Correct treatment and preventionOh shock, a stain! Some fur is missing, maybe the spot also looks like a scab. This can be a mallow. The mauve stains are really nasty. Unfortunately, the mallenders affect many horses. Presumably, every horse owner knows at least one horse and probably even considerably more horses that have had such a spot before. More or less large. Mauke is almost as scary as skin fungus or summer eczema.
We also had to struggle with it. That's why I know exactly what I'm talking about and will share my research and experiences with you in this article. At some point, Madame horse came to meet me, waiting at the gate with her sweet expression and greeted me friendly. After the first crawl and a treat for the horse's snout, my eyes fell on her fetlocks. A spot.
Less fur, strange white scales and small crusts. Hand test on the ankle showed that the leg was warmer than usual at the said location.
The diagnosis of the veterinarian: a slight mauke. Since Madame Horse already had a small spot of mallenders last fall – which looked completely different – it became clear to me at that time at the latest that there are different manifestations of mallenders. as well as different potential triggers. It is often triggered by moisture – the ideal environment for the bacteria that can cause the mucking disease. That's why you find them especially often in the crook of the fetlock. This is a nice warm and humid cave. There it does not have to be however necessarily. So, it is an Urban Legend of the equine world that the mallenders are ALWAYS in the fetlock bend. My horse, for example, had it once last fall on the hind leg on the front between the hoof and the fetlock. And now in winter on the inside of the foreleg between the fetlock and carpal joint.
However thank God a beginning form of the Mauke. Before you look at all the facts in the article, you get a good news: you can treat mallenders quite well and you can prevent with a few tricks.
What is actually mallenders?
Mallenders is basically a skin disease caused by bacteria. It is also called fesselekzem. Why? Mostly it is found in the fetlock bend of the horse, but not only there. It can become chronic if not treated immediately and appropriately. That's why it's super important to react when your horse shows signs of mallenders. In the article you will get all the important information to understand how the mallenders can develop, what you can do in acute cases and how you can prevent mallenders.
What is it about the microflora?
Your horse's skin is the natural protective shield of the horse's body. If the metabolism or the immune system are not quite as fit or are strongly attacked, it can be that the skin can no longer fulfill its protective function and bacteria get their chance. In principle, on the skin of your horse are. Also in the body) many different bacteria. Always. This is the so-called microflora. As long as the "good" bacteria are in the majority or there is a balance, everything is good. They can keep harmful germs away and protect the skin. If the bacterial flora or microflora is no longer so in tact and the "bad" bacteria spread too much, then skin diseases can develop – such as the mallenders.
Too little or too much care, can influence the microflora just as the right or wrong feeding, weather or housing conditions. Many horses react for example to intestinal problems with too much grain or at all grain feeding. This in turn also influences the skin and thus the microflora – i.e. the balance of microorganisms, of the horse's skin.
Often it occurs in winter, because the moisture on the ground, in the air and in the box by the winter weather already attacks the skin a bit – this in turn makes it easier for the bacteria. Mauke can also occur due to a change in feed, incorrect feeding or metabolic problems. When the detoxification organs can no longer absorb everything, this often manifests itself in skin problems such as mallenders, because the skin metabolism no longer functions properly and the skin barrier suffers.
– How to recognize mallenders – What is mallenders – How mallenders develop – How to treat mallenders – The most common causes of mallenders – Home remedies and herbs for mallenders – Preventing mallenders
The best tips for mallenders
– Mauke is also called Fesselekzem – did you know that Mauke is ancient? – Often the mauke occurs in winter – moisture alone is usually not a maukeausloser – mauke is also called fesselekzem – mauke must not always be in the fetlock bend
HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR HORSE QUICKLY WITH MAUKE – FROM A TO Z
FACT: Mauke is old. Ancient. Already in the 3. In the 19th century, recipes for the treatment of mallenders were listed in a collection of recipes. There is a theory that the mallenders can also be triggered by an overload of the liver or the kidney. Both are considered a bit like the washing machines of the body. They are responsible for detoxification. So if they don't function as well, they don't detoxify as well and that in turn weakens the immune system. The skin is, so to speak, the garbage dump of the body, just like the hair – everything that is too much and too little collects there and shows the consequences.
