In this episode, Aria and Dr. Glenn dive into why wet, muddy conditions are rough on horses and how to prevent and treat the most common issues. They cover pastern dermatitis (greasy heel/mud fever), rain scald, thrush, hoof abscesses, white line disease, plus rarer wet-season problems. You’ll get practical management tips for cleaning, bandaging choices, when to call the vet, hoof care routines, nutrition support, and smart paddock strategies to reduce mud and keep horses comfortable.
Listener Highlights
- Pastern dermatitis: moisture + bacteria/fungi on the back of the pastern leads to inflamed, oozy, scabby, itchy skin; severe cases can swell and progress to cellulitis.
- Rain scald (Dermatophilosis): a contagious, rain-run–line crusting dermatitis; keep horses dry when feasible and use appropriate antibacterials.
- Hoof risks in mud: softened soles, thrush (often foul-smelling frog), stone bruises, hoof abscesses, and white line disease.
- Treatment themes: gentle de-crusting/cleaning, targeted antiseptics/antifungals, bandage only when it helps (and keep bandages dry), drainage for abscesses.
- Prevention/management: regular hoof picking, hoof dressings/sealants, paddock rotation, shelter, limit stagnant water, consider supplements (e.g., biotin) to support hoof growth.
- Red flags to call the vet: lameness, significant swelling, fever, extensive skin breaks, or suspected abscess/white line involvement.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 01:13 | Intro, Queensland wet season context, general advice disclaimer. |
| 01:14 – 05:36 | Pastern dermatitis/“greasy heel”: causes, signs (ooze, scabs, itch), swelling/cellulitis risk. |
| 05:36 – 08:09 | Treatment approach: gentle softening/cleaning, antiseptics, bandaging pros/cons, vet red flags; mites in feathered breeds. |
| 08:10 – 12:24 | Rain scald (Dermatophilosis): what it is, herd spread, diagnosis, antibacterial care; rug/sweat considerations in hot weather. |
| 12:24 – 13:12 | Prevention realities: shelter/stabling and practicality; environmental presence of the organism. |
| 13:14 – 14:41 | Hoof risks in mud: softened soles, tenderness, stone bruises. |
| 14:41 – 16:44 | Thrush: what it looks like, smell, frog damage; cleaning and antifungal/antiseptic treatments. |
| 16:45 – 18:14 | Handling soft feet, trimming caution, lameness → involve vet/farrier. |
| 18:14 – 20:58 | Hoof abscesses: pathways (micro-cracks/white line), signs, drainage and packing; complications if it tracks to coronary band. |
| 20:59 – 23:17 | White line disease/CD (aka “seedy toe”): difference from abscesses, gravel, treatment (paring, antiseptics, airflow). |
| 23:17 – 25:37 | Prevention: routine hoof picking, temporary removal from mud, hoof oils/sealants; practicalities and products. |
| 25:38 – 26:16 | Nutrition: supplements (e.g., biotin) to support hoof growth and resilience. |
| 26:17 – 28:24 | “Swamp cancer” (phycomycosis): severe fungal lesions, treatment (surgery/antifungals/vaccines), limiting stagnant water. |
| 28:25 – 28:56 | Other wet-season oddities (e.g., melioidosis) noted. |
| 28:59 – 29:59 | Environmental management tips: paddock rotation, grass cover, sacrifice areas; wrap-up. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your horse.