Soggy and sore

MUD fever, or more correctly pastern dermatitis (PD), is not a disease in itself. It is a syndrome, or collection of signs that can develop for a number of different reasons, all of which result in skin trauma.

Having muddy legs alone will not cause PD, but it is more likely to develop if the legs are persistently wet and muddy. Wet skin is more fragile and prone to damage, and being constantly wet (especially if the legs are also washed frequently) can strip away the natural oils in the hair and skin, which help protect the skin.

Typically, the pastern of the hindlimbs is affected, but it can be all four limbs. White legs of thin-skinned horses are often worse affected. The damaged skin becomes inflamed and can become infected.

This infection results in the classic signs of PD; in the early stages the skin