Mud fever
We help you understand, treat and prevent mud fever in horses using natural ozone-based treatment protocols.
horse mud fever
Understanding mud fever
Mud fever , or pastern dermatitis , is a skin condition of microbial origin, often linked to the combined presence of bacteria, fungi and opportunistic parasites .
It affects the skin of the pasterns, where moisture, mud or friction weakens the skin barrier.
We observe crusts , redness , sometimes oozing and, in more severe cases, swelling of the limb or lymphangitis .
Ozone allows intervention here without irritating the skin , by cleansing the tissues and promoting the natural regeneration of the epidermis .
It offers a non-invasive, effective solution that respects the skin sensitivity of horses.
horse mange
"Crust" phase
This phase corresponds to the appearance of small dry or adherent scabs, sometimes slightly oozing.
They can be isolated or extended over the pastern and fetlock.
In most cases, Ozone Mud Guard is sufficient to treat the area and restore the skin's natural elasticity.
mud fever
Mud fever with lymphedema/lymphangitis
In some cases, mud fever is accompanied by swelling of the limb ( lymphangitis or lymphedema ).
The limb becomes hot and sensitive, and the horse may experience locomotor discomfort.
This type of complication is common in draft horses or those living in humid environments.
In this case, gaseous ozone bagging provides valuable assistance in stimulating microcirculation and draining inflammation .
Natural treatment protocol for mud fever
Before
After
Before/After treatment protocol for mud fever
After a few days of treatment, the scabs detach naturally, the skin regains its suppleness and the inflammation subsides.
The pastern texture becomes smooth and elastic again, without cracks or pulling.
Ozone Super Guard allows for the gentle cleansing of weeping wounds.
Ozone Mud Guard maintains suppleness and promotes healthy healing.
Gaseous ozone bagging helps reduce swelling and activates circulation.
No other antiseptic should be used in conjunction with the treatment.
FAQ ABOUT MUD FEVER
General Information
Protocol
Natural skincare products
What are the main causes?
The main causes of mud fever are: Humidity, mud, fragile skin, opportunistic microbial agents.
Is mud fever in horses contagious?
Mud fever in horses is not contagious, but several horses can be affected if the humidity conditions are identical.
Why do some mud fever cases become chronic?
Recurrences are common when humid environments, irritations, or skin imbalances persist long-term.
Should scabs be removed?
Scabs sometimes protect fragile tissues underneath. Their abrupt removal can cause bleeding or worsen inflammation. Management should be gradual and adapted.
Can mud fever become serious?
Yes. In some cases, the lesions can become deep, painful, and lead to significant swelling of the limb or even lameness. Adapt the care protocol according to the degree of severity.
Why do scabs keep coming back?
When inflammation and humidity persist, the skin cannot rebuild itself properly. Microorganisms then continue to proliferate under the scabs.
Is mud fever contagious?
Certain forms associated with specific infectious agents can be transmissible, but mud fever is often primarily linked to environmental conditions and individual skin fragility.
Which horses are most susceptible to mud fever?
Horses living in wet or muddy environments are more susceptible, especially those with abundant feathering, sensitive skin, or consistently damp limbs.
Why does mud fever appear?
It generally appears when the skin is weakened by humidity, mud, microtrauma, or repeated irritation. Bacteria and fungi then take advantage of this skin alteration.
What are the signs of mud fever?
The most frequent signs are: scabs, redness, oozing, hair loss, thickened skin, cracks, sensitivity or pain to the touch.
What is mud fever in horses?
Mud fever is an inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the limbs, especially the pasterns. It often involves a combination of moisture, skin irritation, and the proliferation of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, or sometimes mites, depending on the case).
Should I remove the scabs?
No, they will detach naturally with care.
Can I combine ozone with another product?
No, only ozone should be used to preserve its natural antiseptic action.
How long does the treatment last?
Generally 7 to 10 days for simple cases, longer in cases of lymphangitis .
Should skincare be adapted according to the season?
Yes. Humid periods often require increased monitoring and more rigorous environmental management.
Why is a custom protocol important?
Each case is different: depth of lesions, presence of thick scabs, skin sensitivity, humidity of the environment, or age of the condition.
Can gaseous ozone and ozonated oils be combined?
Yes. Gaseous ozone, Bagging, can act quickly on certain hard-to-reach lesions, while ozonated oils, Intensive Care Ozone and Mud Care Ozone, ensure a more prolonged action in contact with the skin.
Why does humidity complicate healing?
Humidity weakens the skin barrier and promotes the proliferation of microorganisms responsible for lesions.
Should treatment continue after the scabs have disappeared?
Yes. Even after visible improvement, the skin often remains fragile and still requires care to limit recurrence. Continue to use the Ozone Soin Boue until the hair regrows, then twice a week preventively to help the skin act as a cutaneous barrier.
Why do some cases of mud fever not respond to conventional treatments?
Chronic forms often combine several factors: persistent humidity, weakened skin, bacterial or fungal contamination, and chronic inflammation.
Can ozone be used for mud fever?
Yes, ozonated care can help sanitize lesions and support the regeneration of fragile skin. Ozone Soin Intensif is applied to open and weeping lesions, as well as very thick and persistent scabs. Ozone Soin Boue is applied to small scabs, during the skin reconstruction phases until hair regrowth.
Why is it necessary to act quickly at the first signs?
A minor irritation can quickly develop into deeper lesions if inflammation and humidity persist.
What is the purpose of a mud fever treatment protocol?
The protocol aims to: clean the lesions, support skin repair, limit contamination, protect fragile skin, and reduce moisture and irritation.
Which products should I use?
For the treatment of Mud Fever in horses we recommend using Ozone Super Guard (initial phase), Ozone Mud Guard (regeneration phase) and gaseous ozone (bagging) in case of swelling.
How often should it be applied?
Apply our skincare products 1 to 2 times a day depending on the progress.
Can natural remedies be used for prevention?
Yes, Ozone Mud Treatment can be integrated into a leg care routine to help protect the skin during wet periods.
Why do some lesions remain black after scabbing?
This can be dried inflammatory tissue, deep crust residues or pigments linked to skin inflammation. The skin sometimes needs time to fully regenerate.
Do natural remedies always replace veterinary care?
No. Severe, extensive or complicated mud fever requires veterinary advice to rule out other skin conditions.
What's the difference between gaseous ozone and ozonated oil?
Gaseous ozone rapidly diffuses into certain inflammatory or deep lesions, while ozonated oils prolong the protective action on the skin.
Can Ozone Intensive Care be used on sensitive areas?
Yes, the formulation of Ozone Intensive Care is suitable for sensitive and damaged skin areas.
Can ozonated treatments be used on open or weeping areas?
Yes, Ozone Soin Intensif can be used on damaged lesions to help cleanse and protect tissues.
Why use ozonated oils on mud fever?
Ozonated oils provide prolonged action when in contact with lesions and help maintain an environment unfavorable to bacteria and fungi.
What natural products can be used for mud fever?
Ozonated treatments can help to: cleanse lesions, soothe the skin, support skin repair, protect fragile areas, and limit microbiological imbalances. Use Ozone Soin Intensif and/or Ozone soin Boue according to the protocol.