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Does my horse have mud fever or mites?

Your horse is stamping its feet, has crusts in the fetlock pits, or keeps rubbing its legs... What could be the issue? Some say: mud fever! Others call out: mites! But what's actually the difference? And what should you do if your horse has mud fever and/or mites?

Skin

Mites

30 October '23 • 3 min reading time

Mud fever is a collective term for various skin conditions above the hoof, in the fetlock pit, and on the lower legs. You may see crusts or small wounds and your horse often has itching. Although itching is not always present. Mites are parasites that reside in the socks and complete their entire life cycle, from egg to adult mite, there.

Mud Fever and CPL

The term mud fever is used for different conditions and does not provide much information about the cause and severity of the ailment. Mud fever often occurs due to a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin. Moisture and dirt are often the cause, for example, if your horse spends a lot of time in the mud or a wet stable. Washing your horse's legs every day can also cause mud fever; the skin weakens as a result. Horses with thick socks, such as some draft breeds, may also develop thickening and folds of the skin in the fetlock pit with mud fever. These horses often also have problems with connective tissue and lymphatic fluid drainage. This condition is known as CPL, or Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema.

Mites

Mites are parasites that are not visible to the naked eye. Adult mites lay eggs on the horse's legs, and the larvae of the mite burrow into the epidermis to feed on skin flakes. The nymphs of the mite (the life stage after the egg and larva) even create tunnels in the upper part of the skin. Adult females bite and feed on blood. All this mite activity in and around the skin causes not only itching but also small skin damage. If these wounds become infected, symptoms of mud fever occur. Mud fever can be caused by mites, but not always. Conversely, there is not always clear mud fever in a mite infestation; sometimes only flakes are visible. Chronic mites can lead to "elephant leg" (einschuss).

Immunity

Good immunity is important for your horse, especially in autumn when the weather changes and horses shed their coats. Due to wetness and a decrease in immunity during this period, mud fever can occur more easily. Increased sensitivity to mud fever can also occur due to stress from factors like moving or an underlying disease. Good nutrition helps to maintain high immunity. This means sufficient high-quality roughage, low sugar, and no more than one type of concentrate (if necessary) or a good balancer. Additionally, a 'boost' in immunity is recommended twice a year through a plant-based detox or a course with nettle or dandelion.

Symptoms of Mud Fever and Mites

The symptoms of mud fever and mites are similar and include:

  • Flakes, crusts
  • Redness and cracks in the fetlock pit
  • Itching, leading to stamping or rubbing
  • Lameness due to pain in the fetlock pit
  • Sometimes moisture in the fetlock pit
  • Swollen (lower) leg due to inflamed lymphatic vessels

Treatment

Before treating mud fever, it is important to determine the underlying cause. In addition to fungi, bacteria, and mites, mud fever can also result from sunburn (in horses with white legs), excessive use of shampoos or disinfectants, and even an allergic reaction to certain plants. It is always a good idea to keep your horse in a clean and dry environment. Do not wash the legs too often and thoroughly dry moist legs. Avoid rubbing too hard and using a dirty towel, as this can often worsen the condition. It may be wise to have your vet take a skin scraping for a diagnosis.

Treatment Tips:

  • Consider shaving the fetlock pits so you have better access and can keep it dry
  • Use a microorganism-based spray for mild mud fever
  • Try to prevent further skin damage
  • Ensure a clean surface
  • Support immunity with liquid nettle and dandelion
  • Use a spray with good bacteria on the affected areas
  • Administer clove and/or black cumin to reduce inflammation and pain

If you are certain that there are mites on your horse:

  • Combat the mites with a supplement containing thyme, fenugreek, and citronellal
  • Use a special natural shampoo/soak product against mites (repeat several times)
  • Always consider the life cycle of mites and any remaining eggs; you need to treat multiple times
  • Treat the environment and items like blankets and brushes for mites as well

Also interesting:

Nettle

Skin

Minerals

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