Mauke in horses: How to get rid of stubborn sweet itch

What is mauke in horses?

Mauke in horses is an inflammatory, eczema-like skin disease that can be caused by a combination of different factors. It is therefore also a multi-factor disease. Not only can bacteria and fungi enter the bloodstream if the skin flora is damaged and cause inflammation, but mastitis can also be caused by feeding errors and poor posture. As mastitis is limited to the fetlock, it is also known as fetlock eczema or fetlock eczema. In technical jargon, mastitis in horses is also known as dermatitis superficialis.

Horses with thick fetlock coats are particularly frequently affected by mauke, especially cold-blooded breeds such as Tinkers, but also Friesians. However, horses with a white coat or less pigmented skin in the fetlock area also have an increased risk of the disease.

The widespread opinion that mauke occurs more frequently in fall and winter can be confirmed, but cold and damp weather is not the decisive factor for the development of mauke. However, horses have an increased need for minerals in the fall and spring, when their coat is changing. If this is not met, deficiencies occur, the horse's immune defenses drop and make the horse more susceptible to nutritional and metabolic diseases such as mastitis.

Mauke can appear overnight, but it is very persistent. In the worst case, it can even become chronic. It is therefore important to be just as persistent in the treatment of mumps and to consistently care for the affected areas.

Recognizing mauke in horses - symptoms

Mauke can be recognized very easily without an in-depth or veterinary diagnosis by the following points on one or more legs in the fetlock bend:

• Reddened skin
• Itching
• Greasy or dry crusts that are gray, yellowish or white in color
• Deep, transverse cracks down to the lower layers of the skin
• Weeping skin and sticky coat
• Hair loss and bald patches on and around the affected areas
• Swollen leg or overgrown wound
• Sensitivity to touch to severe pain
• Possible lameness

Depending on the treatment or severity of the course of the disease, scars may also remain. Depending on the quality of the wound care, corresponding scar tissue remains, which can also restrict the horse's mobility in its fetlock joints.

In the worst-case scenario, mauke becomes chronic and leads to secondary infections. Bacteria penetrate the leg, disrupt the lymph flow and cause the leg to swell. This is referred to as lymphangitis - the most serious complication of a mauke. This can only be treated by using strong antibiotics, as the limbs are very swollen and hypersensitive, become hot to the touch and lead to lameness.

The pasterns of the hind legs are most commonly affected, although mauke can also occur on the front legs.

Progression of Mauke's disease:

1. Slight reddening of the upper layer of the skin (especially visible in the white pasterns)
2. Slight swelling and warmth, the redness increases
3. Formation of blisters and nodules that develop into bloody scabs
4. Without treatment, the damage penetrates into the lower layers of the skin
5. The crusts repeatedly tear open under stress and lead to deep, painful furrows
6. Due to the constant inflammatory stimulus, growths, warts and granulation tissue (temporarily developing tissue) develop - the mucous membrane becomes chronic!

Possible causes of Mauke

Mauke is a multi-factor disease, so there is not just one trigger, but a combination of different causes that lead to Mauke.

On the one hand, we have bacteria, fungi and mites as triggers for the infection, but these can only penetrate if the horse's skin barrier is damaged. A healthy horse has a closed skin barrier so that mud, bacteria, fungi or parasites cannot penetrate it. And if small cracks in the skin are still unable to ward off intruders, the horse's immune system can still fight off an infection. However, if the immune system and metabolism are weakened, pathogens can spread and cause inflammation.

This means that we have a combination of pathogens, mechanical damage and a derailed metabolism that ultimately lead to mauke in horses. Let's look at these in more detail below.

Mechanical damage to the skin

As the largest organ in the body, the skin forms a protective layer around the horse and serves as the first barrier against pathogens and parasites. However, the skin barrier can tear due to mechanical influences - sometimes not even visible to the human eye. This happens, for example, through constant friction, which is the case with incorrectly fitting hoof boots or a lack of hygiene before using gaiters. Unremoved fine dust on the horse's legs acts like sandpaper when gaiters are put on and causes very fine hairline cracks in the skin that are invisible to the human eye. This opens the door for pathogens to enter the body.

