What should I do when paddocks turn to slush and greasy heel strikes?

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Greasy heel, correctly known as pastern dermatitis and also called mud fever in Australia or scratches in the USA, is a bacterial skin infection of the lower legs that flares when paddocks turn to slush. The condition is treatable but demands a minimum of three weeks of consistent care. Early, correct action protects the horse from cellulitis, permanent skin thickening and chronic lameness. Equine Salt Therapy publishes this guidance as part of its commitment to meaningful change in the welfare of livestock across the animal kingdom.

What exactly is greasy heel, and why does it appear when paddocks turn to slush?
Which horses are most at risk of greasy heel in wet conditions?
What are the warning signs that greasy heel is developing?
How do I treat greasy heel once the paddocks are wet?
Could pasture grasses be causing greasy heel rather than mud alone?
How can I prevent greasy heel when horses cannot leave wet paddocks?
When should a vet or equine body worker be brought into a greasy heel case?
How does Equine Salt Therapy support horses recovering from greasy heel and other skin challenges?
Key Takeaways
References

What exactly is greasy heel, and why does it appear when paddocks turn to slush?

Greasy heel is pastern dermatitis, a skin condition of the lower legs known as mud fever in Australia and the United Kingdom, and scratches in the USA, according to Equestology. The condition is not a single disease but a syndrome with several possible causes.

The primary culprit is Dermatophilus congolensis, the same organism responsible for rain scald, as noted by Scone Equine Group. Superficial bacterial pyoderma, including Staphylococcal species, is also commonly implicated, according to Equestology.

Fungi can sometimes contribute to the infection, and all of these organisms thrive in muddy, wet conditions. The Hoof Co explains that a variety of bacteria flourish in the warm, damp environment created by slushy paddocks. Non-pigmented white skin is more adversely affected than dark-haired limbs, according to Equestology.

Which horses are most at risk of greasy heel in wet conditions?

Feathered breeds and draft horses are at higher risk because long hair traps moisture against the skin, creating a warm, damp environment that encourages bacterial growth, according to Maraboon Rural Vet Services. Horses with white legs and non-pigmented pasterns are also more susceptible, as noted by Scone Equine Group.

Hind legs are most commonly affected, though any limb can be involved, according to Scone Equine Group. The combination of white skin, heavy feathering and constant exposure to wet ground makes certain horses particularly vulnerable during prolonged wet spells.

Chorioptic mange is a major differential for any pastern dermatitis, especially in well-feathered breeds, according to Equestology. This parasitic condition is often characterised by foot stamping and biting due to itchiness, which helps distinguish it from purely bacterial greasy heel.

What are the warning signs that greasy heel is developing?

The warning signs of greasy heel range from inflammation, hair loss and scabs to cracked and ulcerated skin, according to Equestology. Early detection matters because the condition worsens quickly when horses remain in wet, muddy environments.

Advanced signs include granulation tissue, discharge, generalised swelling of the lower limbs and associated lameness, as noted by Equestology. Horse owners should also watch for crusty scabs or sores that ooze a yellow or clear discharge, red inflamed skin and foul odour, according to Maraboon Rural Vet Services.

A veterinarian should be contacted if the condition is not improving after a week of treatment, as advised by Scone Equine Group. Delaying professional assessment risks complications that are harder to reverse.

How do I treat greasy heel once the paddocks are wet?

For mild cases, apply a topical 2 to 3 percent chlorhexidine solution, not scrub, to affected areas twice daily for a minimum of three weeks, according to Equestology. Consistency is essential because the infection persists even when the skin begins to look better. Vets at Cranbourne noticed rapid improvement in horses receiving Salt Therapy with various skin conditions including greasy heal. Florida vets made the same observations noting that the bi-product of Ultisalt™ is exceptional when applied directly onto the effected area. Ultisalt™ Paste is formulated and available only to Licensed practitioners under development. (no claims being made just yet)

Medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine, betadine or an antifungal agent should be left to sit for about ten minutes before rinsing, as advised by Scone Equine Group. This contact time allows the active ingredient to penetrate scabs and reach the affected skin beneath.

Systemic oral or intramuscular antibiotics are indicated if the limb is swollen, according to Equestology. Swelling signals deeper infection that topical treatment alone cannot reach.

