Mud fever, also known as scratches or pastern dermatitis, is a group of diseases of

horse The horse (''Equus ferus caballus'') is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of ''Equus ferus''. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 mi ...

s causing irritation and dermatitis in the lower limbs of horses. Often caused by a mixture of bacteria, typically '' Dermatophilus congolensis'' and ''

Staphylococcus ''Staphylococcus'', from Ancient Greek σταφυλή (''staphulḗ''), meaning "bunch of grapes", and (''kókkos''), meaning "kernel" or " Kermes", is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria in the family Staphylococcaceae from the order Bacillale ...

'' spp., mud fever can also be caused by fungal organisms ( dermatophytes). Photosensitization, chorioptic mange mites, contact dermatitis, and other conditions also contribute to some cases. This condition is also known as dew poisoning, grease, grease heel, or greasy heel.

Cause

Mud fever is caused by an infection of the skin by bacteria, including ''Dermatophilus congolensis'', and often ''Staphylococcus'' spp. Dermatophytes and other fungal organisms such as '' Malassezia'' can also contribute, as can chorioptic mange mites. Photosensitivity or irritant contact may contribute in certain cases. Rarely,

vasculitis Vasculitis is a group of disorders that destroy blood vessels by inflammation. Both artery, arteries and veins are affected. Lymphangitis (inflammation of lymphatic vessels) is sometimes considered a type of vasculitis. Vasculitis is primarily c ...

can cause continued inflammation.

References

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External links

VetSci
– Mud Fever Infographic
ArcaNatura
– Guide to Visually Diagnosing Clinical Signs of Scratches Horse diseases

Cause

See also

References

External links