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As we head into winter, there are a number of ailments and conditions our horses are prone to. Primary causes for concern are mud rash, thrush and other infections of the lower limbs caused by excessively muddy conditions.
It is essential to top up our first aid kits, to be prepared should the worst happen. Robinson Animal Healthcare recommends there should be one non-negotiable first aid product every horse owner should have – Animalintex.
What is Animalintex?
Animalintex® is the only Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK, meaning its efficacy, safety and consistency is strictly controlled to the highest of standards. Built by Robinson Animal Health Care, who created the legendary Veterinary Gamgee, you may already have this trusted essential in your horse’s first aid kit!
If you haven’t come across Animalintex before, the poultice and wound care dressing contains two active ingredients; Boric Acid and Tragacanth. Boric Acid helps to kill infection, prompting a faster healing rate, meanwhile, Tragacanth aids in drawing out dirt and infection, reducing inflammation. This, in combination with different layers of absorbent material, padding and a low adherent wound-facing layer creates the proven formulation of Animalintex®.
What Can I Use Animalintex® For?
As a licenced product, Animalintex can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including a number of common body and hoof ailments affecting horses during the winter months.
Abscesses
Foot abscesses are more common in wet weather because the moisture softens horse’s feet, making it easier for foreign objects or dirt to penetrate the hoof. A vet or farrier will need to locate the abscess and drain the pus. Once the pus has been drained the foot must be cleaned, before applying Animalintex® and securing in place with Equiwrap®, to draw out any remaining pus.
Cracked heels
Usually associated with wet conditions, the skin at the back of the pastern becomes inflamed and cracks appear which frequently become infected by dirt and grit. Cleanse the area with boiled water that has been allowed to cool and salt before applying a hot, wet poultice to help remove any scabs, then use a dry poultice as a wound dressing until the skin has healed.
Mud Fever
Commonly seen during winter, mud fever is a bacterial skin infection that can affect your horse’s skin on the heel, fetlock and pastern. In severe cases of mud fever, particularly where there is inflammation, hot poulticing can help to remove scabs, following the same treatment as you would for cracked heels.
Thrush
Standing in wet conditions can predispose some horses to thrush, a bacterial infection of the frog which is categorised by a smelly discharge or soft spots. To treat thrush, ask your farrier to remove all the diseased tissue before cleansing the area thoroughly with 10 parts warm water (ideally boiled first) to one part hydrogen peroxide before applying a hot wet poultice to the area.
Infected wounds
Injuries can happen at any time of year. Contaminated or infected wounds will require the use of a hot poultice to draw out the pus. A hot, wet poultice increases the blood supply to the injured area, providing more oxygen and white blood cells which fight infection. The improved blood flow reduces the swelling whilst the warmth of the poultice relieves the animal of pain, providing comfort.
Whatever the type of injury always remember to change the Animalintex poultice at least once every 12 hours.
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