Mud fever is one of the most common skin conditions in horses, primarily affecting the sensitive skin in the pastern area. The good news is that with proper care, mud fever in horses can be effectively treated and prevented. In this guide, you will learn all about the causes, symptoms, and various severity levels of mud fever, as well as how you can support your horse with appropriate treatment.
What is mud fever in horses?
mud fever is an inflammatory skin disease that often occurs in the fetlock area of horses. It is caused by a combination of moisture, dirt and bacteria or even mites and manifests itself as redness, swelling, crusting and weeping wounds.
Horses with long fetlocks are frequently affected, especially in the winter months. The disease occurs quite frequently and is considered difficult to treat if severe, as therapy is often laborious and takes a long time. If left untreated, mud fever can lead to pain and restricted movement.
Important to know: Mud fever is not a single disease, but rather a symptom complex with various potential causes. Depending on the trigger and severity, different forms of mud fever are distinguished – ranging from mild skin irritation to chronic verrucous mud fever.
Forms of mud fever: From mild to chronic
Mud fever can occur in various degrees of severity. Differentiating between them is important as it influences treatment:
Mild mud fever
The skin in the pastern area shows initial reddening, slight scaling, and fine cracks. The horse reacts sensitively to touch. At this stage, mud fever is usually easy to treat and heals completely with consistent care.
Exudative (weeping) mud fever
The skin is intensely red, weeps, and forms yellowish crusts. Wound fluid collects under the crusts, allowing pathogens to multiply further. The horse shows clear pain responses. This form requires careful, gentle treatment.
Chronic mud fever (verrucous mud fever / scratches)
With long-lasting or recurring mud fever, the skin can undergo permanent changes. Wart-like growths and thickened areas of skin develop – known as verrucous mud fever or scratches. This chronic form spreads upward from the pastern toward the cannon bone. It requires long-term, intensive care.
Causes of mud fever in horses
It is almost impossible to keep the skin in the fetlock free of germs. Normally, germs are repelled by the skin's natural protective barrier and by the immune system when they enter.
However, the skin in the fetlock is under a lot of strain as it is exposed to constant movement and stretching. Tiny injuries, such as small tears in the fetlock bend, are the gateway for germs and mites to enter the skin. Insect bites can also severely irritate the skin and promote mud fever. The sparse hair also makes it easier for germs to reach the skin.
Once they have reached the uppermost layer of the skin (epidermis), they can spread further. The body reacts to this with an inflammatory reaction. A mixture of wound fluid, dead skin flakes, dirt from the environment and the germs causing the infection then results in the typical crust of the scab, which sticks very firmly to the skin and hair. Under the crust, the germs can continue to multiply in the moist, warm environment and attack new, still healthy skin. This creates a vicious circle in which ever larger crusts and more severe inflammation can develop.
Mud fever can also be triggered by a pre-existing thrush , where the pathogens spread from the frog, across the bulbs of the heel, all the way into the pastern!
Sorrels and horses with light skin in particular are affected more frequently and more severely than horses with dark skin.
Further risk factors for mud fever:
- Breed predisposition: Draft horses, Tinkers, and Friesians with their heavy feathering are particularly susceptible. The dense feathering keeps moisture on the skin longer and delays drying.
- Mite infestation: Chorioptes mites (leg mange mites) can trigger or worsen mud fever.
- Photosensitivity: Horses with unpigmented (pink) skin and white legs are more sensitive to UV radiation. The irritated skin is more susceptible to infections, which is why mud fever can also occur in summer.
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Environmental factors: Muddy paddocks, wet bedding, sand, and irritating plants (e.g., stinging nettles) significantly promote the development of mud fever.
Recognizing mud fever in horses: Symptoms and stages
Small rednesses, which are usually not taken too seriously, are often the start of a mud fever. A few hours to days later, small crusts may cover the skin. These then quickly become larger and protrude more and more from the healthy skin.
Sometimes the areas ooze and are very red. In this case, these areas hurt the horse and can lead to serious, difficult-to-treat skin inflammation or even phlegmon.
