Rainy days in winter are a common feature, often combined with wet, muddy paddocks and horses at risk of developing mud fever.  This non-contagious skin condition causes irritation to the horses’ lower legs, and it can have an impact on overall hoof health.

Signs of Mud Fever

• Crusty scabs on the heels or lower legs
• Heat, pain and swelling in the lower limb
• Discharge between skin and scabs – this could be creamy, white, yellow or green
• Broken and damaged skin
• Matted hair or patches of hair loss
• Visibly irritated skin

Causes and Risk Factors

It is mostly caused by bacteria and is most common in winter months. Wet conditions cause skin to soften and rub, and can irritate and damage the skin surface, letting bacteria in.  Wet conditions can also soften hooves and bacteria can enter the hoof in a similar way. Mud fever and thrush are both conditions that thrive in muddy, wet conditions.

Risk factors include;

• Standing in wet and muddy conditions
• Over-washing of the legs without adequate drying
• Standing in dirty bedding
• Broken or damaged skin due to a wound, such as an overreach injury
• Thin skin
• Having weakened immune system

The same conditions that increase risk of mud fever, also increase risk of softened hooves and bacterial diseases such as thrush and white line disease. Once there is an infection in the legs, it increases the risk of spread to the hooves.

Managing Mud Fever

As always, consulting with your vet is advisable as they will be able to give an accurate diagnosis and ensure treatment is tailored to meet your horse’s needs.

An example of a management plan could involve;

• Stabling your horse to get them out of wet and muddy conditions, allowing you to keep their skin clean and dry
• Gently removing scabs to gain better access to the skin, allowing air to aid in healing.
• Cleaning the affected area twice per day using mild antibacterial wash such as diluted Hibiscrub, ensuring legs are patted dry afterwards
• The application of stable bandages may keep legs clean and help to reduce swelling
• Individual treatment of causes such as fungal infection might be required

Preventing Mud Fever

• Ensure your horse has access to dry standing areas
• Adopt good grassland management practices such as field rotation, laying down hardcore.
• Instead of hosing muddy legs off, leave them to dry and then brush off the mud.
• Barrier creams can be used on clean, dry skin prior to turnout. This provides a protective layer between skin and mud. Do not apply barrier creams to infected areas as this can trap bacteria.
• Turnout boots are an option as long they are well fitting to avoid sores. 

With proactive care, you can reduce the risk of infections and help to keep legs and hooves in good health through the autumn and winter months.

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