How to treat a horse with mud fever? 6 helpful tips

Mud fever in horses can cause a great deal of discomfort. It is a troublesome condition, but fortunately it responds well to treatment. Read on to find out how to treat this condition in your horse!

What is mud fever in horses?

Mud fever is a collective term for inflammation of the skin on a horse’s lower legs. It often starts with redness, flaking and scabs. In some cases, it can also lead to swelling and sores. Sometimes you can recognise mud fever in a horse by a thickened leg. The symptoms often include:

  • Red and irritated skin
  • Flaking or scabs in the pastern area
  • Cracks or sores
  • Swelling and tenderness
  • Lameness, in severe cases

Early-stage mud fever in a horse can often be recognised by mild symptoms such as red skin. These skin problems can quickly worsen if not treated properly.

What causes mud fever?

This condition is caused by a compromised skin barrier. The skin on the lower legs is naturally thin and sensitive. If this skin remains damp for a prolonged period or comes into contact with mud, urine or manure, bacteria and fungi can easily penetrate it. This is why it is sometimes also referred to as wet mud fever.

What causes mud fever in horses?

This condition arises when the horse’s skin barrier becomes compromised. The skin on the lower legs, particularly in the pastern area, is naturally thin and sensitive. If this skin remains damp for a prolonged period or comes into contact with mud, urine or manure, bacteria and fungi can penetrate more easily. It can also be caused by parasites or hypersensitivity to certain types of ground or ointments.

mok paard rennen door de wei

Source: Pexels

What can be done to treat mud fever in horses?

1. Clean and dry the legs

Rinse off mud and dirt immediately whenever possible. Use lukewarm water and then dry the legs thoroughly with a clean towel. Avoid leaving the skin wet for long periods to prevent the condition from worsening.

2. Keep the stable clean

Keep the stable and the horse’s other living areas dry. Replace wet straw and ensure the horse avoids muddy areas.

3. Trim excess hair

For horses with a lot of leg hair, it is advisable to trim the hair around the pastern area. This allows the skin to breathe and dry more effectively.

4. Support the horse’s immune system

However clichéd it may sound, healthy skin starts from within. Therefore, ensure the horse gets enough vitamins, minerals and omegas. Also, minimise stress as much as possible.

5. Apply a gentle ointment

Use a gentle ointment to soothe, protect and repair the skin. Zinc ointment can be very helpful for mud fever, but use it with care depending on the stage of the condition. Avoid harsh products that dry out the skin.

6. Use red light therapy

Red light therapy helps to stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation and accelerate the skin’s natural healing process. Red light therapy devices such as the PowerCure laser can be used to treat your horse’s mud fever.

rood licht therapie apparaat kopen

Does red light therapy work for mud fever in horses?

Red light therapy is a valuable adjunct to the treatment of mud fever. It works best alongside good hygiene and wound care, thereby helping to speed up the skin’s healing process.

The red light penetrates the skin and stimulates the cells to produce more energy (ATP). This enables the body to combat inflammation and repair the damaged skin more quickly. These are the benefits of this form of light therapy for mud fever:

  • Reducing inflammation and swelling
  • Accelerating wound healing
  • Stimulating blood flow and oxygen supply
  • Relieving pain and irritation
  • Supporting the body’s natural defence mechanisms

Many horse owners find that red light therapy leads to faster recovery and calmer skin, especially when combined with good care.

PowerCure red light therapy for your horses

The PowerCure is a red light therapy laser that can be used to treat mud fever in horses. The device is specially designed for self-use, not only for horses, but also for other animals and people! Click here for user reviews of the PowerCure laser.

Shop the PowerCure laser here