Mud Fever / Pastern Dermatitis
Umbrella term for an inflammatory skin reaction in the pastern fold with weeping, crusty or fissured areas. Usually multifactorial (wet, dirt, friction) and can be complicated by bacteria or mites.
Priority · vet & management
The focus is on keeping the area dry, gentle cleaning and removing the triggers; for deep, purulent or non-healing lesions seek veterinary clarification (e.g. mites, secondary infection).
Possible causes
- · persistent wet conditions and mud (muddy paddock)
- · insufficient drying/hygiene
- · friction and micro-injuries
- · mites (Chorioptes) as a co-trigger
- · white legs/unpigmented skin more sensitive
Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication
Zinc
AMGFEI freecofactor for skin/keratin metabolism and wound healing
Compound profile →Linseed
AMGFEI freeomega-3 (ALA) for the skin barrier and inflammatory balance
Compound profile →Biotin
AMGFEI freeB-vitamin for skin and horn metabolism
Compound profile →Milk thistle
AMGFEI freeliver support with recurrent skin strain (traditional)
Compound profile →Burdock root
AMGFEI freetraditionally skin-soothing in metabolism-supporting herbal blends
Compound profile →Prevention
Dry, clean lying areas and careful drying of the pastern folds lower the risk of pastern dermatitis.
Equiterna's take
Equiterna views stubborn pastern dermatitis not only locally but also in the context of zinc/sulphur supply, liver relief and the skin barrier.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.