RAIN SCALD

The often-overlooked wet weather condition Whilst most horse owners are familiar with mud fever, its close relative, rain scald, often goes unrecognised until it becomes severe. With persistent rainfall affecting much of South Africa this autumn, understanding rain scald is essential for maintaining your horse's skin health. Understanding rain scald Rain scald, also called rain…

BylizzieMarch 26, 20260Comments

Horse Health

MUD FEVER

Prevention and treatment for wet weather With South Africa experiencing heavy rainfall across many regions, mud fever cases are on the rise. This painful bacterial skin infection thrives in wet, muddy conditions and can quickly escalate from minor scabs to serious lameness if left untreated. What causes mud fever? Mud fever, also known as pastern…

BylizzieMarch 25, 20260Comments

Horse Health

A MUDDY BUSINESS – UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING MUD FEVER

Mud fever, also known as pastern dermatitis, equine dermatophilosis, cracked or greasy heels, is a common but potentially serious skin condition affecting horses, particularly in wet and muddy conditions. South Africa’s climate, with its seasonal rainfall and damp paddocks, can create the perfect environment for this condition to thrive. With the wet weather up in…

BylizzieApril 7, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

MUD MONSTERS – THE IMPACT ON THE HOOVES

With all the rain we have been having in certain areas, you are likely struggling with some wet and downright muddy areas. Continuous exposure to moisture can leave the horse more susceptible to a range of hoof and skin issues. Here we focus on the hoof problems that can result under these challenging conditions. The problem Hooves…

BylizzieMarch 17, 20250Comments

Horse Health

HANDLING HOOVES IN THE WET SEASON

Text: Christine Pinna With the large amounts of summer rain recently arriving, many horse owners will be looking at their horse's hooves while biting their nails and praying for dry weather. But is there something that we, as horse owners, can do to help prevent the inevitable thrush, cracks and chipping that tends to occur in these…

BylizzieMarch 7, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

ASKHQ: MUD FEVER AND RAIN SCALD

Q: What are mud fever and rain scald? Are they the same thing? Answered by Farryn Day Both mud fever and rain scald are caused by a bacteria, which is commonly found in the soil and on the skin. The bacteria only becomes a problem if it gains access to softened or damaged skin. As the bacteria…

BylizzieNovember 20, 20200Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

MUD FEVER

Mud fever, taxonomically known as pastern dermatitis, encompasses a whole range of diseases that cause irritations and dermatitis to the lower limbs of horses. It is frequently caused by a bacterium known as Dermatophilus congolensis, which thrives in wet and muddy conditions. This infection is known to occasionally stay dormant in the skin and only…

BylizzieOctober 7, 20190Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health Know How

Mud matters

Practicing paddock rotation can prevent mud development [dropcap]M[/dropcap]ud is a reality for many stable yards, particularly those in the Cape region as its winter consists of continuous rain. Other regions will experience heavy rainfall over the summer months, but will go without for the rest of the year. Some yards and studs are more inclined to…

BylizzieFebruary 2, 20170Comments

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