Quick Guide to Mud Fever

Here is a quick users guide to understanding and dealing with Mud Fever:

Mud fever, also called pastern dermatitis, is a common skin condition in horses.

Key points:

• Caused by opportunistic skin bacteria like Staphylococcus, especially on white/light-colored legs
• Symptoms include crusting, swelling, pain in the pastern area
• Can become chronic and recurring if not treated properly

Treatment:

1. Clip the affected area to expose the skin
2. Apply a moisturising cream like aqueous cream and cover with cling film overnight to soften crusts
3. Use an antiseptic shampoo like chlorhexidine or Malaseb, leaving it on for 5-10 mins
4. Apply an antibiotic-steroid ointment after removing crusts

Prevention:

• Avoid washing legs, especially in cold weather – this can chill the skin
• Use barrier creams like Sudocrem on legs before turnout
• Monitor for early signs and treat quickly before it spreads
• Consider leg wraps or socks to keep legs clean in muddy conditions

Other similar conditions:

• Cannon keratosis – localized excessive keratin production, not infectious
• Leukocytoclastic vasculitis – summer-related skin inflammation, requires steroids

Leg mites (Chorioptes) are another common issue, especially in feathered horses. Key signs are itching, hair loss, skin thickening. Use miticides like doramectin or selenium sulfide shampoo for treatment.

To learn more watch Dr Kieran O’Brien’s webinar – The skin of the lower legs, from mud fever to mites!