The first step to managing mud fever is always to consult your vet to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

1. Where possible eliminate any recognisable triggering factors such as mud or mites, so consult your vet to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan.

2. Stable the horse on clean bedding and provide good living conditions.

3. Carefully clip (not shave) the affected area, so that air can get to it and allow it to dry.

4. Remove the scabs. A suitable antiseptic wash (like chorhexidine) and warm water is best to reduce infection. Your vet may need to sedate the horse to do this effectively.

5.Carefully dry the area – use clean towels or a hairdryer with a circuit breaker – to prevent the skin remaining wet and waterlogged.

6.A variety of ointments, lotions and potions are available to use as an emollient to maintain hydration of the skin. Again your vet should be consulted as to what is best for your own horse.

7. Remove all scabs and debris and ensure the stable is properly disinfected. Keep the horse in or turn out on to a man ¨ge or well-drained, dry field.

8.If there are deep heel cracks or big open sores, they should be dressed with a non-stick dressing and cotton wool or gamgee, otherwise leave the legs unbandaged to allow the area to breathe; bugs flourish in damp areas, so do everything you can to keep the limbs warm and dry.

9.Severe cases with obvious infection may need a long course of antibiotics, which needs to be continued for seven to 10 days after the soreness has abated. Your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as bute to reduce the pain and swelling.

10.Make sure your horse has been protected against tetanus.

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