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Mud fever in horses: reviews and complete guide on Ozone Mud Guard, a natural treatment

What is mud fever in horses? Causes, prevention, and effective treatments

Updated May 2026

Mud fever in horses, also known as pastern dermatitis, is a very common skin condition that primarily affects the lower limbs. It often appears during wet periods and can quickly become painful if not treated promptly.

Scabs, redness, irritation, oozing, or thickened skin: symptoms can vary from one horse to another. The term "mud fever" actually encompasses several mechanisms involving an alteration of the skin barrier and the proliferation of opportunistic bacteria or fungi.

In this article, discover:

  • the causes of mud fever,
  • why some horses are more sensitive,
  • how to prevent recurrence,
  • and what treatments to use to effectively cleanse and repair the skin.

 

What is mud fever in horses?

Mud fever is an inflammatory dermatitis that primarily affects:

  • the pasterns,
  • the bulbs of the heel,
  • and sometimes the fetlocks of the horse.

It manifests as:

  • redness,
  • scabs,
  • fissures,
  • oozing,
  • hair loss,
  • and sometimes significant pain.

Contrary to some misconceptions, mud fever is not caused by a single microbe. It appears when compromised skin becomes permeable to pathogens present in the environment.

Why does mud fever appear?

Humidity: the main trigger

Prolonged exposure to:

  • mud,
  • humidity,
  • waterlogged ground,
  • urine,
  • or wet bedding,

significantly weakens the horse's skin.

The skin barrier then loses its natural protective role and allows penetration of:

  • bacteria,
  • yeasts,
  • fungi,
  • and other irritating agents.

The most sensitive horses

Some horses are more prone to developing pastern dermatitis, especially:

  • horses with white socks,
  • horses with light skin,
  • horses living in humid environments,
  • or horses with chronic skin sensitivity.

Repeated damage can permanently weaken the periople and the bulbs of the heel.

Why it is important to act quickly

An incipient case of mud fever may seem benign, but without appropriate management, it can progress to:

  • deep infections,
  • painful cracks,
  • cellulitis,
  • lymphangitis,
  • or even lameness.

The longer the inflammation persists, the more fragile and difficult to repair the skin becomes.

Early intervention often allows for:

  • limiting microbial proliferation,
  • avoiding complications,
  • and accelerating skin regeneration.

Severe forms of mud fever: when small masses appear around the limb

In some advanced forms of chronic mud fever, numerous small black masses or "lumps" can be observed fixed around the pastern and sometimes extending into the feathers. These formations often correspond to thick scabs, keratinized clumps, or inflammatory outgrowths linked to chronic skin irritation.

Persistent Mud Fever with keratinized clumps.

gale de boue persistante

When inflammation persists for a long time, the skin reacts by producing more tissue and keratin. Permanent humidity, bacteria, fungi, and microtraumas then maintain a real inflammatory vicious cycle.

These severe forms can be accompanied by:

  • thickened skin,
  • deep fissures,
  • strong odors,
  • oozing,
  • pain,
  • or swelling of the limb.

In some heavy or very hairy horses, these lesions can resemble forms of chronic proliferative dermatitis similar to "grapes" or "grease heel."

In these situations, it is important to act quickly to limit the spread of lesions and prevent chronicity. The objective is then to:

  • cleanse the skin,
  • reduce microbial proliferation,
  • support skin regeneration,
  • and durably protect the skin barrier.

The combination of OZONE MUD CARE on wet and inflamed areas and OZONE INTENSIVE CARE on deeper or cracked lesions can help support skin recovery while maintaining an unfavorable environment for pathogens. The use of ozone in its gaseous form, BAGGING, can be very useful here and accelerate healing.

OZONE MUD CARE: a treatment designed for skin problems related to humidity

To address mud fever issues, 067 Ozone Horses has developed OZONE MUD CARE, a topical treatment specifically formulated to support skin conditions related to humidity and maceration.

Its formula combines two complementary ingredients:

  • ozonated oil,
  • and sweet almond oil.

The benefits of ozonated oil

Ozonated oil is obtained by infusing ozone into the fatty acids of vegetable oil.

This process allows for the formation of active oxygenated compounds called ozonides.

Ozonated oil is particularly valued for:

  • its purifying action,
  • its support for skin regeneration,
  • its ability to limit bacterial proliferation,
  • and its help in maintaining an unfavorable environment for pathogens.

The benefit of sweet almond oil

Sweet almond oil, for its part, provides:

  • suppleness,
  • hydration,
  • and skin comfort.

It helps preserve the skin barrier and makes the treatment particularly pleasant to apply to already sensitive areas.

In which cases should OZONE MUD CARE be used?

OZONE MUD CARE can be used:

  • in cases of mud fever,
  • on irritated heels,
  • for scabs related to humidity,
  • for certain skin irritations,
  • or as preventive maintenance during wet periods.

Its semi-thick texture adheres well to the skin even when the limbs are exposed to difficult conditions.

When to use OZONE INTENSIVE CARE?

When lesions become more severe:

  • deep fissures,
  • cracks,
  • discharges,
  • infected areas,
  • or oozing wounds,

it may be beneficial to use OZONE INTENSIVE CARE, a more concentrated ozonated oil.

This treatment helps to:

  • intensely cleanse tissues,
  • support skin repair,
  • and assist natural regeneration mechanisms.

Prompt intervention often prevents the worsening of lesions. A mud fever treatment protocol is available.



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