What skin problems occur on horses' legs?

Scabs, spots, wounds and flakes: horses regularly have itchy legs. The question then is: what could it be? And above all: what can you do about it? An overview.

13 August '24 - 7 min reading time

Whether you have a KWPN horse with white legs or a Clydesdale with thick socks, every horse can have some spots on its legs. There can be several causes for itching, scabs, and wounds on horse legs:

• Mud Fever

• Mites

• Rain Red

• Fungal and bacterial infections

  
  

Mud Fever

Mud fever is a general term for skin irritation or inflammation, usually in the pastern area or lower legs. Symptoms include redness, flakes, wounds, scabs, swelling, itching, and/or pain. Mud fever can be caused by bacteria and fungi or by parasites like mites. We usually distinguish between dry mud fever and wet mud fever.

Wet Mud Fever

With wet mud fever, you see blisters and wound fluid. Usually, bacteria cause the inflammation, and dampness and dirt in the stable and paddock worsen the condition. You want to dry out wet mud fever as much as possible. Clean these areas once with soap or shampoo and remove the scabs. Allow them to dry thoroughly, and then spray the areas with a spray containing effective microorganisms (EM). This gives the recovery a boost. Effective microorganisms are 'good' bacteria, fungi, and yeasts that support the health of the skin and coat. Additionally, clove extract as a dietary supplement can support recovery: clove is effective against inflammation and pain.

Dry Mud Fever

Dry mud fever is characterized by skin flakes and cracks. For dry mud fever, it can also be helpful to wash the legs once (not more frequently, as this would damage the natural protection). Do not remove the scabs of dry mud fever; they will fall off on their own as the skin heals underneath. You can use mud fever ointment. If the mud fever is very persistent, an antibiotic ointment from the vet is an option. Keep in mind that this also removes beneficial skin bacteria, so after an antibiotic treatment, a spray with effective microorganisms can help restore the skin.

Mites

Mites are tiny parasites. The females bite and drink blood and then lay their eggs on the legs. From these eggs come larvae, which crawl into the horse's epidermis to eat skin flakes. The mites' nymphs (the life stage after the egg and larva) even dig tunnels in the upper skin layer. The digging and crawling of mites on the horse's legs cause itching and small skin damage. When these wounds become inflamed, it looks like (dry) mud fever.

If there is a mite infection, you usually need to wash three times with a ten-day interval to break the cycle of the parasites and remove all stages (egg, larva, nymph, mite). Always start washing at the highest point, as mites move upwards when they feel threatened. By working from top to bottom, you tackle them all. You can treat the areas affected by mites in the same way as dry mud fever. The scabs do not need to be removed. You can make your horse less attractive to mites by giving a dietary supplement with thyme, fenugreek, and citronella. To combat skin inflammation, clove extract is very effective.

Thick wrinkles on the legs?

If, in addition to mud fever and/or mites, thick, hard skin folds appear on the lower legs, you are probably dealing with CPL (Chronic Progressive Lymphangitis). This is a condition of the lymphatic system, especially common in cold-blooded horses and Friesians.

Rain Red

Rain rot is caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus. It is more commonly seen in older horses or horses with poor immunity. It can also arise from over-washing a horse. The bacteria can penetrate the skin when there are damages, the natural fat layer is disturbed, or the skin remains moist for too long. Rain rot causes scabs that create more 'mugginess' on the skin, leading to further spread. Rain rot is primarily seen on the back and neck of horses but can also occur on the lower legs. Supporting immunity, improving metabolism, and supporting the natural defense of the skin with effective microorganisms are all part of combating rain rot.

Address Immunity and Metabolism Too!

While it's essential to address external spots, wounds, and itching causing skin problems on horse legs, it's equally important to address internal processes that worsen skin problems. These include reduced immunity, poor (sugar) metabolism, and the accumulation of waste products. A biannual course with nettle is a good start to detoxify, strengthen the immune system, and support digestion. Dandelion extract can also contribute to this. Additionally, the mineral silicon is important for collagen production, thereby supporting skin health and resilience. This can be given as a liquid supplement over the feed.