What skin condition results from wet, muddy conditions in horses?

Mud Fever, also known as scratches, is a skin condition that commonly affects horses, particularly those that are exposed to wet and muddy environments. This condition arises when the skin becomes irritated and inflamed due to prolonged exposure to moisture, mud, and sometimes bacteria that thrive in these conditions.

In Mud Fever, the skin on the horse's lower legs typically becomes scabbed, swollen, and may ooze; this is often accompanied by hair loss and lameness in severe cases. The moist environment weakens the integrity of the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to infection and inflammation. Horses with heavy feathering on their lower legs or those that are kept in muddy paddocks are particularly prone to developing this issue, as the additional moisture can lead to chronic skin problems.

Understanding the specific conditions that lead to Mud Fever helps in prevention and management strategies, such as maintaining dry living conditions, regular grooming, and keeping the legs clean. By contrast, conditions such as thrush and abscesses arise from different causes, and general infections can occur separately from the specific environmental irritants associated with Mud Fever.