What is mallenders? – Horse
Mauke – Improve your knowledge about mauke. Find out here why it occurs and how you can prevent and treat it most easily.
Table of Contents
What is mallenders?
Mildew is an infection that often settles in the lower part of the legs. Maude is caused by bacteria, fungi, mites or Dermatophilus congolensis, which spread on the skin and cause skin eczema. When the skin becomes moist, it becomes porous and cracked over time. This damaged skin is susceptible to bacteria and mites that can easily multiply there. Usually the fetlocks are the first to be affected, as the skin there is very thin and exposed.
Why do horses get mauke?
Mildew is a typical autumn / winter disease, which is often caused by damp, blanket and muddy puddles. In Denmark we have a very long and wet season, which means that the horses' skin around the legs and pasterns is constantly damp. This creates a porous and sensitive skin, which is particularly susceptible to bacterial attack.
When the horse first has mauke, it is highly likely that this will recur annually. Mauke causes chronic damage to the epidermis, d.h the skin's normal defense barrier is compromised by wounds, tears, chemical exposure, etc. broken. This allows bacteria. other organisms to settle in the tie. If the bacteria and organisms get damp living conditions, they multiply quickly and the scabies appears again.
Horses with light colored legs are more susceptible.
Symptoms of mallenders
Mallenders often appear as crusts in the fetlock bend and/or on the leg. On light legs and pasterns you can often see red irritations. In some cases, there may be localized swelling, heat to the affected area, pain or lameness.
The picture shows the mallenders on a horse. Here are the recognizable crusts on the leg. The redness of the skin around the pasterns.
How to treat mallenders?
Mildew can be treated in different ways. There are various creams and ointments that contain disinfectants that fight fungi, bacteria and / or mites. However, the most effective and gentle product is PREVENT.
PREVENT is a dry, lime-based powder product that is sprinkled directly on damp legs, pasterns and hooves. PREVENT has a drying effect, which prevents the bacteria and mites from multiplying and surviving on the sprinkled areas. Completely without disinfectants and chemicals.
The healing period is usually between 2-4 weeks.
The horse in the picture is treated 4-5 times a week for 3 weeks.
How to avoid maude
There is a lot you can do yourself to prevent your horse from getting maucles. Here are some tips and tricks.
– If your horse is in a box, make sure the box is dry. – Make sure that the horse is properly fed and supplied with sufficient vitamins and minerals. – Wash the horse's legs free of mud and soil. – Use PREVENT 2-3 times a week prophylactically. This dries out the area and prevents fungi, bacteria and organisms from multiplying.
TIP!
The vast majority of organisms thrive only in a moist milieu. Therefore, drying out the affected area is sufficient. Avoid unnecessary chemicals that can further damage the epidermis.