Spot, treat and prevent winter horse ailments

The colder months can present a challenge, so we talked to equine vet Jane Nixon MA Vet MB BSc MRCVS about the most common winter ailments.

Dehydration

WHAT IS IT?
While many associate dehydration with the hotter months, horses can actually be thirstier in the winter as their thirst mechanism tends not to function as efficiently as it does during the summer.

HOW IS IT CAUSED?
On average, a horse weighing 1,000lbs will need 10-12 gallons of water per day to meet their basic needs. Dehydration occurs if a horse loses too much water and doesn’t replenish it or if a horse doesn’t consume enough water to meet its bodily needs. Equine sweat is hypertonic – it contains more salt than body fluid – which means a horse will lose more electrolytes than water.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

Lethargy and appears listless.
Dark red gums rather than pink.
Dark urine.
Decreased performance levels.
Decreased appetite.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

Always ensure water is available, but as horses don’t like very cold water, add hot water.
If your horse’s rations are dry, provide additional water.
Check that all outdoor troughs are not frozen.
In freezing conditions, float an apple in your horse’s water bucket – a bobbing apple slows down the freezing process.
Soak the hay, or feed your horse haylage rather than dry hay as it has a higher moisture content.

HOW TO TREAT IT
You can treat dehydration by administering fluids and electrolytes. Most of the time, electrolytes will be administered by mouth but in severe cases, they will be injected intravenously. Seek the advice of your vet.

Tip: Scrub out your horse’s water bucket thoroughly every day

Mud fever

WHAT IS IT?
This non-contagious skin condition causes pain, soreness and irritation, mainly on the pastern and the heel.

HOW IS IT CAUSED?
Wet conditions cause the skin to soften and mud rubs against this softened skin causing damage to the surface and bacteria can get in. It can also be caused by leg mites, which break the skin, by standing in dirty bedding, or not drying legs after washing.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

Crusty scabs on heels or lower legs.
Broken, damaged skin.
Matted hair or patches of hair loss with raw skin.
White or yellow discharge between the skin and scabs.
Lower-leg heat, pain and swelling.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

Avoid your horse standing in wet, muddy conditions for long periods.
Adopt good grassland management by rotating fields and fence off muddy areas.
Avoid washing off your horse’s legs. Instead, wait until mud is dry, then brush off with a soft, bristled brush.
Barrier creams can be used to create a protective layer between the skin and mud, but exercise caution as bacteria can grow inbetween the skin and cream.
If using boots, ensure they are well fitted to avoid rubs and sores.
Treat any mites, fungal infections or wounds.

HOW TO TREAT IT
Call your vet straight away for a tailored treatment plan.
Also look to:

remove only loose scabs to allow air to help the skin heal
clean the affected area twice a day or more using a mild disinfectant, rinse and pat dry
if your horse has feathers, carefully clip hair to expose skin to make it easier to clean and treat.

Tip: Check your horse’s legs every day so you know what’s normal.

Rain scald

WHAT IS IT?
This non-contagious skin condition causes scabs to form along the horse’s neck, back and hindquarters.

HOW IS IT CAUSED?
Consistent exposure to wet and muddy conditions but can also be caused by excess sweating caused by over-rugging.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
Scabs that come off with tufts of hair attached.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

Avoid your horse being exposed to wet and muddy conditions for long periods – provide shelter to allow skin to dry.
Rug your horse carefully to avoid over-rugging.
Appropriate grooming can remove clumped areas of mud but avoid over-grooming, which can remove naturally protective oils in a horse’s coat.

HOW TO TREAT IT
Call your vet as soon as possible for a tailored treatment plan.

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