Mud fever is an inflammatory skin condition in a horse’s fetlock area, also known as fetlock dermatitis or fetlock eczema. It most commonly affects the fetlock creases, particularly on the hind legs. Mud fever can have many causes, though the classic form is caused by environmental factors such as moisture and poor hygiene in the stall or paddock.
Mud fever most commonly occurs in horses with long, thick fetlock hair, such as draft horses, Tinkers, or Friesians. In principle, however, any horse can develop mud fever. The fetlock crease is most commonly affected, where moisture provides optimal conditions for bacterial growth. Moisture and dirt tend to linger particularly stubbornly in long fetlock hair. However, mud fever can also occur on the sides or front of the fetlock. Non-pigmented areas of skin with white hair are frequently affected.
Mud fever can have various causes. Classic mud fever refers to a bacterial infection caused by moisture and poor hygiene in the barn or paddock. The skin softens and cracks form. This allows bacteria from the environment or the horse’s own skin flora to penetrate the skin and cause inflammation. Staphylococci are among the most common bacterial pathogens responsible for mud fever. However, they rarely occur alone but are usually found in combination with other bacteria, skin fungi, or mites.
Fesseldermatitis can also occur in connection with various other conditions. In some cases, these conditions affect not only the fetlock area but also other parts of the body. Additionally, combinations of multiple conditions may occur.
Mange can take various forms:
Depending on the severity of the mud fever, itching and/or pain may occur. If deep skin cracks and swelling develop, this can lead to lameness.
If the mud fever spreads further to the carpal or hock joints, it is referred to as “raspe.” The entire lower leg may then become swollen.
The “diagnosis” of mud fever is purely visual and easy for your veterinarian to make. Strictly speaking, however, mud fever is not a diagnosis. To determine the cause—that is, to make the actual diagnosis—your veterinarian will first ask you in detail about the history of the condition and assess your horse’s living conditions. Does mud fever occur year-round or only seasonally? Are only the fetlocks affected, or are other areas of the body involved as well? Is only your horse affected, or are other horses in the stable affected too? Your veterinarian will then conduct a general examination of your horse. Further diagnosis is typically performed using a superficial skin scraping or an adhesive tape swab (a method in which the pathogens adhere to an adhesive tape), followed by microscopic examination. If dermatophytosis is suspected, your veterinarian will perform a fungal culture (i.e., the targeted cultivation of fungi on a culture medium) and examine the results. If pemphigus foliaceus or photoactivated vasculitis is suspected, he or she will take a biopsy.
If your horse has a lot of mane, your veterinarian will first shave the fetlocks. He or she will remove any severe crusting completely at the outset using lukewarm water and an antiseptic soap. If necessary, compresses may be used to soak the area and loosen all the crusts. This is followed by a course of treatment—usually lasting several weeks—with antiseptic shampoo, spray, and/or cream. Depending on the cause, the affected area is treated with an antifungal agent (a medication for treating fungal infections) or an antiparasitic agent (a medication for treating parasites). In some cases, it may be necessary to administer an oral antibiotic or antiparasitic medication.
If your horse has pemphigus foliaceus, it will usually receive cortisone for life to suppress the immune system. The initially high dose of cortisone is gradually reduced until the lowest possible maintenance dose is reached. In some cases, cortisone can be discontinued entirely. In severe cases of photoactivated vasculitis, cortisone and possibly other specialized medications are also administered. For all UV-light-induced conditions, sunlight must also be avoided—for example, by allowing the horse to graze at night or by protecting its legs with pasture boots during the day. In cases of photosensitization and contact dermatitis, the triggering substance must be identified and eliminated. In some cases, supportive treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs is necessary.
Your horse should be kept in a dry and clean stall until it has fully healed—ideally, on a permanent basis. It should also have ample opportunity to move around on dry ground to stimulate blood circulation and thus promote healing.
If all contributing causes of mud fever are identified and treated or eliminated, the prognosis is good. Mild cases heal within one to two weeks. In cases of severe mud fever, treatment can be protracted. Furthermore, relapses are common because the skin in the affected area is damaged and therefore susceptible to new infections.
To prevent mud fever, it is important to keep your horse’s pasterns dry and clean. Good stable and paddock hygiene is crucial for this. If pathogens do manage to penetrate the skin, a strong immune system can fight them off. Therefore, ensure species-appropriate feeding and housing with ample opportunity for free movement. Minimizing stress also supports a strong immune system. Always adapt your horse’s training to its current condition and ensure a harmonious herd composition.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary advice. Please contact your veterinary practice directly.
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