How to Prevent and Treat Mud Fever
- and to render the area less hospitable to bacteria.
- Wash the area thoroughly but gently with warm water and an antibacterial cleanser. Avoid cold water and vigorous scrubbing, both of which will further irritate the skin. If the crusts are dried and hard, try to soak them off rather than picking at them. Tough scabs can also be softened prior to washing with a generous layer of antibacterial ointment or cream.
- Thoroughly dry the area with a clean towel, blotting as opposed to rubbing so as to avoid causing the horse discomfort and damaging the skin further.
- Apply liberal amounts of an antibacterial ointment or cream at least once daily. The leg should be bandaged to keep it clean
The procedure should be repeated daily until the area has healed but refrain from washing the area too often as the additional moisture will only perpetuate the problem. Instead, allow any accumulated mud to dry and then gently brush away.
The above treatment plan may be adequate for mild to moderate cases of mud fever. In severe cases a veterinarian can take a swab to test for bacterial growth to allow for use of the most appropriate antibiotic.
Prevention
The best way to prevent mud fever is to minimize exposure to wet, muddy conditions, through good paddock management or stabling the horse at night on clean, dry bedding so skin has a chance to dry out. All horses should have their legs checked during routine grooming for abrasions and early signs of mud fever. Horses that are prone to mud fever may benefit from having their legs preemptively clipped and from application of a barrier cream prior to turnout or exercise so long as the legs are clean and dry.
