Can you ride a horse with mud fever?
Mud fever is a skin condition that affects horses’ pasterns, fetlocks and lower legs. It is frequently exacerbated by damp conditions and is an ailment that often requires veterinary attention.
Skin disease including mud fever, is part of the third most frequently claimed for group of ailments for our horse insurance customers at SEIB. Recent statistics from our claims team show that the average claim cost for skin disease for horses belonging to SEIB customers stands at just over £1,300.
We decided to delve a little deeper to help understand what mud fever is and how it can affect our horses. Laura Spalding (DrMedVet MRCVS) from our local veterinary practice Paton and Lee in Witham kindly stepped in to help us out.
Signs of Mud Fever
Mud fever in horses is a bacterial skin infection, it presents with crusty scabs, matted hair, and sometimes discharge on the lower legs, especially the pasterns, which can lead to heat, pain, and swelling, and in severe cases, lameness.
Early warning – Horses with pink skin are more prone to mud fever. Early signs may include redness and hair loss in the affected area.
Prevention is better that cure – Keep legs clean and dry where possible.
Causes of Mud fever
There are many reasons a horse can get mud fever, including prolonged exposure to damp and muddy conditions, frequent washing of the legs and sweating underneath boots in damp weather. Horses that have had their legs rubbed by overreach boots, or incorrectly fitting bandages can also be susceptible to mud fever. Mud fever generally occurs in damp conditions which allows the skin to soften and creates a breeding ground for bacteria.
The classic pathogen associated with mud fever is called dermatophilus congolensis. This is the same pathogen that causes rain scald. This is an opportunistic pathogen that lives naturally in the environment and infects skin when it gets wet or damaged. Warm and moist conditions allow the bacteria to thrive. In practice there are often multiple pathogens involved in causing mud fever. A swab or biopsy may be needed to identify these and run a culture and sensitivity test to assess treatment options in severe cases.
How to treat and manage mud fever
It is generally advised to thoroughly and regularly wash the affected area with warm water and a diluted antimicrobial cleaner and gently remove any scabs before thoroughly drying. Keeping the horse stabled and away from muddy conditions can help prevent the condition from worsening.
If the mud fever is not improving or completely resolved within a week, or if your horse becomes lame or has a swollen leg, you should contact your vet for advice. The vet will likely want to conduct an in-person examination before prescribing treatment.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether there is associated cellulitis. Mud fever on its own will be treated with management and topical creams/treatments, such as antibacterial cream like silver sulfadiazine, and possibly a steroid cream. If there is associated cellulitis, oral anti-inflammatories and possibly oral steroids may be included. Your vet will decide at the time whether injectable medications are required.
The management of mud fever includes keeping the affected area clean and dry. The vet may recommend a one-off cleaning with chlorhexidine (Hibi) scrub or iodine to remove crusts and scabs, followed by thoroughly drying with a towel. If the area is clean and dry after this, it does not need further washing. If it is dirty or particularly scabbed, a gentle wash with plain water or saltwater may be beneficial, followed by thorough drying. Management may also require box rest depending on field conditions. If the area is swollen or has associated cellulitis, hand walking and cold therapy may be required.
Can you ride a horse with mud fever?
If the horse is sound and movement will not break open scabs or delay healing, it is fine to ride a horse with mud fever. If the lesions are deep or extensive, or if your horse is lame, your vet may advise ceasing ridden work until the condition is completely resolved. This is usually assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Preventing further outbreaks of mud fever
Keeping horses out of the mud and their legs as dry as possible will help prevent further outbreaks of mud fever. This can be challenging when the ground is wet and poached. Electric fencing can be used to keep horses off the muddiest section of a field, or to rotate land where possible. Adding hardcore or gravel to areas around gateways can also help. It can also be worth considering keeping horses stabled when field conditions are very bad.
Once mud fever has cleared up, wash legs sparingly and always make sure they are thoroughly dried. Ensure that any boots or bandages used are well fitting and not left on for long periods of time.
Always speak to your vet if you have any concerns about management of mud fever or your horse’s general wellbeing.
With thanks to Paton and Lee Equine Vets.
About SEIB
SEIB Insurance Brokers have been providing insurance for Horses for over 60 years. We provide a flexible range of policies to suit your needs. Our experienced team of horse owners can help provide you with advice on what cover you might need.