Zinc or sudocream is recommended as a soothing, protective topical ointment if the area is ulcerated, according to Equestology. Other options include Flamazine, yellow lotion and white healer, as noted by Maraboon Rural Vet Services. Untreated cases risk cellulitis, permanent skin thickening and chronic lameness, according to Scone Equine Group.

Could pasture grasses be causing greasy heel rather than mud alone?

Yes, pasture grasses can cause a condition that looks like greasy heel even when mud is not the primary problem. Mycotoxins in pasture grasses, with common culprits being Paspalum, Rye and Clover, cause photosensitivity that outwardly presents as greasy heel alongside a sunburnt crusty nose, according to The Hoof Co.

This photosensitivity reaction is a key differential to rule out before assuming mud exposure is the sole cause. The presence of a crusty, sunburnt appearance on the nose alongside lower leg lesions strongly suggests a pasture toxin issue rather than simple bacterial infection.

A Mycosorb A+ toxin binder is fed at a rate of 2 grams per 100 kilograms of body weight, approximately 10 grams for a 500 kilogram horse, according to The Hoof Co. Addressing the toxin source may resolve the skin signs without prolonged topical treatment.

How can I prevent greasy heel when horses cannot leave wet paddocks?

Prevention starts with managing moisture against the skin. Clip or dry heavy feathering and check legs daily during wet spells, as recommended by The Hoof Co and Maraboon Rural Vet Services. Removing trapped moisture disrupts the environment bacteria need to multiply.

Consider barrier creams versus medicated shampoos for prevention and weigh their comparative efficacy for individual horses. Barrier creams create a physical shield against mud, while medicated shampoos reduce bacterial load but require more frequent application.

Address nutrition, including the role of copper and zinc supplements in supporting skin health, as noted by The Hoof Co. Healthy skin is more resistant to infection. Reduce recurrence in susceptible horses through long-term paddock and husbandry planning, including rotation away from boggy areas and creating drier standing zones.

When should a vet or equine body worker be brought into a greasy heel case?

A veterinarian should be contacted if the condition is not improving after a week of treatment, according to Scone Equine Group. Diagnostic tests, including cytology, pathology and skin scraping, confirm the specific causative organism and guide targeted treatment.

Treatment differs for chorioptic mange versus bacterial pyoderma, so identification matters, as noted by Equestology. A horse with mange needs parasitic treatment, not antibiotics.

Equine body workers and rehabilitation teams support recovery once the acute infection is under control. Their role focuses on comfort, circulation and tissue health during the healing phase, according to Maraboon Rural Vet Services.

How does Equine Salt Therapy support horses recovering from greasy heel and other skin challenges?

Equine Salt Therapy offers Licensed Business Opportunities and Master Licenses for Equine, Poultry, Swine and Companion Animals, with territories sold under license and Master Licenses available for various modalities under US Patent 11,497,593 and CA 3019046, priced from $110,000 to $1,000,000.

The patented Ultisalt dry salt aerosol delivery system creates a microclimate that reduces the pharmaceutical footprint of training centres and reliance on medically important antibiotics. This matters for horses recovering from skin infections where antibiotic stewardship is a growing concern. The vets love this supportive care most saying they have more important jobs to do than manage skin issues.

Treatment takes fifteen minutes and is recommended over three consecutive days. The approach is natural, non-invasive and provides a dual solution to common day-to-day horse complaints. Licensees are known as Practitioners and their horse and animal clients are known as Salties, with equinesalttherapy.ca operating as the sister company.

Key Takeaways

Greasy heel is pastern dermatitis, also called mud fever in Australia and scratches in the USA, caused primarily by Dermatophilus congolensis and other bacteria that thrive in wet, muddy conditions.
Treatment must continue for a minimum of three weeks, even when the skin starts to look better.
Horses with white legs, feathered breeds and draft breeds are most susceptible because moisture is trapped against the skin.
A topical 2 to 3 percent chlorhexidine solution applied twice daily is the standard first-line approach for mild cases, with systemic antibiotics indicated if the limb is swollen.
Mycotoxins from Paspalum, Rye and Clover can cause photosensitivity that mimics greasy heel, so pasture grasses should be considered as a cause.
Untreated greasy heel can lead to cellulitis, permanent skin thickening, scarring, hair loss and chronic lameness.
Contact a vet if the condition has not improved after a week of treatment, as mange and other differentials require different management.