Corrosive ammonia can also irritate the skin to such an extent that it damages it. Ammonia is produced by the combination of urine and manure and can cause skin irritation. Daily mucking out of the stable is therefore not only important for the horses' mucous membranes and respiratory tracts, but also for their skin health.

Other causes of skin damage can be injuries, abrasions or scratched insect bites.

Fungi, parasites, bacteria - pathogens that cause mauke

If the skin barrier is damaged, it is easy for bacteria, fungi and mites to contaminate the horse and cause inflammation. Among the bacteria, the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis is the main cause of mauke. It survives very well in the mud of its environment. This is also the origin of the assumption that mud fever often develops in muddy weather, as the bacterium can multiply well in the mud.

Many horse owners also ask themselves whether mauke is contagious. Mauke is not contagious per se, as it is not a viral infection. However, with a high stocking density, mastitis can occur more frequently as the bacteria have a shorter route of contamination.

Mites can also cause mauke, but not in the direct sense. Mites cause severe itching, which the horse wants to pursue with the utmost dedication. As a result, they irritate the skin to such an extent that it ruptures and opens the gates for pathogens once again. A mite infestation can be easily recognized by the yellowing of the coat. They particularly like to nest in the crook of the fetlock with a lot of fur, where a damp climate develops. In order to prevent both moulting and mite infestation, keeping the coat short can be of the utmost importance.

A metabolism out of balance

Last but not least, we need to take a look at the metabolism - and here we need to take a closer look. The opinion that moulting in horses is caused by a lack of stable hygiene and cold, wet weather is partly true. However, a horse with a healthy immune system can fight off these trifles very well. The metabolism therefore plays a decisive role in the development of mauke.

A lack of nutrients due to an unbalanced diet, but also an overfeeding of energy, can weaken the horse's entire metabolism and consequently also its immune system. Stress can also inhibit the absorption of minerals, which can ultimately be seen in skin changes. Detoxification is also blocked by stress, which leads to overloading of the liver and kidneys. If the body is no longer able to cope with the accumulated waste products, this can also be seen in skin changes such as moulting in the fetlock area. After all, the skin is the mirror of how the horse is feeling.

In summary, the following points can be direct or indirect causes of mauke in horses:

• Damaged skin due to rubbing equipment, open insect bites, abrasions, cuts
• Wet and cold weather
• Poor hygiene: muddy paddocks, ammonia build-up in the stable, inadequate coat care
• Bacterial infection
• Infection pressure, overcrowding favors the spread and transmission of the bacterium

• Infestation by mites, especially in the case of dense colony hangings
• Nutrient deficiency, especially zinc deficiency
• Overfeeding of protein, sugar, starch
• Weakened immune system
• Stress
• Detoxification disorder due to intestinal disorders 
• Photosensitivity caused by poisoning of toxic plants

Diagnosis

Mauke can be recognized very easily by the symptoms described above. Nevertheless, the vet can take a swab to identify the bacteria involved, against which antibiotics can be used in severe cases. In the same breath, the vet can also carry out a resistance test in order to be able to treat the germs even better.

Overall, the vet can determine three forms or degrees of mauke:

• 1. mild mumps: The most common form of mumps with reddened skin, itching, hair loss and possibly pain
• 2. exudative mauke: purulent discharge, crust formation, itching, hair loss in tufts, pain up to lameness
• 3. chronic mealybug: with skin growths and elephant skin, also known as chronic warty mealybug

Treatment: How to get rid of mud fever in horses

Mauke surprises many horse owners, but as quickly as it appears, it is not easy to get rid of. Treatment is lengthy and requires patience. So be consistent and persistent in your hygiene and treatment management.

First and foremost, you should try to prevent the bacteria from spreading and avoid further infections. Always keep the affected areas clean and dry: Make sure the box is mucked out daily with dry bedding and avoid muddy paddocks if possible. If the scabs keep tearing open, special bandages can help to keep the fetlock bends clean and dry.

For horse breeds with a lot of hair, you should shorten or even shave it off before treatment to prevent bacteria and mites from finding a comfortable environment.

