Struggling with mud fever? Here’s what you need to know to tackle it…

the horse will be lame. Long feathered hair can act as a protecting waterproofing layer unless it gets completely waterlogged or is infested with feather mites.

Typical signs
The signs of mud fever are fairly classic and easy to recognise with the distribution of the sores reflecting the areas that have been subjected to continued wetting and trauma.
Matted areas of hair containing crusty scabs
Small circular ulcerated moist lesions beneath scabs
Thick creamy white yellow or greenish discharge between the skin and overlying scab
Removed scab typically has a concave underside with the hair roots protruding
Deep fissures in the skin in severe cases the skin at the back of the leg may split open producing horizontal fissures which is why it is sometimes called cracked heels. When these are found on the front legs they can be mistaken for overreach injuries
Eventual hair loss leaving rawlooking inflamed skin underneath
Heat swelling and pain on pressure or flexion of limb
Possible lameness
If severely affected lethargy depression and loss of appetite can ensue.
There are various other predisposing factors
Prolonged damp mild conditions
Standing in deep mud or soiled bedding
Constantly washing limbs before andor after work without fully drying them afterwards
Excessive sweating under rugs or tack
Heavy limb feathering is frequently blamed but this is probably because the legs tend to be washed and scrubbed more than unfeathered ones clipping them may not be the answer as this exposes the skin further although it also gives better access for treatment
Skin trauma such as rubbing from overreach boots or incorrectly fitted bandages chaffing from
artificial surfaces such as sand or overenthusiastic grooming
Generally unhealthy skin or the presence of a poor immune system usually secondary to some other primary health problem
White limbs or patches on the body possibly due to an associated photosensitisation issue