Scratches, also known as mud fever or pastern dermatitis, is a multifactorial inflammatory condition of the skin on the back of the pastern and fetlock. It is often complicated by bacterial or fungal infection and, in some cases, Chorioptes mites. Chronic cases can lead to thickened, proliferative skin ("grapes") and significant lameness. ## What it is Scratches develops when the skin barrier of the pastern is compromised by chronic moisture, trauma, or heavy feathering. This allows secondary bacterial (commonly *Staphylococcus* or *Dermatophilus*) and sometimes fungal infection to take hold. In draft breeds and horses with heavy feathering, *Chorioptes* mites are a frequent complicating factor. The condition can range from mild crusting to severe, painful, proliferative dermatitis. ## Signs and symptoms - Erythema (redness), crusting, and exudation of the caudal pastern - Thick, adherent scabs that are painful to remove - Swelling of the pastern and fetlock region - Lameness in moderate to severe cases - Cracking and bleeding of the skin in advanced cases - In chronic cases, thickened, lichenified skin or proliferative "grape-like" masses (especially in drafts) - Secondary cellulitis possible in severe infections ## Causes and risk factors Scratches is multifactorial. Major contributing factors include prolonged exposure to mud and moisture, heavy feathering that traps moisture, skin trauma, photosensitization, vasculitis, and immune-mediated disease. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections are common. Draft breeds and horses kept in muddy paddocks are at highest risk. ## How it is diagnosed Diagnosis is based on clinical appearance, history, and response to treatment. Skin scrapings may be performed to check for mites. Bacterial and fungal cultures can help guide therapy in resistant cases. Biopsy is occasionally needed for chronic or unusual presentations. ## Treatment and management Treatment involves keeping the area clean and dry, carefully removing crusts (after softening), and applying appropriate topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Systemic antibiotics may be needed in severe or complicated cases. Addressing underlying factors (improving drainage, clipping heavy feathers, treating mites if present) is essential. In chronic proliferative cases, surgical removal of "grapes" may be required. ## When to call the vet Contact your veterinarian if your horse develops painful swelling, lameness, or spreading lesions on the pasterns. Severe cases can lead to cellulitis or deep infection if not treated promptly. ## Prevention Prevention focuses on keeping the pasterns as clean and dry as possible. Improving paddock drainage, avoiding prolonged standing in mud, regular grooming and feather clipping (when appropriate), and prompt treatment of any skin trauma help reduce risk. ## Frequently asked questions **Is scratches contagious?** It is not directly contagious, but the bacteria and mites involved can spread between horses in the same environment. **Can scratches be cured?** Mild cases usually resolve with treatment and management changes. Chronic or severe cases in heavily feathered horses can be recurrent and require ongoing management. **Should I clip the feathers on my horse's legs?** In many cases, carefully clipping the feathers helps keep the area drier and makes treatment more effective, though some owners prefer to keep feathers for protection. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your horse.
Erythema (redness), crusting, and exudation of the caudal pastern; thick, adherent scabs that are painful to remove; swelling of the pastern and fetlock region; lameness in moderate to severe cases; cracking and bleeding of the skin in advanced cases; in chronic cases, thickened, lichenified skin or proliferative grape-like masses; secondary cellulitis possible in severe infections
Scratches, also known as mud fever or pastern dermatitis, is a multifactorial inflammatory condition of the skin on the back of the pastern and fetlock. It is often complicated by bacterial or fungal infection and, in some cases, Chorioptes mites. Chronic cases can lead to thickened, proliferative skin ("grapes") and significant lameness. ## What it is Scratches develops when the skin barrier of the pastern is compromised by chronic moisture, trauma, or heavy feathering. This allows secondary bacterial (commonly *Staphylococcus* or *Dermatophilus*) and sometimes fungal infection to take hold. In draft breeds and horses with heavy feathering, *Chorioptes* mites are a frequent complicating factor. The condition can range from mild crusting to severe, painful, proliferative dermatitis. ## Signs and symptoms - Erythema (redness), crusting, and exudation of the caudal pastern - Thick, adherent scabs that are painful to remove - Swelling of the pastern and fetlock region - Lameness in moderate to severe cases - Cracking and bleeding of the skin in advanced cases - In chronic cases, thickened, lichenified skin or proliferative "grape-like" masses (especially in drafts) - Secondary cellulitis possible in severe infections ## Causes and risk factors Scratches is multifactorial. Major contributing factors include prolonged exposure to mud and moisture, heavy feathering that traps moisture, skin trauma, photosensitization, vasculitis, and immune-mediated disease. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections are common. Draft breeds and horses kept in muddy paddocks are at highest risk. ## How it is diagnosed Diagnosis is based on clinical appearance, history, and response to treatment. Skin scrapings may be performed to check for mites. Bacterial and fungal cultures can help guide therapy in resistant cases. Biopsy is occasionally needed for chronic or unusual presentations. ## Treatment and management Treatment involves keeping the area clean and dry, carefully removing crusts (after softening), and applying appropriate topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Systemic antibiotics may be needed in severe or complicated cases. Addressing underlying factors (improving drainage, clipping heavy feathers, treating mites if present) is essential. In chronic proliferative cases, surgical removal of "grapes" may be required. ## When to call the vet Contact your veterinarian if your horse develops painful swelling, lameness, or spreading lesions on the pasterns. Severe cases can lead to cellulitis or deep infection if not treated promptly. ## Prevention Prevention focuses on keeping the pasterns as clean and dry as possible. Improving paddock drainage, avoiding prolonged standing in mud, regular grooming and feather clipping (when appropriate), and prompt treatment of any skin trauma help reduce risk. ## Frequently asked questions **Is scratches contagious?** It is not directly contagious, but the bacteria and mites involved can spread between horses in the same environment. **Can scratches be cured?** Mild cases usually resolve with treatment and management changes. Chronic or severe cases in heavily feathered horses can be recurrent and require ongoing management. **Should I clip the feathers on my horse's legs?** In many cases, carefully clipping the feathers helps keep the area drier and makes treatment more effective, though some owners prefer to keep feathers for protection. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your horse.
Erythema (redness), crusting, and exudation of the caudal pastern; thick, adherent scabs that are painful to remove; swelling of the pastern and fetlock region; lameness in moderate to severe cases; cracking and bleeding of the skin in advanced cases; in chronic cases, thickened, lichenified skin or proliferative grape-like masses; secondary cellulitis possible in severe infections