You can find out when shaving and clipping horses can still be useful in the article: Clipping horses: Equipment, timing and things to know.

Now it's time to remove the crusts piece by piece. Soak the fetlock bends daily with a mild rinsing solution and warm water to gently loosen the crusts. Curd soap, for example, which is alkaline and anti-inflammatory, is suitable for this. However, iodine soap also works very well for treating scabs. However, never remove stuck scabs, as this will only irritate the skin unnecessarily and prevent the wounds from healing. If the scab goes deep, you can also soak it overnight with a wet bandage soaked in Ravinol.

After soaking, dry the restraints well with a clean, dry cloth. Use a clean towel each time to prevent the spread of bacteria.

In the final step, use a moisturizing cream to protect the skin from further cracks and support skin regeneration. Home remedies such as hanuka honey or propolis are suitable for this. However, neem oil, which is often used to care for horses with sweet itch, or horse clay are also good care products for mauke. Zinc is an important cogwheel for skin health, which is why it can support the healing process as an ointment. However, zinc ointment is also very drying. It is therefore best to only use it if the mauke is moist and festering and needs to dry out.

In very severe cases, drug treatment by a vet may be the best option. A swab is taken beforehand in order to choose the right antibiotics. In addition, preparations containing cortisone and antibiotics are used for lubrication.

Correctly prevent mauke

• Hygienic housing conditions: dry bedding, clean and dry paddock/run, daily mucking out/paddling up
• Cleanliness of the fetlocks and hooves: Make sure that the horse's legs are completely clean, especially before using hoof boots, bell boots, fetlock boots and bandages. If necessary, spray the legs with water beforehand, wash them with soap and dry them thoroughly before putting on leg and hoof protection. Pay as much attention to the cleanliness of the legs as you do to the cleanliness of the horse's back before saddling.
• Mineral supply: Pay attention to the supply of zinc, especially when feeding only hay and/or only a small amount of concentrated feed.
• Avoid stress: Stress prevents the absorption of minerals, increases the need for them and weakens the immune system. Find an environment in which the horse can live in a relaxed manner, make sure you are well prepared for extraordinary situations and try to make them as stress-free as possible (stable move, competition, change of feed, etc.).
• Boosting the metabolism: Feeding your dog according to its needs and providing it with sufficient exercise boosts the metabolism, stimulates the lymph flow and thus improves the removal of harmful substances.

Feeding with Mauke

Feeding is an important factor in the prevention and control of mauke. This is because nutritional deficiencies and overfeeding are reflected in the horse's skin. You should therefore look at the horse as a whole together with your vet. So before you start to completely change your horse's feed plan in the event of mauke, have the vet do a blood count to identify any deficiencies or abnormalities. Below are a few important points that you should definitely bear in mind when feeding your horse for mauke:

Relieve the detoxification organs

If mastitis develops in the fetlock joints, all the barriers that protect the horse from pathogens have been broken down. The pathogens that cause mastitis could not be filtered out of the bloodstream, but instead caused inflammation. The flood of harmful substances was simply too much for the liver and kidneys to cope with.

First and foremost, relieve the detoxification organs liver and kidneys by ensuring that the feed is low in sugar and protein. Feed the horse according to its needs, i.e. in line with its performance, as excess weight also has a negative effect on the horse's skin.

Another point that should go without saying, but which is sometimes not paid enough attention to: Avoid contaminated feed. Dusty hay, hay with dried poisonous plants or moldy hay, rancid or otherwise contaminated manger feed lead to a strain on the detoxification organs. If the horse ingests more and more of these harmful substances, they accumulate and the horse's defenses against invading pathogens are weakened. High-quality feed is crucial for the control and prevention of scabies.

Eliminate feed with additives, flavorings and preservatives. These are completely superfluous or unnatural for the horse and are once again substances that the liver and kidneys need to detoxify.

Zinc, selenium, copper, biotin and vitamin A...