Moisture alone is usually not a cause of malaise, but if the horse is fed incorrectly (too much protein, too much grain, etc.), it can cause malaise.), or has elevated liver values, or a weak immune system, or a not so fluffy intestinal flora, or parasites, or too fluffy shackles, then the bacteria have a chance.
If the horse already has it, then muddy and wet ground can become a problem because additional germs can get into the open sore. Then you should not let the horse on the mud paddock or damp meadow until the mauke is healed, if it is possible somehow.
So if the ground is wet all the time, for example mud paddock or wet bedding, the elasticity of the skin decreases and it can get tiny cracks. This is the door for the bacteria to invade the horse skin.
Mildew occurs in so many different versions and by so many different causes that opinions on how to treat it are almost as varied. But there are already a few facts that can be taken into account to effectively treat the mange. In this article I want to summarize the most important facts about mallenders and I am happy if you know more about it.
Feel free to write me a comment – the more information you get, the better.
Now let's talk about how you can recognize the mallenders, how you can treat them and then of course what you can do to prevent them.
Recognition of mallenders – 6 points
1. Slightly reddened skin 2. Somewhat thicker and warm skin 3. Small white crusts appear and hair is lost from the affected area 4. 5. The skin becomes spongy. Gets a greasy coating with blisters. The skin becomes spongy. Gets a greasy coating with blisters. The horse is in pain when you touch the affected area 6. The layer between epidermis and dermis is exposed and the skin proliferates
By the way: If the mallow pulls itself up from the fetlock to the carpal joints, then it is also called rash.
Mauke in horses – how does the disease progress?
At first the horse has slightly reddened areas under the coat. It is very easy to overlook, but then the coat goes out – a horse is currently in this stage – if nothing is done about it, really hard, large scabby crusts form. At first glance, it looks a bit like dirt or like the scab of a wound.
But these crusts don't fall off, as you are used to with a wound, but become thicker and harder. At the same time it becomes more and more unpleasant for your horse, because under this solid encrusted layer the inflammation spreads further and further and really cuts holes into the horse's skin.
This feels very painful for your horse, the legs swell up and become hot. If the mallenders are still not treated, the horse will eventually start to lame and in the last instant even a poisoning can spread in the body and attack the whole horse through the bloodstream.
To say it clearly: Mauke can end fatally for the horse. But only if it can spread. So it is important to act against it as early as possible.
Can mallenders affect any horse?
"Yuck, you may think. Mauke is really disgusting. But it can't happen to me, because I always keep my horse's legs clean."
Well, I'll have to pull that tooth out of your mouth right away. Mildew can affect every horse, even if the horse is kept in a grandiose and good way. If the horses are standing knee-deep in mud and the stall is not mucked out often enough or maybe even rats are on the way due to unclean conditions, a bacterial infection such as the mallenders has of course somewhat better chances, but these are not the only reasons for a mallenders.
Particularly susceptible are for example old and young horses. You are in a situation of upheaval for various reasons. Growth in a young horse stresses the immune system. In older horses it usually does not work so well anymore.
Horses with thick fetlocks are also susceptible, because the maude can develop silently and secretly under the thick hair and horses with sensitive skin also tend to maude readily. The bacteria have a good chance. Especially breeds that don't tolerate grain so well and whose metabolism can't handle it so well, also react to grain in the horse's diet.
Skin disease Mauke – in the middle of the horse's skin
The skin is the last barrier between the horse and the environment, it is the gateway for bacteria, viruses and other pests. The better the skin is in shot and the immune system, the less chances have the small invaders, Actually logical, or?
The most important layer of skin is the papillary body – which clings to the epidermis. it is the barrier against all intruders. When the skin becomes inflamed, it is usually there first. Above this is still the epidermis, into which new cells are always being replenished from the depths, it is also an important part of the skin barrier and the protective layer of the skin. It is important to protect. Through good husbandry, good care and good feeding.
But if it is not in good shape and pathogens have already been able to spread, they will continue to eat and spread through the skin, thus opening the gates for further invaders. So if bacteria have already started, it may be that mites or fungi have a better chance too.
As with all diseases, the earlier it is treated, the better it is for the patient. There are different causes that can trigger a mallenders. Mostly only a few points are true, but if you know them, you can better counteract in the future.
