Bring the horse onto dry footing, gently clean and fully dry the legs, remove scabs only when they lift easily, and apply a barrier or treatment. Bad or swollen cases need the vet.
What mud fever is
Mud fever, also called scratches or pastern dermatitis, is a bacterial skin infection that takes hold when the lower leg is wet and dirty for long periods. The skin becomes sore, scabby and crusty, usually on the heels and pasterns, and can crack and weep.
Get the legs dry
The single most important step is to break the wet cycle. Move the horse to a dry area, avoid deep mud, and let the legs dry fully. Repeated washing that leaves legs damp makes mud fever worse, not better, so dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
Clean and treat gently
Once the legs are dry, clean affected areas gently with a mild antiseptic and pat dry. Only remove scabs that lift away easily, as picking at firm scabs is painful and spreads infection. Apply a barrier or treatment cream to protect and heal the skin.
Protect against more mud
Keep the horse out of the worst mud while it heals, rotate gateways, and use hardstanding near troughs and gates. Some owners use turnout boots, but only if they can be kept clean and dry, since a dirty wet boot makes things worse. Regular grooming lets you spot early scabs, so keep a good grooming kit handy.
When to call the vet
If the leg is swollen, hot, very sore, or the horse is lame, or if it does not improve within a few days, call your vet. Bad cases can need clipping, antibiotics and pain relief, and swelling up the leg can signal a deeper infection.
