Mud Fever, Cracked Heels and Scratches

There is some anecdotal evidence that horses with light skin are more readily affected. While horses with a lot of feather seem predisposed, the condition is found in horses with clipped legs as well. If left untreated, the mud fever may spread to up the horse’s legs and even to his belly.

Mud fever is caused by a bacterium known as dermatophilus congolensis which is most often associated with cold wet weather. This bacteria is the same one found in rain rot or rain scald. Consult Gladstone Equine's library to find books that will provide more in-depth information on mud fever.

The condition seems to be aggravated by washing mud off the legs without properly drying them. For this reason, there is a tradition that holds that mud should not be washed off a horse’s legs but rather be allowed to dry and then brushed off.

Cracked Heels begins with the skin becoming chapped. Constant moisture and dirt or mud irritate the skin further, causing it to thicken and appear calloused, by this time, the bacteria has colonized the area. Constant movement causes small cracks to appear which become infected, resulting in a discharge that ultimately becomes scabrous.

As always, the first step in treatment is to remove the cause. To treat Mud Fever we have to address moisture, irritant, and bacteria.

First, clip the hair in the affected area. Next, you must carefully clean the legs thoroughly with an antibacterial shampoo or an antiseptic solution. This will also serve to soften the scabs, which must be removed so that you may treat the infection that they are protecting. Cautiously remove the scabs, dry thoroughly and then treat the area with an anti-bacterial like iodine or an anti-bacterial ointment.

In severe cases of Mud Fever where the leg has been swollen, antibiotic treatment may be needed and a corticosteroid cream may also be prescribed. These creams are readily available. However, in severe cases, your vet may want to administer antibiotics by means of an injection.

We have seen excellent results from Low Energy Light Therapy, or LEPT, which is a fine method for treating dermatitis and other skin diseases. LEPT reduces infection and swelling through increasing vascularity and circulation. In addition. clinical studies by medical schools independent research organizations and even NASA have confirmed that LEPT is highly effective in treating skin lesions and ulcerations.

Gladstone Equine treats mud fever and other forms of dermatitis with the STS-2 Equine Therapy System from Sumerel Therapeutics.

Magnetic Therapy has also been promoted as a useful modality, but we have not seen any clinical evidence to sustain those claims. If you are aware of any scientific studies that support the efficacy of magnetic therapy, please let us know about them.

The final step in treating Mud Fever is to prevent further outbreaks. Do your best to keep the horse in dry conditions. Certainly this is easier with a stable-kept horse. Remove any excessive feather, but once the acute condition has cleared up, further clipping is not necessarily recommended. A good tack shop or horse supply store will carry leg wraps and bandages that can be worn in the field to help prevent Mud Fever.

Gladstone Equine can help find and treat your horse’s physical problems painlessly. Click here to schedule an appointment.