Causes of mallenders in horses
A checklist
Too much moisture for too long a period of time
Poorly mucked stalls and poor horse care
Long pasterns – dirt and moisture can get trapped there. Optimal conditions for bacteria
Overall bad condition of the horse – it means that his immune system is just not working enough
Wrong feeding – thus nutrient deficiency
Season and weather – mallenders occur especially in the winter – when it is more humid
Stress, allergies, mites or fungal infections
Change of feed, grain feeding or metabolism problems
In the case of my mare, for example, it is probably her age – she was 3.5 years old at the time of the mallenders and still growing. In addition, she was transported from Andalusia to Germany when she was 3 years old and her immune system struggled with the cold German winter.
1. That's why first and since then every winter she got a herbal treatment for the skin and afterwards for the immune system – HERE you can have a closer look at the cure for 4 weeks
2. We have eliminated all grains from her diet
3. In parallel, of course, we treated the acutely affected areas – I'll explain the individual steps in the article now.
HOW YOU CAN TREAT MAUKE
First it makes sense to clean the affected area with water and a mild disinfecting soap like iodine soap or our NARA-SEIFE from the nara plant (you can have a closer look HERE) wash to soften the crusts and dispose of the dirt that has probably accumulated in the hair. After the very first cleaning, no new water should be applied to the skin, otherwise the skin will soften. You let it dry and lubricate the affected areas daily with an antibacterial ointment or tincture of iodine.
Personally, I have had the best experience with zinc ointment in combination with the hygienic agent "Octenisept". I sprayed Octenisept (from the pharmacy) generously on the affected areas every day, let it soak in and then dabbed it off with a Zewa. Finally, I applied a fairly dry zinc ointment and left it on the spots overnight. The next day I have repeated the procedure. T hey can also use a disinfectant ointment or tincture of iodine or a medicinal ointment.
CAUTION: If the horse already has crusts, then please remove the crusts, gently and as far as it goes after soaking relaxed. This is not wound healing and does not help the horse, but these crusts are basically the fortress of the bacteria, which can protect and spread nicely under it.
It can be that the skin under the crusts weeps easily. Removing the crusts causes the horse pain. Can increase the wonders. Therefore, please do not pluck wildly at it but remove really fine and gently what can be removed easily. Then dab dry, disinfect (like with Octenisept) and treat the wound with a disinfecting ointment. There are different forms. Varieties of the Mauke. More scaly, more crusty, more stubborn and less persistent. The nastiest form of mallenders is the wart mallenders. It is thank God really rare. That leaves only surgery, because the warts must be surgically removed. In the aftercare must then be prevented with special ointments, that the skin proliferates again so strongly.
No matter what form your horse has got, it is very important that you also deal with husbandry and feeding to help your horse against the mange.
Mauke and the FUtter
Protein, sugar, starch – three words that can trigger mange if the horse finds too much of them in his feed. If then an undersupply of minerals, trace elements and vitamins is added, this is not very good for the liver metabolism and thus for the health of the horse. But if the two most important detoxification organs can't work perfectly, bacteria have a real chance. The skin is then not so resistant. The bacteria can penetrate into the small cracks.
So: Little protein, rather food containing minerals with zinc, selenium and copper. All three are said to boost the immune system.
Zinc can help because it helps the body to boost its own detoxification and immune system and because it is responsible for the formation of skin and hair. Mauke occurs particularly gladly in the time of the change of coat. Therefore the conclusion is quite logical that a zinc deficiency can favor the Maukes.
You can find more info HERE at Dr. Weyrauch – who is also a manufacturer, but has dealt intensively with the feed ies.
ATTENTION: The typical horse muesli with flavors, grains and preservatives can also stress your horse's metabolism. So you should be rather careful.
– No grains, no bread – No concentrated feed or treats containing grains during the mouthing season. Reduce protein, for example shorter grazing times – No silage or haylage, because both can overacidify the horse – Do not use fertilizers on the pasture and no hay that has been treated with chemical pesticides – No mueslis or concentrated feed with chemical additives – No synthetic mineral feed
Only hay, unsprayed carrots, apples and herbs for support.
Why you should also use herbs for mallenders
If the Mauke is already there, you can help your horse also with herbs. Honey has an antiseptic effect. Or chamomile, sage and thyme, for example, also have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. You can boil it with hot water, let the decoction cool down and gently wash the mouth sores with it.
