What should I check if my horse has greasy heel and is lame?
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Overview
If your horse has greasy heel and is lame, check the skin and the rest of the limb carefully, because the lameness may be due to soreness from the skin problem or something separate happening in the foot or leg. Greasy heel can be linked to wet, muddy conditions, skin irritation, infection or scabs, but lameness means it’s worth taking the situation seriously.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the lameness is on the same leg as the greasy heel or whether the horse seems sore on more than one leg.
2. Look closely for heat, swelling, broken skin, scabs, crusting, discharge or a bad smell around the lower leg and heel.
3. Feel the hoof for heat and check for a stronger pulse, as foot soreness can sometimes be confused with skin problems.
4. Watch how the horse moves on a straight line and on a circle, and note whether the lameness improves or worsens on different surfaces.
5. Check if the horse is painful when the skin, heel bulbs, fetlock or foot are touched or picked up.
6. Think about recent turnout, mud, wet bedding, washing, clipping or grooming changes that might have irritated the skin.
7. Check for any cuts, thorn punctures, mud fever-type sores or rubbed areas higher up the leg that could be contributing.
Common Causes
The most common reason is sore, inflamed skin from greasy heel itself, especially if the area is wet, muddy or crusted. This can make a horse reluctant to weight-bear comfortably.
Other common possibilities include a secondary skin infection, mud-related dermatitis, a bruise, a picked-up stone or a hoof issue that’s happening at the same time.
Less commonly, lameness may be coming from a deeper infection or another leg or foot problem, which is why it’s important not to assume the skin is the only issue.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you can without over-washing or scrubbing the skin. Gentle management is usually better than repeated harsh cleaning.
Reduce exposure to mud where possible, and use clean, dry bedding if the horse is stabled. If turnout conditions are very wet, try to limit time in the worst areas.
Monitor the horse’s movement, the appearance of the skin and whether the lameness is changing. A simple daily note or photo can help you spot whether things are improving.
Don’t ride or work the horse if the lameness is obvious or the leg is painful. Rest and careful observation are usually more useful than pushing on.
When To Contact A Vet
If the lameness is moderate to severe, getting worse, or the leg is hot, swollen or very painful, contact your vet. You should also call if there’s discharge, the horse is very uncomfortable, or you’re not sure whether the foot, skin or a deeper issue is causing the problem.
Greasy heel usually needs a management plan, but lameness means it’s sensible to get a proper assessment rather than trying to rule things out at home.
Products That May Help
If greasy heel is linked with muddy turnout or wet legs, keeping the area cleaner and drier as part of your routine may help support day-to-day management.
Related Questions
Can greasy heel make a horse lame?
How do I know if the lameness is from the hoof or the skin?
What’s the best way to manage greasy heel in wet weather?
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.