With the arrival of spring, horse owners should watch out for “mud fever.”
Scratches, greasy heel, dew poisoning or dermatitis – no matter what you call it, it irritates a horse’s skin and like any bacterial infection, it has potential to do much deeper damage.
Exposing skin to wet conditions on a continual basis can result in a breakdown of the protective barrier of epidermis, allowing bacteria to invade and resulting in infection.
Small red ulcerations of the skin can often be spotted at the back of the pastern signalling the beginning of this infection. Other signs are scabbing, oozing of serum, loss of hair and inflammation.
To prevent mud fever provide clean, dry bedding in the stall and turn out in a well drained field.
Also turn out in a clean field free from mud and manure.
For the proper treatment procedures and tips view the mud fever information sheet at http://www.equineguelph.ca.
