July 4, 2025, 12:09 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Oozing crusts, painful pasterns, and persistent inflammations–mud fever is among the most common skin issues in horses. However, stable hygiene alone often isn’t enough. So, what are the real causes? PETBOOK explains how mud fever develops, the role of feeding and care, and what can be done to effectively treat the condition–or better yet, prevent it altogether.
Mauke is an inflammatory skin condition that primarily occurs in the pastern area of horses. It is especially common during coat changes when damp weather and muddy grounds disrupt the skin’s balance. However, moisture isn’t the only issue–feeding errors, lack of exercise, or a weakened immune system can also play a role. Early detection and long-term treatment can help affected horses.
Symptoms of Mauke
Initial signs of Mauke are often subtle: redness of the skin in the pastern area, slight swelling, nodules, blisters, or moist scabs. These symptoms are initially hard to notice in the dense hair of many breeds but can affect any horse.
As the condition progresses, oozing, crusty areas develop, which can become painful and sensitive to touch. In severe cases, proliferative skin changes, known as “wart-like Mauke,” or deep cracks and bloody lesions may occur–sometimes referred to as scratches. This form can affect the entire leg, not just the pastern. Mauke is distinguished from this and is often called pastern dermatitis.
The condition often comes with intense itching, leading to frequent stomping, rubbing, or nibbling at the legs. If left untreated, the inflamed tissue can spread and even cause lameness. It becomes particularly problematic if bacteria like streptococci cause an infection, leading to significant swelling of the affected leg. If Mauke becomes chronic, the skin can thicken noticeably, and growths may increase.
Many Causes of Mauke
The development of Mauke is rarely due to a single cause. It is considered a multifactorial disease. Moisture plays a central role–for instance, when horses stand for extended periods on muddy ground or in damp bedding–but it is usually just one of several triggers. Mauke is particularly common during coat changes, which coincide with the spring and fall seasons. Rain and mud contribute to the condition.
Germs like bacteria or fungi can more easily penetrate softened skin and cause inflammation. Mechanical irritants from poorly fitting hoof boots, leg wraps, or bandages can also promote small injuries.
In addition to external factors, internal health plays an equally important role. Feeding errors, such as excessive protein and fat or insufficient trace elements like zinc or manganese, directly affect the skin and immune system. A disrupted metabolism, due to obesity, lack of exercise, or an overburdened liver, can also increase the risk of Mauke. Genetic predispositions are also known: Cold-blooded breeds and horses with heavy feathering or light-colored leg skin are particularly affected. 1
Diagnosis
An experienced veterinarian usually diagnoses Mauke based on clinical symptoms. However, further examinations are useful to clarify the exact causes. A swab from the affected area can be tested in the lab for bacterial pathogens, fungi, or mites. A resistance test is also helpful to select the appropriate medications and avoid the development of resistant germs.
In recurrent or treatment-resistant cases, a blood test can provide insights into possible mineral deficiencies or liver and kidney stress. Finally, it’s essential to critically assess the horse’s management and feeding–without identifying the causes, treatment often remains only symptomatic. 2
Treatment Often Lengthy and Involves Adjustments
Successful treatment of Mauke is based on three pillars: care of the affected skin, supportive internal therapy, and optimization of management and feeding. Initially, it’s crucial to keep the affected skin areas clean and as dry as possible. Gentle cleaning with re-lipidizing, antiseptic solutions can help remove dirt and germs without further irritating the skin. Crusts should be softened gently and never forcibly removed, as they are part of the natural healing process.
Ointments with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, or nourishing effects can support healing–especially if they are well-tolerated and tailored to the horse’s individual needs. If mites or fungi are present, targeted antiparasitic or antifungal treatment is necessary, often in several stages.
The veterinarian may also prescribe antibiotic therapy, especially if Mauke is accompanied by a bacterial infection. In many cases, systemic support of the metabolism, such as administering zinc or liver-supporting herbs, is beneficial. It’s important to consider the bioavailability of the preparations used. An experienced equine veterinarian can provide guidance here.
Above all, feeding must be scrutinized: Excessive protein, sugar, or starch–from lush grazing or too much concentrate like alfalfa–burdens the metabolism and, consequently, the skin. A low-starch, mineral-rich diet with high-quality fats like linseed or hemp oil, supplemented with targeted trace elements, is recommended. 3
Prognosis
The success of Mauke treatment largely depends on the timing of diagnosis and the consistency of treatment. Early-detected and consistently treated cases usually heal completely within a few weeks. However, if the condition goes unnoticed for too long or the causes are not addressed, it can become chronic and lead to permanent skin changes.
The transition to so-called scratches or even the development of chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) in heavy breeds is particularly critical. In these cases, severe swelling, scarred skin folds, and recurring infections can occur, which can permanently burden the horse.
The best prognosis is for horses where a holistic treatment approach for Mauke is pursued early on–consisting of targeted skin care, thoughtful feeding, appropriate exercise, and a stress-free environment.
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Preventing Mauke in Horses
To prevent the outbreak of Mauke, it’s worth taking a close look at management, care, and feeding–especially during transitional periods in spring and fall. Horses should be kept as dry as possible, both in the stall and on the paddock or pasture. Regular mucking out, a well-drained turnout area, and soft, dry bedding effectively prevent skin irritations. In open stabling, it’s particularly important to ensure that shelters remain clean and mud-free. Sand surfaces are often unsuitable for horses with feathering, as fine sand can settle and irritate the skin through friction.
Care also plays a crucial role. The pasterns should be regularly checked and gently cleaned if necessary–but not washed daily, as this dries out the skin. The feathering doesn’t necessarily need to be shaved, as it protects the sensitive skin–but it is important to keep it clean and ventilated. During prolonged rainy weather or muddy conditions, it may be advisable to protect the pasterns with skin-care oils to prevent moisture buildup.
Finally, a balanced diet is a key component of prevention. Especially during times of increased stress–such as during coat changes–a balanced diet is essential. Regularly reviewing the diet, such as through a hay analysis and targeted supplementation with high-quality mineral feed, is as important as avoiding excessive amounts of concentrate. Additives like preservatives or flavorings can also burden the metabolism and should be critically evaluated in sensitive horses.
By keeping an eye on management, care, and feeding and taking early signs seriously, Mauke can not only be avoided but also addressed in time before small skin irritations develop into a larger problem.