Horse Guides – Ask the Expert

Answer from Ed Lyall - 

Ed Lyall - Partner in the Arundel Equine Hospital LLP Nestled in the picturesque West Sussex Downs on the fringe of Arundel, The Arundel Equine Hospital provides state of the art technology and professional care for horses and ponies of all breeds and sporting endeavours. The practice originated in 1950 and enjoys accreditation by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as an Equine Hospital, the only one in Sussex. http://www.arundelhorsevets.co.uk/our-practice/ Tel: 01903 883050

Scaby lumps around fetlocks are usually caused by a bacterial dermatitis. The common name fir the condition is mud fever. The most frequently idenitied bacteria is Dermatophylus congalensus, a bacteria that will live in the environment. It waits fir a break in the skins integrity such as due to water logging or a small abrasion from a thistle or thorn prick or even from a bute from an insect such as a mite.  MHD fever is more commonly found on White socks particularly of chestnut horses. Another condition that should alsoo be considered is photosensitive dermatitis, which occurs after a plant containing photoactive substances is eaten by the horse, these chemicals are  sequestered into the skin and cause inflammation of the skin when exposed to sunlight. 

Mud fever is best treated by dealing with the primary cause such as water logging of the skin, mites, etc. Then wash the skin carefully with a bacterial wash such as hibiscrub. Following this application of an antibacterial ointment is required. Try not too wash to often and try to be gentle with the skin. Often application of udder cream can soften the scabs.