If you have a vegetable oil ready, like coconut oil or almond oil, you can care for the skin around the affected area with it in parallel. This prevents the mallenders from spreading further merrily, because the skin remains nice and supple and healthy.
HERE you can find more information about hair analysis in case of mallenders – a veterinary practitioner describes her method. I myself have not tried this, so can not tell you anything about it. But it does not sound illogical to me.
The best home remedies against mallenders
Propolis: Is a byproduct of honey production. It is the glue of bees and even more antibacterial and antifungal than honey. By the way, this can also help with the notorious thrush in addition to treating mallenders. Propolis gets one with beekeepers or also in the Internet with appropriate offerers of nature products. Best in the form of a soft and thin ointment, so that the propolis can be easily applied to the whole wound.
Garlic: Should be used with caution, because too much of it is not healthy for the horse. But garlic has nowmal an anti-inflammatory effect and helps against fungi and parasites. So for external application pretty good. Simply take almond oil or coconut oil. Put in one or two cloves of garlic. This should also help with mallenders.
Pure biological tea tree oil or lavender oil can also help. Treat the meow spots with it daily. Both have an antibacterial effect. Anti-inflammatory. But with essential oils always see how the horse reacts to it. If in doubt, first test on a healthy area, whether the horse is allergic. This can be the case with some horses.
Unpack the can of sauerkraut. Whereby this becomes rather a greasy affair. Sauerkraut contains lactic acid and minerals. Both is good against the Mauke. The lactic acid, for example, should lower the PH-value on the skin so that the bacteria lose their comfortable environment and run away. But I must confess that I have not tried the sauerkraut poultices myself so far. I hope still with ointment. Care come on.
Finally, you can also try your luck with a veterinary practitioner and work with globoli.
Dont's with mallenders
Mauke must ventilate. So: disinfecting antibacterial ointments are super, but they must not be airtight. So please do not use milking fat or Penaten baby cream. They close the wound just as airtight as the fat crust that the bacteria had built and that would be exactly the opposite of what we want.
The horse should also be allowed to continue running with the herd. Standing around only makes the swelling on the leg worse. So it is better to move the horse a little, but not strenuously and please do not wrap bandages or gaiters around the fetlock, that could rub.
If nothing helps against mallenders: what the vet can do
If the mallenders do not disappear with the ointment or if the horse's leg swells more and more, the veterinarian has to bring in tougher weapons. For example, he can do a blood count and scrape some skin and check it in the lab. So he can determine the exact cause, so you can stop it easier.
Cause mites: If the horse beasts have struck and caused the mews, the corresponding area on the horse must be washed with a special shampoo and everything cleaned that has come into contact with the horse. So also the grooming stuff, saddle stuff and the whole box. So that the mites no longer have a chance to spread or to come back again.
Cause bacteria: If it is clear that it is bacteria and which ones, the vet can use appropriate antibiotics. The whole body has fungi and bacteria on the skin, always. They keep themselves constantly in a healthy equilibrium. Sometimes, however, individual bees get out of hand. For example, if the immune system is no longer right. Then single ones multiply more strongly and can so the Mauke and also other skin diseases release.
Cause Allergy: Horses can also have allergies. The immune system turns against its own body, by a trigger. It is basically the same as with sweet itch. Allergy triggers can be many. Food for example. So check everything one after the other, step by step omit ingredients and see what happens. Then allergies can also be triggered by autumn grass mites or black flies – by the substances in the spit of these little beasts.
Cause stress: Stress can also lower the immune system so much that mallenders have a chance. For example, due to a move, a long transport, too many tournaments, a bad herd structure – reasons for stress can be many. But if the reasons can be abolished and the horse is happy and relaxed again, also the mallenders will have less chances.
Cause fungus: There the same applies as with the bacteria. Most of the time it is the skin's own fungal cultures that are having an unauthorized party. Everything has to be disinfected then, too. The horse to be washed with special shampoos. There is a vaccination for this. Which must be given twice within 4 weeks. And thus destroys the fungus from the inside.
No matter what: Probably your horse's immune system is not quite fit right now for some reason, otherwise probably neither fungi, nor bacteria or mites would have a chance. Therefore, in a next step, you must also support the immune system of your horse.
