What should I do if my horse has mud fever and a fever? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse has mud fever and a fever, it’s sensible to treat it as more than simple muddy skin irritation. Mud fever can sometimes be accompanied by general unwellness, but a fever can also point to a different or additional problem, so it’s worth checking your horse closely and speaking to your vet if they seem dull, painful, or the skin is worsening.

There may be several possible causes, from infection in damaged skin to another illness happening at the same time. You can’t tell which it is from the fever alone, so focus on what you can safely check at home and get veterinary advice if your horse looks unwell.

Things To Check

1. Take your horse’s temperature if you can do this safely and normally. A raised temperature alongside skin changes is useful information for your vet.

2. Look at the legs for heat, swelling, scabs, oozing, broken skin or any areas that seem more painful than usual.

3. Check whether one leg is affected or whether several legs are involved, as that can help you judge how widespread the problem seems.

4. Notice whether your horse is bright and eating normally, or whether they seem dull, off their feed, restless or more uncomfortable than expected.

5. Watch for lameness or reluctance to move, especially if the legs look puffy or sore.

6. Think about recent turnout, wet ground, mud, clipping, leg washing or any grooming products that may have irritated the skin.

7. Check whether the skin looks like typical mud fever scabs or whether there are more general signs of infection such as spreading redness or discharge.

Common Causes

The most common cause is mud fever with secondary skin infection, especially if the skin has become cracked, wet or sore in muddy conditions. In those cases, the fever may be linked to the infection rather than the mud alone.

Another possibility is that your horse has mud fever plus a separate problem at the same time, such as another infection, inflammation elsewhere in the body, or discomfort that’s making them seem more unwell.

Less commonly, the skin signs may be part of a different leg condition that looks similar at first glance, so it’s important not to assume it’s straightforward mud fever if a fever is present.

What To Do

Keep your horse as comfortable and dry as you can while you monitor them closely. If the legs are muddy, gently remove dirt with care and avoid scrubbing sore skin.

Limit turnout in very wet or muddy ground if possible, and keep bedding clean and dry. Try not to pick at scabs or use harsh washing if the skin is raw, as that can make irritation worse.

Make a note of your horse’s temperature, appetite, behaviour, leg appearance and any lameness. That information can help your vet decide how urgent the case is.

If the fever continues, the skin is spreading, or your horse seems increasingly unwell, contact your vet promptly.

When To Contact A Vet

Contact your vet promptly if your horse has mud fever plus a fever, especially if they are dull, off their feed, lame, swollen, or the skin is getting worse. A fever usually means there may be more going on than uncomplicated mud fever.

If your horse seems bright and otherwise well, you can still keep a close eye on them, but don’t ignore a raised temperature or rapidly changing skin signs.

Products That May Help

If your horse is dealing with muddy turnout or skin that needs regular gentle cleaning, this collection may help support your day-to-day mud care routine.

Hoof, Leg & Mud Care

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