Mud Fever
Vet, Horse First Aid

From: Equestrian and Horse | Horse Ailments

See also: Tack | Clipping | Rugs | Worming | Care

Mud Fever
A bacterial skin infection caused by the bacteria Dermatophilus.

Symptoms

Lameness
Scabs and sores forming around the heels and pasterns.

Horses At risk

Horses with white legs and heels are extra prone to mud fever although it can affect any colour.
Horses stood all day in wet and muddy conditions.

Causes
The skin around the heels and pasterns loses its ability to protect itself against the wet and mud due to prolonged exposure, allowing the bacteria within the soil to infect the skin and cause scabs to form.

Treatment

Cut back the long hair around the heel and pasterns so that the extent of the mud fever can be seen, by doing this you will also allow the area to dry more quickly and aid in the healing process.
Use an antiseptic wash to clean the area and then carefully dry.
Apply a antiseptic solution onto the scabs which will help to fight the infection and lift off the scabs to leave pink skin underneath.
The lower legs must be kept out of the wet and mud to allow the healing process to take place.
Once healed use a barrier cream to help to protect the heels such as udder cream or vasaline.

Prevention

Use mud fever boots to protect your horses legs.
Paddock rotation where possible.
Try to fence off areas where horses are likely to stand for long periods in deep wet mud, for example by gateways.

Mud Fever Vet, Horse First Aid

Mud Fever
Vet, Horse First Aid