Typical signs of mud fever at a glance
- Redness and swelling in the pastern
- Scaly, cracked skin
- Crust formation (yellowish-brown, firmly adhering)
- Weeping areas beneath the crusts
- Sensitivity and pain response to touch
- Warmth in the affected area
- In severe cases: Lameness and swelling of the entire leg
The earlier you recognize the first signs and take action, the better the chances of recovery. Therefore, regularly check your horse's pasterns – especially during the wet season and in horses with heavy feathering.
When should a veterinarian be consulted?
In many cases, early stages of pastern dermatitis (mud fever) can be treated independently with consistent care. However, there are situations when you should consult a veterinarian:
- Severe swelling of the entire leg (can indicate phlegmon)
- Lameness or significant restriction of movement
- Fever or general lethargy in the horse
- Purulent discharge or strong odor
- No improvement despite consistent treatment after 1–2 weeks
- Suspected mite infestation (severe itching, horse stamping or rubbing)
- Chronic or recurring mud fever that does not permanently improve
- Bleeding areas of skin
The veterinarian can determine the exact cause (e.g., via a swab or coat sample) and initiate targeted treatment if necessary—such as for mites, fungal infections, or bacterial infections.
Preventing mud fever in horses
In order to prevent mud fever, it is important to keep the skin of the fetlock bend clean and supple. If the skin is cared for and small wounds are cleaned immediately with a disinfectant soap, it is difficult for the germs that cause mud fever to penetrate the skin. Hygiene in the stable and exercise area reduces the bacterial load in the fetlock bend and is therefore essential to prevent mud fever.
If you detect crusts in the fetlock bend, it is necessary to treat them immediately and not let a few more days pass, as the mud fever can spread very quickly.
Further preventive measures:
- Paddock management: Avoid permanent muddy areas. Good drainage, paddock grids, or regular removal of manure keep the ground drier. A paved feeding area can also help.
- Equipment hygiene: Regularly clean and completely dry boots, bandages, and bell boots. Damp, dirty equipment encourages the proliferation of germs directly on the pastern.
- Feather care: For horses with long feathering on their legs, regularly trimming the hair can help keep the skin dry. Important: Do not clip during acute mud fever—clipping can cause additional injury to irritated skin.
- Keeping the pastern dry: Always dry the pastern thoroughly after washing or in wet conditions. Residual moisture under the feathering is an ideal breeding ground for germs.
Good hoof care also contributes to prevention: Healthy hooves and a well-maintained frog prevent germs from spreading from the hoof toward the pastern.
Home remedies for mud fever: What actually helps?
Many horse owners initially turn to home remedies when dealing with mud fever. While some of these are sensible, others can worsen the situation:
- Zinc ointment: Can help soothe the skin in cases of dry, scaly mud fever. However, it is unsuitable for weeping mud fever because it forms an airtight seal and traps moisture beneath the crust. The zinc ointment does not dissolve the crust, meaning the underlying cause is not addressed.
- Curd soap: Is often recommended, but it is counterproductive. Soaps have an alkaline pH, which promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi—precisely the opposite of what we want to achieve.
- Honey: Actually possesses antibacterial properties and can provide supportive care for small, superficial wounds. However, it is not sufficient on its own for widespread or weeping mud fever.
- Iodine soap / Betaisodona: Has a disinfectant effect, but dries the skin out severely. Frequent use can cause additional skin irritation.
- Ballistol / oils: Keep the skin supple, but have no disinfectant effect. Inadequate as a standalone treatment for acute mud fever. Essential oils can cause additional skin irritation.
The problem with many home remedies: they only treat the surface rather than the root cause. For stubborn crusts, you need a solution that gently removes the crust without harming the underlying skin – which is precisely why Keralit Keralysin Ointment was developed.
Common mistakes in mud fever treatment
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Removing scabs without pretreatment
Whether dry or pre-soaked: Removing scabs without suitable pretreatment damages the underlying skin and allows germs to penetrate new skin areas again. The next day, the scab is back and the mud fever is even worse.
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Washing the pastern
Washing the horse's pastern when heavily soiled is useful to properly remove additional dirt from the already irritated skin.
However, frequent washing is counterproductive, as pathogens multiply even faster in moist conditions.
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Wash the fetlock bend with curd soap
Bacteria and fungi love an alkaline environment. Soaps have an alkaline pH value and therefore promote the growth of germs.
