Mud fever is a widespread skin disease in horses that occurs primarily in the pasterns. This painful disease, also known as pastern eczema, is a type of dermatitis - inflammatory skin diseases caused by external stimuli. But what exactly is behind mud fever, how can it be recognized, and above all: how can it be effectively treated and prevented? In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know to protect your horse as best as possible.
What is mud fever and how does it arise?
Mud fever is caused by a combination of different factors. The most common causes include moisture, dirt and mechanical stimuli such as muddy ground, which puts strain on the sensitive skin of the pasterns. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or mites also play a role in its development. The skin in the affected areas is particularly susceptible to irritation, which promotes inflammatory processes.
Genetic factors or a weakened immune system can also increase the risk that the skin environment becomes unbalanced and an infection occurs.
Typical symptoms: How do you recognize mud fever?
The symptoms of mud fever are relatively clear and should not be ignored. The sooner you recognize the signs, the better you can act to prevent it from getting worse. Look out for the following symptoms:
- Redness and swelling in the pasterns
- Crust formation and hair loss in the affected areas
- Scaly skin and itching
- Deep, painful cracks in more severe cases
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you need to act quickly to help the healing process and prevent pain in the horse. If left untreated, dermatitis can become so severe that the horse becomes lame on the affected leg.
prevention and treatment
Although mud fever is a common disease, it can be easily prevented by taking appropriate measures. Cleanliness, a dry environment and regular grooming are the most important preventative steps. However, when keeping robust horses, it is often difficult to ensure complete dryness in the cold months. Therefore, the pasterns should be checked at least once a week.
If the disease does occur, the Hestakofi anti-mud spray offers a natural and effective treatment option. Thanks to probiotic active ingredients, the causes are combated directly without putting additional strain on the skin or irritating it.
Remember: the sooner you recognize signs of mud fever and react to them, the better the chances of recovery. With the right care and targeted measures, your horse will stay healthy and happy!
Note: In summer, an infestation of grass mites can often be confused with mud fever. See also our blog post: Grass mites or mud fever.
