Mud Fever

There are many factors that cause what is commonly known under the umbrella term of Mud Fever, Greasy Heel or Cracked Heel. Traditionally, Dermatophilus Congolensis was thought to be the problem, however, while this bacteria is often the main factor, it is by no means the only blame for this equine dermatitis condition.

Most commonly seen in wet and muddy situations, and most often on the hind legs around the pastern. However, the condition can also affect the back and hind quarters of horses where the condition is referred to under the common name of Rain Scald.

The skin becomes infected and inflamed and thickened showing lesions on the lower leg. Often showing with hair loss and crusting, sometimes a pussy discharge will ooze from the skin and harden into crusts. The cause of this infection can result when natural skin bacteria or foreign microorganisms can penetrate below the epidermis layer of the skin. This can be the result of damage caused by various factors, these can include leg mites which cause the horse to scratch and bite their own legs. It can also be caused by certain soils rubbing against wet and softened skin, damaging the outer layers. Rough grazing where Pony showing signs of mud fever/rain scald plants damage the legs can also cause damage, rough bedding or inappropriate leg washing procedures. Horses with feathered, unclipped legs can be at high risk from mites, and thence the resulting infections. Other conditions such as Cushing’s Disease may predispose or weaken the natural immunity of the horse to mud fever conditions. It is important to get your equine vet to diagnose the condition, especially in persistent situations where the condition is persistent, as immediate medical treatment is important.

Common prevention and treatment techniques should be observed, many vets will recommend the removal of the scabs as Dermatophilus congolensis is an anaerobic bacteria and therefore will not survive where oxygen is present.

Other helpful recommendations include bandaging muddy legs to wick away the moisture and then brush off the dried mud the following day after rather than constant washing. Soaking clean legs with a suitable disinfectant solution and using barrier creams such as Equizal on clean dry legs before turnout. Veterinary treatment may include steroids and antibiotics. The use of electric fencing and gateway matting should also be a consideration in the control of animal access to muddy situations.

The general outlook for horses with mud fever is a good one, treatment is normally straightforward and successful. Like many other conditions, quick action and treatment is essential to the health and comfort of the horse.