Mud fever in horses: causes, effective treatments and natural remedies

What is mud fever in horses?

Mud fever, also known as dermatophilosis, pastern dermatitis, or "greasy heel" in English, is a very common skin condition that primarily affects the lower limbs of horses. Despite its name, it is not caused by a mite like true mange, but by a combination of bacteria and fungi that proliferate in conditions of prolonged moisture.

This dermatitis can quickly become painful and debilitating if not treated correctly, leading to lameness, edema, and secondary infections. Fortunately, with an understanding of the causes and appropriate treatment, mud fever can be effectively treated and prevented.

Causes of mud fever

The main pathogen: Dermatophilus congolensis

Mud fever is primarily caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, a filamentous bacterium that thrives in humid conditions. This bacterium remains dormant as spores in the environment and becomes active when the skin is softened and weakened by prolonged moisture.

Predisposing factors

Humidity and mud: prolonged exposure to moisture (muddy paddocks, damp bedding, persistent rain) softens the skin and destroys its natural protective barrier, allowing bacteria to penetrate.

Skin maceration: constantly damp skin weakens, cracks, and becomes vulnerable to infections.

Season: mud fever is more common in autumn and winter, periods of abundant rain and mud.

Lack of hygiene: accumulation of dried mud on the limbs creates micro-lesions and retains moisture.

Individual predisposition: some horses are more susceptible, especially those with:

• Limbs with abundant feathers (which retain moisture)
• White or pink skin (more fragile)
• Weakened immune system
• History of mud fever (frequent recurrences)

Predisposed breeds: Fresians, Shires, Clydesdales, Gypsy Cobs, and other breeds with developed feathers are particularly affected.

Secondary infections

Mud fever creates a favorable environment for secondary infections by:

• Fungi: yeasts and dermatophytes that aggravate inflammation
• Opportunistic bacteria: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus that complicate the infection

Symptoms of mud fever

Initial stage

• Redness and warmth in the pasterns and lower limbs
• Skin slightly swollen and sensitive to touch
• Appearance of small scabs
• Mild itching (the horse may scratch)

Moderate stage

• Thick and widespread scabs, often in "scales"
• Oozing under the scabs (serous or purulent exudate)
• Characteristic unpleasant odor
• Pain on touch
• Swelling (edema) of the limb
• Hair loss in affected areas
• Stiffness and discomfort when walking

Severe stage

• Very thick and extensive scabs extending up the cannon
• Significant edema of the limb (stocking up)
• Marked lameness due to pain
• Deep fissures and bleeding
• Severe bacterial superinfection
• Possible lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic vessels)
• Fever and lethargy in severe cases

Diagnosis of mud fever

Clinical diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on clinical examination:

• Characteristic location (pasterns, lower limbs)
• Typical appearance of the scabs
• Context (humid season, muddy environment)
• Characteristic odor

Additional examinations

In atypical or severe cases, the veterinarian may perform:

• Microscopic examination: identification of Dermatophilus congolensis
• Bacterial culture: identification of secondary bacteria
• Skin biopsy: exclusion of other conditions (vasculitis, photosensitization)

Treatment of mud fever

Conventional treatment

Cleaning and removal of scabs: an essential but delicate step. Scabs must be softened (soaking, poultice) then carefully removed to avoid creating new lesions.

Antiseptics: chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, diluted bleach for disinfection. Caution: some products can be irritating and slow healing.

Antibiotics:

• Topical: antibiotic ointments on the lesions
• Systemic: injectable penicillin in severe or extensive cases

Anti-inflammatories: to reduce pain and edema in severe cases.

Limitations of conventional treatments:

• Chemical products sometimes aggressive for the skin
• Risk of bacterial resistance (antibiotics)
• High cost of prolonged treatments
• Frequent recurrences if the environment is not improved

Ozone: a natural and effective solution

Therapeutic ozone offers a natural alternative particularly suitable for the treatment of mud fever due to its multiple properties.

Powerful antibacterial action: ozone effectively eliminates Dermatophilus congolensis and secondary bacteria by oxidizing their cell membrane, without creating resistance.

Antifungal properties: destruction of fungi and yeasts that often complicate mud fever.

Anti-inflammatory effect: rapid reduction of inflammation, redness, warmth, and swelling, relieving the horse's pain.

Stimulation of healing: acceleration of skin repair, improvement of tissue oxygenation, formation of healthy skin.

Deep sanitation: penetration under the scabs to treat the infection at its source.

No aggression: unlike chemical antiseptics, ozone does not burn or dry out the skin, respecting healthy tissues.