...are nutrients and vitamins that are involved in skin regeneration, wound healing and the skin's natural barrier function. Horses with sweet itch, like horses with sweet itch, can be deficient in zinc in particular. Horse breeds that are predestined for mastitis and have a lot of fur and hair are also candidates for a zinc deficiency. Horses that are kept robust, receive little mineralized manger feed but a lot of hay and need a lot of nutrients for their thick, long coat are particularly affected by a zinc deficiency. You should take a critical look at the supply of zinc, especially during the coat change period in spring and fall. So make sure that the nutrients are supplied via an organic mineral feed that contains zinc as zinc chelate. Organic because this form is more easily absorbed by the horse than inorganic compounds.

A healthy intestinal flora against mucus

The horse's entire metabolism and immune system depends on the balance of its intestinal flora. The good bacteria living here keep the horse healthy by absorbing important nutrients from the feed and synthesizing vitamins. In order for the intestinal microbes to survive and do their job well, they need sufficient roughage of high quality and otherwise a diet low in starch. If too much undigested starch enters the large intestine, the microbes die due to the over-acidification of the intestine. Not only does the intestinal flora become unbalanced, but the toxins from the dead bacteria also upset the metabolism, putting further strain on the liver and kidneys and the harmful substances accumulate in the horse's body. In addition to itching, sweet itch and laminitis, this can also lead to mumps.

Every now and then, an intestinal cleanse can be useful. Probiotics are suitable for this in order to provide the intestinal bacteria with a nutritional basis again and slowly rebuild the intestinal flora.

Mauke in horses: Summarized

Mauke is a complex, inflammatory skin disease in horses that is favored by various factors such as skin damage, bacterial infections and a weakened immune system. Horses with thicker fetlocks and light-colored coats are particularly at risk, as are those that suffer from nutritional deficiencies or are kept in damp, unhygienic conditions. The treatment of mauke requires patience and consistent care of the affected areas in order to stop the spread of bacteria and prevent chronicity. At the same time, appropriate feeding and good stable management are essential to strengthen the horse's skin and immune health. Careful prevention and regular health checks can reduce the risk of mumps and improve the horse's quality of life.

Mauke: The most important questions and answers

Can too much washing promote moulting?

Washing the horse's legs too often can promote moulting, as can a lack of hygiene, as this also damages the skin barrier. If the horse's legs are washed not only with water but also too often with shampoo, the pH value and natural fat content of the skin are altered, causing it to lose its protective function - cracks appear in the epidermis and bacteria find it easier to penetrate. So wash as little as possible, but as often as necessary, for example before putting on gaiters, hoof boots or bell boots.

Does Mauke go away by itself?

Mauke is persistent and can even become chronic if care is inadequate or absent. Movement causes the scab to tear repeatedly and penetrate from the upper to the lower layers of the skin. This leads to severe pain for the horse. It is therefore advisable to treat scabs carefully but consistently. Depending on the care and severity of the scab, it can be treated within a few weeks; in severe cases and depending on the circumstances, it may take longer.

Can Mauke be transmitted to humans?

Mauke is generally not contagious, as it is not a viral infection. However, it can be observed that mud fever spreads more easily in stables with a higher stocking density. This is because the bacteria that live in the mud have easier "prey". Thus, any horse with a damaged skin barrier will become infected by itself - but horses with mud fever cannot infect each other.

Are horses in pain when they have Mauke?

In most cases, dry crusts form in the case of mauke, which tear repeatedly during movement. At first, only the upper layers of the skin are affected, but if left untreated, the skin tears further and further and the open wounds extend into the lower layers of the skin. This is quite painful for the horse. In order to restore the flexibility of the skin and thus relieve the horse's pain, it is important to remove the scabs carefully and then keep them moist with a nourishing ointment. Remember to use ointments that allow the skin underneath to breathe. Creams such as milking fat are unsuitable as they seal the skin surfaces airtight, allowing bacteria to spread easily.

What are the deficiencies of Mauke?

Mauke is a multifactor disease and can have many causes. A lack of zinc, selenium, copper, vitamin A and B (biotin) in the feed can be the main reason for the development of mauke. These nutrients play a key role in the formation and regeneration of the skin and mucous membranes. However, before you resort to supplementary feed to compensate for any deficiencies in the horse, you should have the horse checked by a vet. Because an excess of nutrients is at least as quickly fed as a deficiency.