MUD FEVER
Rain Scald, Cracked Heels, Greasy Heel
Causes:
A skin disease caused by infection with a bacteria (Dermatophilus congolensis), which is often found in the muddy fields where horses are kept. Skin damage allows the bacteria entry to the lower legs and most commonly occurs in winter when conditions are very wet which makes the skin softer and more easily damaged. Most often seen on the lower legs, heels and feet but the bacteria also causes other conditions like Rain Scald, Cracked heels and Greasy Heel.
If a horse has had Mud Fever once, it is very likely to become prone because the scars give easy access to the bacteria and causes a loss of the natural skin protection. White skin appears to be less able to resist the bacteria perhaps because it is not so strong as darker skin.
Treatment:
Treatment of Mud Fever by using antiseptics such as chlorhexidine can be successful, but a return to the same field where the condition was picked up will only ensure re-infection. More serious cases warrent the use of antibiotics by mouth or injection to control the infection. Creams containing antibiotics are also very commonly used.