{"id":14506,"date":"2023-01-14T14:51:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-14T18:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/?p=14506"},"modified":"2023-01-14T15:17:02","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T19:17:02","slug":"mud-fever-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/mud-fever-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Mud Fever\u00a0in Horses: What It Is & How\u00a0to Treat It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mud fever is a dermatological condition that’s typically found on the rear of the fetlock<\/a> region. It’s also known as pastern dermatitis<\/a>, or cracked heels, due to its scabby presentation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition gets its common name from the fact it tends to appear during times when pastures and paddocks are muddy. However, mud itself is not the culprit so much as it’s the collision of two conditions that combine together and result in a crusty, painful skin condition for the horse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Veteran horse owners will say that mud fever is near the top of the list in terms of skin conditions they don’t want to see. It’s a nuisance, difficult to heal once it takes hold, and can make a horse lame. Fortunately, it’s possible to prevent mud fever by taking precautions, such as using mud fever boots<\/a>, and engaging in post-turnout maintenance of your horse’s legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn more about the condition, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from taking hold. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    As always, the information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice for your horse. You should always consult with your vet when treating your horse.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Basics of\u00a0Mud Fever<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The condition gets the mud part of its name from the fact that it’s most often seen during wet seasons that turn sand and soil into a sloppy and muddy mess. Horses that spend time standing around in these conditions are at higher risk of developing mud fever, although it’s not a guarantee that the condition will take hold. If a horse is caked in mud that’s abrasive, it’s more likely to develop mud fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moisture and grit are two of the properties that make up mud. Mud will cake and dry on the fetlock joint, and abrade if it contains a lot of sand or grit. The action of a horse’s leg causes the mud to abrade the skin, opening up scratches that allow bacteria to enter into the skin. Once the bacteria has a point of entry into the skin, it can take advantage of the favorable conditions to create an infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fever part of the name comes from the heat that is generated by the scabs that develop after the bacteria has taken hold. The horse’s body mounts an immune defense\/offense to eliminate the bacteria and heal itself. Scabs form to cover the skin breaks caused by the bacteria, and an inflammatory reaction also sets in. Even though the horse isn’t experiencing a fever, the area will be hot to the touch, hence the use of the word fever<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What causes mud fever specifically?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The condition is mainly caused by a type of bacteria called dermatophilus congolensis<\/em>, but it can be caused by other types of bacteria. Mites can also cause mud fever by chewing holes in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter the skin layer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can a horse become lame from mud fever?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Yes, a horse can become lame and look as if it has a serious lower leg problem from the pain of mud fever. Before you go looking for an injury, check the pastern joint for heat and swelling along with the following signs of mud fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What are the Signs of Mud Fever in Horses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Before you touch your horse’s leg for an inspection, do a visual check first. The condition can be painful and your horse may flinch or kick when you go to touch the affected area.<\/strong> If you can’t see the signs, stand to the side of your horse and slowly draw your hand down their leg so they know you’re there and you’re not intending to hurt them. You need to investigate the condition, but also avoid a kick. Be careful and always be aware of your horse’s reaction to your inspection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When looking for the signs of mud fever, remember that it is restricted to the lower fetlock joint and heel bulbs. The signs of mud fever in horses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n