Mud fever

  Mud fever is a disease of horses caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, also known as dermatophilosis. This condition is much more commonly called 'Scratches' or 'Dew Poisoning.' It usually affects the lower legs.

Mud fever affects most horses and ponies during winter and early spring. Resulting in painful sores and scabs, which in severe cases can make a horse lame, mud fever most commonly affects the pastern and heel area but can also affect the upper leg, the belly, and in some cases the neck area (also known as Rain Scald).

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Cause

Mud fever is caused by an infection of the skin by the bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis. Under normal circumstances the skin acts as a protective barrier, preventing the bacterium from entering the horse's system and doing any damage. However, the integrity of the epidermis can become compromised through the abrasion of soil grit on cold, wet skin. The continual wetting of the skin causes a breakdown of the protective barrier of the epidermis, allowing the bacterium to enter and cause infection.

Horses and ponies standing for hours in muddy, wet paddocks and at gates are a common sight during the winter months and early spring. It is in these conditions that mud fever thrives. Generally, those horses and ponies with white socks are more prone to the condition, although Mud Fever will affect horses of all breeds, ages and colours.

As with any bacterial infection, Mud Fever can become a very serious condition very quickly. The legs can become swollen and sore and open sores can become quickly infected. Often, such is the level of damage to the skin that these open sores can become very difficult to heal and can result in proud flesh, permanent hair loss and in severe cases the need for skin grafts.

Prevention

Paddock Management

Preventative action should be taken as soon as the paddocks start to become wet and muddy. Rotation of paddocks keeps horses from having to stand in wet, muddy ground. Electric fencing may also prevent horses from standing for long periods in the deep mud that collects in high traffic areas.

Grooming

Washing the infected area with an antiseptic solution is part of the treatment for mud fever however, washing your horse's legs repeatedly can remove the natural oils in the skin and may allow the condition to become established. Always dry legs thoroughly after washing with antibacterial shampoo using paper towels,

Care Products

There are many products available to help protect the skin from the constant wet by forming a barrier between the mud and the leg. However, barrier creams have the disadvantage that the horse's legs are still covered in mud when they come in from the field. Alternatively, some form of covering for the leg may be used such as Anti mud fever boots.

Treatment

Keeping the horse out of the wet and mud is the first step in treatment of mud fever. Initial treatment also consists of clipping of the hair away from the infected area and use of an anti-bacterial lotion on the scabs to soften them and gently remove them. When the scabs are removed, the skin is kept clean and dry. A Veterinary Surgeon is consulted for further treatment.

This article is copied in part from the Equilibrium website. Used by permission.