Mud Fever in Horses - what you need to know!

All this rain has certainly caused the mud to return!

What is Mud Fever?

Mud fever is a problematic condition affecting the skin, usually of the lower limbs, typically presenting as crusty scabs which often ooze, with inflammation and pain in the area. A similar condition affecting other parts of the body is known as rain scald. One of the common causes is the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis, which thrives in muddy conditions.

Mud fever (also known as pastern dermatitis) may be caused by one of 38 known conditions affecting the skin of the pastern, including:

• Prolonged exposure to wet and muddy conditions cause the skin to become more vulnerable to bacteria and fungi.
• Horses and ponies with Cushings disease (PPID) are more prone to skin infections, including mud fever.
• Leg mites cause itching and scratching, which causes trauma to the skin allowing infection to develop.
• Pink skin (white legs), seem to be at greatest risk of mud fever.

Management and support for the skin:

• Speak to your Vet for advice, particularly if there is severe crusting and your horse is sore. Your Vet will advise you on the best course of treatment.
• Check the skin regularly, to spot any problems early.
• Keep the skin as dry as possible, ensuring your horse has a period of dry standing each day.
• Rotate pastures and look after gate ways, to minimise time stood in muddy wet conditions.
• Use a barrier cream to soothe and support the skin in wet muddy conditions - Fungatrol Cream. Look out for our brand new Fungatrol Muddy Miracle Cream which will be available in the EU soon.
• Ensure your horse is receiving a balanced diet, in particular certain key trace elements (e.g. copper and zinc) are important for skin health.
• Linseed oil (Supreme Omega Oil), provides omega 3 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat.
• Avoid over treating! Frequent washing and picking at scabs can cause further damage to the skin. If symptoms persist after 3 weeks or their condition is deteriorating, contact your Vet for advice.