What is Mud Fever and What causes it?
Mud fever is an inflammation of the skin in the heel, and in severe cases the leg, of horses/ponies. Generally it is brought on buy damp conditions. Most commonly it comes in the winter when the ground is wet and muddy and the legs are hosed off when groomed. This constant warm, damp environment in the heel area, allows the bacteria to grow and and the scabby, sore skin to start. If untreated it can go up the leg and in severe cases can cause lameness and get badly infected. Best thing to do is to try and prevent it in the first place by keeping the leg as dry as possible and using a barrier cream. If you think your horse/pony may have it then you should contact your vet for advice.