Treating pastern dermatitis: Proper care step by step
The right treatment consists of removing the dermatitis crusts as gently as possible without damaging the underlying skin. A great option for gently loosening crusts is Keralit Keralysin Ointment.
As soon as the crust can be gently wiped away, the areas underneath can be disinfected or soothed with a nourishing ointment. For the care and regeneration of the skin, Keralit Dermacure Ointment is ideally suited. This allows the affected areas to regenerate and the skin to restore its protective barrier.
The goal of pastern dermatitis treatment is to gently remove the crusts without injuring the underlying skin – and subsequently to support skin regeneration.
Step 1: Gently loosening the crusts
Apply Keralit Keralysin Ointment generously to the crusted areas. The ointment gently softens the crusts overnight, allowing them to be easily removed the next day without injuring the underlying skin.
Step 2: Carefully removing the crusts
Once the crusts have softened, they can be gently wiped off with a soft cloth or your fingers. Important: Do not rub or scratch! Crusts that do not come off easily require further treatment.
Step 3: Nourishing and regenerating the skin
After removing the crusts, the skin needs care to restore its natural protective barrier. Keralit Dermacure Ointment supports the regeneration of dry and irritated skin and keeps it supple.
Step 4: Continuing treatment consistently
Pastern dermatitis rarely heals overnight. Repeat the care routine daily until the skin has healed completely. Even after healing, you should continue to monitor the pastern area for a few days and treat it if necessary.
Important: If there is a suspected mite infestation, fungal infection, or bacterial involvement, a veterinarian should determine the cause, as additional targeted treatment may be necessary.
Feeding for pastern dermatitis: Nutrients that support the skin
In addition to topical care, nutrition can also contribute to skin health. Certain nutrients support skin regeneration and strengthen its natural protective barrier:
- Zinc: One of the most important nutrients for skin health. Zinc is involved in wound healing and strengthens the skin barrier. Horses with recurring skin problems may have a zinc deficiency.
- Biotin: Known for its positive effects on hooves and coat, biotin also supports skin renewal.
- Vitamin A: Promotes the cell renewal of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (e.g., from linseed oil) support a healthy skin structure.
A high-quality mineral feed such as ATCOM Huf-Vital can help close nutritional gaps and support the skin, hooves, and coat from within. However, feeding does not replace topical treatment; it complements it. Pastern dermatitis must always be treated locally as well.
Frequently asked questions about pastern dermatitis in horses
Is pastern dermatitis in horses contagious?
Pastern dermatitis itself is not directly transmissible from horse to horse. However, the triggering pathogens (bacteria, fungi, mites) can be transmitted via shared equipment such as brushes, boots, or bandages. Therefore, make sure to use separate grooming tools and clean the equipment regularly.
Should you remove the crusts caused by pastern dermatitis?
Yes – but only gently! Germs continue to multiply under the crusts in the warm, humid environment. Removing the crusts is therefore important for healing. However, the crusts must never be scraped or torn off, as this injures the skin and worsens the dermatitis. A special ointment for gentle crust removal (such as Keralit Keralysin Ointment) is the best solution here.
Can pastern dermatitis also occur in summer?
Yes, pastern dermatitis is not exclusively a winter condition. In summer, insect bites, photosensitivity (especially in horses with white legs), and mite infestations can lead to pastern dermatitis. Dry, cracked skin caused by dust and sand can also serve as an entry point for germs.
What is the difference between pastern dermatitis and chronic pastern dermatitis (raspe)?
Chronic pastern dermatitis (also known as verrucous pastern dermatitis) is a chronic form of the condition. While acute pastern dermatitis can heal completely with proper treatment, prolonged or recurring dermatitis leads to permanent skin changes: the skin thickens and forms wart-like growths that spread upward from the pastern toward the cannon bone. Chronic pastern dermatitis is particularly common in draft horses and can occur due to genetic predisposition, chronic skin and lymphatic issues, feathering, or the skin environment, even without preceding pastern dermatitis.
Does clipping help with pastern dermatitis (scratches)?
Trimming the feathers (long hair on the lower legs) can be a useful preventive measure, as it allows the skin to dry more easily. However, you should not clip during an acute bout of pastern dermatitis: the clippers can injure the irritated skin and worsen the inflammation. Wait until the skin has healed completely before trimming the feathers.