Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is a painful skin condition affecting horses in wet conditions. Prevention through management and prompt treatment reduces suffering through the winter season.
Mud fever causes localised but significant pain. The crusting and skin inflammation at the pastern region are painful to touch, and in severe cases swelling extends up the limb causing lameness and systemic signs. Repeated bouts progressively damage skin architecture, increasing susceptibility to future infections. The welfare response begins with prevention: mud management through hard standing areas, track systems, and alternative turnout significantly reduces incidence. Where infection occurs, treatment must balance effective lesion management with minimising additional discomfort — softening scabs before removal and applying appropriate barrier creams post-treatment are welfare-positive practices. Owners should monitor horses' lower limbs regularly through wet weather to identify early lesions.