Ozone treatment protocol

Phase 1: Preparation and cleaning (Day 1)

1. If necessary: clip feathers to facilitate access and drying (particularly important for feathered breeds)
2. Never scratch scabs
3. Gentle cleaning: wash with clear water only
4. Drying: gently dry with clean towels

Phase 2: Intensive treatment (Days 1 to 14)

1. Application of OZONE SOIN BOUE : apply generously to all affected areas
2. Light massage
3. Frequency: 1 to 2 times a day (morning and evening)
4. Keep dry: keep the horse in a dry environment between applications

Expected evolution:

• Days 1-3: reduction of odor and inflammation
• Days 4-7: decrease in oozing, scabs drying
• Days 8-14: onset of healing, skin regenerating

Phase 3: Consolidation (Weeks 3 to 4)

1. Reduce to 1 application per day
2. Continue until complete healing of the skin
3. Monitor for absence of new scabs
4. Maintain a dry environment

Phase 4: Prevention (Maintenance)

1. Apply OZONE SOIN BOUE 2 to 3 times a week to sensitive areas
2. Increase frequency during high-risk periods (autumn-winter)
3. Continue throughout the wet season

Essential environmental management

Treatment alone is not enough. Improving the environment is crucial for healing and preventing recurrences.

Reduction of exposure to moisture

• Paddock drainage: improve drainage, create raised, dry areas
• Dry and clean bedding: change regularly, use absorbent materials (shavings, straw)
• Shelter: ensure access to dry shelter, especially during rainy periods
• Paddock rotation: avoid overgrazing and mud formation

Daily hygiene

• Limb cleaning: remove mud daily
• Systematic drying: always dry completely after cleaning or exposure to water
• Regular inspection: monitor for the appearance of redness or scabs

Special cases and complications

Chronic recurrent mud fever

Some horses develop systematic recurrences every year. For these cases:

• Consider using ozone in its gaseous form: Bagging
• Start preventive treatment as early as autumn
  
• Apply OZONE SOIN BOUE 3 times a week as a preventative
• Optimize the environment (drainage, bedding, shelter)
• Consider food supplements (zinc, biotin, omega-3)

Secondary lymphangitis

A serious complication where the infection spreads to the lymphatic vessels:

• Significant and warm swelling of the limb
• Severe lameness
• Fever and lethargy
• Veterinary consultation required
  

Photosensitization

Certain plants or medications can cause photosensitization, aggravating limb lesions. Consult a veterinarian if lesions worsen despite treatment.

Prevention of mud fever

Essential preventive measures

• Dry environment: drainage, clean bedding, accessible shelter
• Rigorous hygiene: daily cleaning and drying of limbs
• Preventive clipping: for at-risk horses
• Preventive ozone care: 2-3 applications per week during the wet season
• Active monitoring: early detection of the first signs
• Balanced diet: support of the immune system and skin health

Food supplements

• Zinc: essential for skin health
• Biotin: strengthens the quality of skin and hoof
• Omega-3: anti-inflammatory properties
• Vitamin E and selenium: protective antioxidants

When to consult a veterinarian?

Consult quickly if:

• Significant swelling of the limb (severe stocking up)
• Marked lameness
• Fever or general lethargy
• Very extensive lesions extending above the fetlock
• No improvement after 1 week of rigorous treatment
• Suspicion of lymphangitis (very swollen, warm, painful limb)
• Systematic recurrences despite preventive measures

Testimonials and results

Many owners report excellent results with the use of ozone care for mud fever:

• Rapid reduction of inflammation and pain (2-3 days)
• Accelerated healing compared to conventional treatments
• Significant decrease in recurrences with preventive use
• Better tolerance than chemical antiseptics
• Ease of application and good acceptance by the horse
• Effective natural alternative to antibiotics

Conclusion

Mud fever is a frustrating condition but entirely manageable with the right approach. The key to success lies in combining effective treatment with rigorous environmental management.

Therapeutic ozone, thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, offers a natural and effective solution for treating mud fever. OZONE SOIN BOUE has been specifically formulated to meet the needs of horses suffering from this condition, offering a gentle yet powerful alternative to aggressive chemical treatments.

The 4-phase treatment protocol - preparation, intensive treatment, consolidation, and prevention - allows for complete and lasting recovery. Combined with environmental measures (drainage, dry bedding, preventive clipping) and rigorous daily hygiene, it effectively controls mud fever and prevents recurrences.

For horses predisposed or living in humid environments, regular preventive application of OZONE SOIN BOUE is an effective strategy to avoid the onset of this painful condition and maintain healthy limbs throughout the year.

Do not wait for lesions to become severe: act at the first signs to offer your horse fast, effective, and skin-friendly treatment.