Mud fever

Mauke is a bacterial skin infection in the pastern of the horse. Preferably, horses ill with long hanging. The disease occurs most frequently in the winter months. Both results indicate the fact that the skin is particularly susceptible after a preliminary damage (moisture, road salt, urine, mechanical irritation ) for inflammation. This manifests itself in the formation of a foul-smelling secretion on the sore and be strong itchy skin. The symptoms may be exacerbated by secondary bacterial infections. If left untreated it comes to chronic course, which is accompanied by a marked thickening of the skin in the affected area, which can lead to a restriction of movement of the underlying joint.

The treatment is mainly aimed at improving the health situation of the affected skin area back (clean stabling, gentle cleansing with mild disinfectant solutions to soften the crust ). Frequent and thorough cleaning of the areas at risk can be an effective prophylaxis be operated. In addition, envelopes Sauerkraut helpful are, for example, who remain overnight on the leg of the horse ( in the fetlock ) over a period of about three to four days. Zinc ointment or similar in / rub it on the affected skin sometimes also speeds healing. According to new findings, the Mauke can also be caused by excessive cleanliness.

Under no circumstances should you scrape off the crusts because accumulate in the now damaged skin even more bacteria and the whole thing rather worse.

In winter, are frequently encountered in Mauke to open stable horses, as here, the curtain gets dirty very quickly and forms a very good breeding ground for the bacteria.

The disease also occurs often in late summer, when the grass stops growing and the protein stores therein. For clover -rich, or too "rich " pasture, so it can also be a cause of cracked heels. In this case, you should change the feeding.