What should I check if my horse has lumps or scabs on the fetlocks?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
Lumps or scabs on the fetlocks are often linked to mud fever-type irritation, rubbing, or a skin reaction around the lower legs. Mallenders and sallenders can also be part of the picture, but there are several possible causes, so it’s worth checking the area carefully before assuming what it is.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the scabs or lumps are on the back of the fetlock, the front, or higher up the leg.
2. Look for heat, swelling, soreness, broken skin, discharge or crusting around the area.
3. Note whether the horse is bothered by it when you touch, brush or wash the leg.
4. Think about recent turnout, muddy ground, wet bedding, clipping, or anything that may have rubbed the skin.
5. Check both legs, even if only one looks worse, so you can see whether it’s a single spot or a more general issue.
6. Look for signs of itching, stamping, rubbing or repeated knocking, which can point towards irritation rather than a deeper skin problem.
7. Note whether the horse has had similar patches before, especially during wet or muddy weather.
8. Check for any obvious cuts, foreign material, or matted hair that might be trapping dirt and moisture.
Common Causes
The most common cause is skin irritation from wet, muddy or dirty conditions, especially if the fetlocks stay damp for long periods.
Rubbing from boots, brushing against fencing, or repeated knocking can also create scabs or small lumps.
Some horses develop thicker, crusty changes on the lower legs that fit with mallenders or sallenders, which can be a longer-term skin issue.
Less commonly, the area may be reacting to insects, sensitivity to products, or a skin infection that needs veterinary assessment.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you can without over-washing. If the legs are muddy, gentle cleaning and thorough drying are usually more helpful than repeated scrubbing.
Reduce exposure to wet ground where possible and review whether anything is rubbing the fetlock area.
Avoid picking scabs off, because that can leave the skin more sore and slow it down further.
Monitor the area for a few days and note whether it is improving, staying the same, or getting worse. A photo can help you spot small changes.
If the horse is comfortable, eating normally and the area is mild, routine management is often the main focus.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the area becomes hot, painful, more swollen, starts to ooze, or the horse is clearly uncomfortable. You should also get advice if the scabs keep returning, spread, or don’t improve with sensible cleaning and drying.
Products That May Help
If the fetlocks are getting dirty, wet or muddy, a good routine for cleaning and drying the lower legs can be useful as part of day-to-day management.
Related Questions
How do mallenders and sallenders usually look on a horse?
Should I wash my horse’s fetlocks if they have scabs?
When is a scab on the lower leg more than just mud irritation?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.