Horse Mud Fever: Preventing and Treating Pastern Dermatitis

Mud fever — also known as pastern dermatitis — is a painful skin condition common in horses kept on wet, muddy ground. Prevention and prompt treatment are key to protecting equine welfare during wet seasons.

Key Facts

Mud fever is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis bacteria and sometimes Fusobacterium necrophorum, thriving in wet conditions
Symptoms include crusty scabs, swelling, heat, and pain in the lower legs, particularly the pastern and heel
Horses with feathered legs (e.g. Clydesdales, Shires) are particularly susceptible due to moisture retention
Chronic cases can lead to cellulitis — a deeper bacterial infection requiring intensive veterinary treatment
Prevention centres on minimising mud exposure, ensuring good drainage, and careful leg hygiene
Clipping feathered legs in winter improves monitoring and reduces moisture retention
Treatment involves removing scabs gently, keeping affected areas clean and dry, and antibacterial topical application

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes significant pain — affected horses may show reluctance to move, shifting weight off sore limbs, and marked distress during handling. Chronic or severe cases can cause lameness and secondary infection. The welfare impact extends beyond physical pain to include restricted movement and disruption of normal behaviour. Proactive management through pasture rotation, shelter provision, and seasonal leg care substantially reduces incidence and severity.

What You Can Do

Assess and improve paddock drainage to reduce persistent mud accumulation
Inspect horse legs daily during wet weather and dry thoroughly after washing
Clip feathered legs in autumn/winter to allow better monitoring and drying
Use barrier creams on clean, dry skin as prophylactic protection in high-risk conditions
Consult a veterinarian promptly if scabs, swelling, or lameness develop
Rotate paddocks to prevent localised mud patches from worsening around gateways and feeding areas