusty scabs that when removed pulls clumps of hairs away from the skin, leaving bald spots on the hips, face, back, and other areas of the horse.  

Below are tips to avoid rain rot and the possibility of spreading rain rot:

• Don’t share tack, equipment, or blanket between horses you suspect may have rain rot
• Keep infected horses isolated
• Minimize exposure to bugs and bacteria
• After treating infected horse, wash hands thoroughly
• Have a covered area for your horses

• Keep coat clean especially for horses turned out more than others

Muddy conditions can cause problems, like thrush, hoof abscesses, hoof cracks, and pastern dermatitis. Thrush is a bacterial and fungal infection of the soft tissues of the foot that results in the degeneration of the frog, left untreated it will penetrate the sensitive layers of the foot and cause lameness. Hooves will absorb water and become very soft in wet and muddy conditions. If the feet dry out quickly, the hoof may contract rapidly, resulting in hoof wall or sole cracks. Hoof infection and subsequent abscesses may occur when bacteria in the environment penetrate the cracks. The soles of horse’s feet contract and expand, as does the hoof wall, but the sole periodically exfoliates. Persistent muddy conditions and wet-dry cycles may cause some horses to lose more sole than is normal, resulting in thin, sensitive soles. Overgrown hooves are at greater risk for cracking and infection.  

Below are tips to avoid hoof-related problems:

• Clean horses’ legs regularly and keep the hair around the fetlocks trimmed 
• Clean the feet often and provide regular, balanced trimming
• Remove soiled bedding materials, manure, and leftover hay. Removal of waste material will decrease surface water contamination, reduce harmful bacteria, and provide a healthier environment for the horse to rest in.
• Rubber mats or large wood chips maybe used to prevent muddy conditions

 

Sources:
http://www.msuextension.org/BSSA/Articles/2013/Spring2013/HorsesandtheMudSeason.pdf