Mud Rash in Horses and how to Combat it

Mud Rash can affect horse's legs and hooves

It’s almost Christmas, which means it's that time of year again when mud rash begins to become a problem.  So, how can we prevent it? If a horse gets it, how can we cure it? And why are some horses more prone to it than others? 

In a bid to help address some of these questions, we've pulled together some information on Mud Rash in horses and what to do to help keep your horse healthy, safe and comfortable.

What is Mud Rash?

Mud Rash is caused by a bacterium named Dermatophilus congolensis, which exists in the environment as spores, and is activated by wet weather - the cornerstone of any British winter.

As a result, horse’s legs are constantly exposed to the wet, making the outer layers of the skin much softer and at risk of external trauma. The skin is more exposed to infection so the bacteria can live and increase in it.

How can you tell your horse has mud rash?

Mud rash is most likely to be found on the backs of horses pasterns and fetlocks. The hair becomes matted and develops dry crusts, which may progress moist weeping lesions. If you scrape away the crust, there is often a moist pink surface which is sore with some pus underneath. In its worst phase the legs will swell and the horse can become lame.

Bathing the affected area with Hibiscrub and layering it with Sudocrem should help to protect the skin from the wet bedding.

In extreme cases, always call your local vet - better that than the legs becoming swollen and your horse lame. Usually, if bad enough, the horse is prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection up.

How can mud rash be prevented?

If you put your horse out when the ground is wet and muddy, always put udder cream or sudocrem on the heels and fetlock areas beforehand. Really smear the stuff on, so that is a good covering of protection. Usually, the thicker and greasier creams help form a better barrier against infection.

You can use Sudocrem or Vaseline but these tend to leave the legs feeling greasy for days afterwards.

The aim is to avoid the horse having too much contact with the mud, which is difficult at this time of year. If you can, don’t turn out every day but every other day, or not at all. I know of some stables that keep the horses in all through the Winter, both to allow the fields to recover and prevent the horses coming down with mud rash.

You can also use turn out boots and mud chaps to keep the lower leg clean and dry. You need to ensure that they fit properly and do not rub the skin. The boots and chaps must be kept clean inside or you defeat the object by mud rubbing in to the skin when they are worn. Some horses may sweat wearing the chaps creating more problems rather than preventing others.