10/08/2026
Response to What Would You Do Wednesday:
Scratches—also known as equine pastern dermatitis, mud fever, or greasy heel—is an inflammatory skin condition affecting the lower legs, most commonly the back of the pasterns and heel bulbs.
Symptoms
• Red, warm, and swollen skin on the lower legs.
• Oozing, yellowish or clear fluid (serum).
• Crusty, hard scabs and scaling.
• Hair loss and thickened, leathery skin.
• Sensitivity, pain to the touch, or lameness in severe cases.
Causes
• Environmental Moisture: Prolonged exposure to wet, muddy pastures, wet bedding, or frequent washing breaks down the skin's natural protective barrier.
• Pathogens: Secondary invasions by mixed bacteria, fungi, or parasites (like mites) enter through tiny cracks in the skin.
• Risk Factors: Draft horses and breeds with long lower-leg feathering trap moisture, while horses with unpigmented (white) skin lack protective pigment against sun and abrasion.
Treatment
• Clip the Hair: Gently trim or clip long hair around the area to improve air exposure and make treatment easier, but avoid shaving directly over raw or scabby skin.
• Clean and Dry: Wash the area gently with an antiseptic or antibacterial soap (such as Betadine Solution or chlorhexidine) once daily. Do not harshly scrub or forcefully rip off painful scabs. Towel dry the skin completely.
• Apply Topicals: Use veterinarian-recommended barrier creams
• Environmental Management: Move the horse to a clean, dry stall or paddock until the condition fully heals. Severe or resistant cases may require systemic oral antibiotics or prescription medications from a veterinarian.
Prevention
• Keep turnout areas and stalls as dry and clean as possible.
• Dry the horse's lower legs thoroughly after washing or riding before turning them out.
• Trim heavy feathering on high-risk breeds during wet seasons.
• Avoid using moisture-retaining boots or wraps for long periods
