Mud Fever, pastern dermatitis, greasy heels and cracked heels, are all names given to a condition that can take over your life as a horse owner. Box rest, trying every lotion and potion in the book, plus those prescribed by vets with antibiotics and steroids. Mud Fever is usually seen most commonly during wet and muddy conditions but even heavy dew in the summer mornings can cause skin lesions, these ones more commonly known as dew burn. More often than not it effects the white, pink skinned heels, but your black hairy heels are not immune. Left untreated or unseen, hiding in the hairy legs, it can fester and become a major issue. Crusty, scabby, red, sore areas of the skin that sometimes weep, legs swell and become painful which causes obvious discomfort for the horse.
How does it happen? The most common cause is bacteria but fungus and mite infection have also been seen to play a part. Wet skin becomes softer and more prone to abrasion, so in the muddy conditions the protective outer skin layer becomes damaged, this creates a great environment for the bacteria to take hold as the skins protective barrier is weakened. Leg mites can also cause damage to the skin which allows bacteria to enter, or perhaps a rub caused by overreach boots, used when exercising.
So, which bacteria are commonly found in the wounds when swabbed? Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Pseudomonas are the most common along with many commensal bacteria. These usually grow when mud fever is swabbed for culture.
