The wet autumn and winter days are approaching again, which means a greater chance of mud fever. Mud fever is a common skin inflammation in horses, usually occurring in the pastern, but it can also develop higher up on the leg.

What are the causes of mud fever in a horse?

A common cause of mud fever is moisture and dirt in combination with bacteria and fungi, leading to a bacterial skin infection. Normally, the skin is protected from these bacteria by a natural barrier. However, contact with too much moisture or dirt, or a weakened immune system, can deteriorate this barrier, allowing bacteria and fungi to damage the skin. Contact with moisture can be caused by wet pastures or stables, aqua training, and excessive washing.

Another cause is that the horse is suffering from scabies mites. The mites cause itching, but can also burrow and dig into the skin. This can weaken the skin and create small wounds. These skin lesions make the skin more susceptible to infection.

What are the symptoms of a horse with mud fever?

A horse with mud fever can show various symptoms. Often, flakes, redness, scabs, and cracks (fissures or tears in the skin) are seen in the pastern of a horse. The pastern is a favorite spot for fungi and bacteria, among other things. Other symptoms include itching, pain, moist eczema in the pastern, skin thickening, a swollen (lower) leg, and lameness.

Treating mud fever in horses

There are various options for treating mud fever in a horse. Often, a disinfecting shampoo and mud fever ointment are used. Mud fever ointment is mainly used in the pastern and on the cannon bone. If mites are the cause of mud fever in a horse, a miticidal agent can be used. This can be obtained from the veterinarian.

In addition, for every horse with mud fever, it is important to ensure a dry and clean environment. Moisture and dirt can hinder healing. If your horse's legs are wet, gently dry them with a clean, soft towel. For horses prone to mud fever, it is also advisable to limit the number of washes as much as possible.

For horses that are lame, have a swollen leg, or where the above treatments are insufficient, mud fever ointment with antibiotics is also used. The mud fever ointment contains antibiotics and anti-inflammatories that help to soothe the skin. Mud fever ointment with antibiotics is only available on prescription from the veterinarian. With a horse that has mud fever, it is important to identify the cause, and if the symptoms worsen or do not go away, it is wise to contact the veterinarian.