Mud Fever

Mud Fever Treatment for Horses

Tackle mud fever in horses with effective treatments and proven prevention.

Also known as pastern dermatitis, mud fever is a painful condition that affects the lower legs of horses exposed to damp, muddy conditions. Early intervention and prevention are key. That’s why we offer a wide selection of topical creams, powders, skin cleansers, and protective turnout boots designed to keep your horse’s skin healthy year-round.

How to Treat Mud Fever in Horses

Mud fever often begins with cracked skin or scabs on the pasterns, fetlocks, or heels. The best course of action is to:

• Clean and gently dry the area
• Apply antibacterial or antifungal creams
• Use powders or barrier products to protect the skin
• Keep the legs clean and dry with wraps or mud boots

Essential treatments for mud fever in horses include:

• Gold Label® Pig Oil & Sulphur – Ideal for heavily feathered horses, this traditional formula protects against mud, moisture, and infection.
• Hibiscrub® – Trusted antiseptic cleanser to remove bacteria and gently disinfect affected areas.
• Equine America® Fungatrol Cream – A mud fever cream horses tolerate well; apply twice daily to protect vulnerable skin.
• Keratex® Mud Shield Powder – A silky, waterproof powder that disinfects, repels mud, and keeps legs dry.
• Premier Equine® Mud Fever Boots – Breathable, stretch-fit leg protection for turnout in wet or muddy fields.

Shop our wound care collection and our full veterinary products range for additional support.

Preventing Mud Fever in Horses

Mud fever prevention starts with smart stable and turnout management. Keep turnout areas dry, avoid deep mud, and:

• Clip excess feathering
• Clean legs daily
• Use barrier creams or powders in wet conditions
• Consider turnout boots or wraps for high-risk horses

Popular preventatives:

• NAF® Mud Gard Barrier Cream
• Lincoln® Muddy Buddy Powder
• Global Herbs® Mud-X Lotion

These products help repel moisture and keep legs clean, reducing the risk of cracked, infected skin. Always consult your vet for persistent or severe cases.

Why Shop Mud Fever Products at Discount Equestrian?

We stock a curated collection of trusted skin care products to help you care for your horse before, during, and after a mud fever flare-up. Whether you’re treating mild irritation or managing ongoing skin issues, our selection includes options for every need and budget.

• Antibacterial washes, creams & powders
• Leg wraps and turnout boots
• Top brands: Lincoln®, NAF®, Keratex®, Hibiscrub®, Gold Label®, and more
• Fast UK delivery and friendly customer service

FAQs - Mud Fever

What is mud fever in horses?

Mud fever is a bacterial or fungal skin condition that affects the lower legs, usually caused by wet, muddy environments that weaken the skin.

What’s the best mud fever treatment for horses?

A combination of gentle cleansing (like with Hibiscrub), followed by a targeted cream or powder such as Fungatrol or Keratex, is often most effective.

Can I prevent mud fever altogether?

While no prevention is guaranteed, using barrier creams or powders, clipping feathers, and avoiding deep mud go a long way toward protecting the skin.