Greasy Heel

Greasy Heel is an epidermal (skin) condition that predominantly occurs on the lower part of horses legs in the pastern area (between the coronet band and fetlock).

In various parts of the world, it is called Grease Heel, Mud Fever, Scratches, Pastern Dermatitis and Dew Poisoning.

Causes.

The most common cause is mud and dampness. A cut or scratch allowing a bacterial infection by the name of Dermatophilus Congolensis is generally the underlying problem. If paddocks are muddy, the horse’s hoofs and lower legs are constantly damp and the bacterium thrives in these circumstances.

Similarly, horses involved in heavy exercise are susceptible as sweat down the legs accumulates behind the pastern making the skin soft and damp.

Horses with white haired/pink skinned pasterns are more prone to the condition.
Constantly standing in stables that are left unmucked or urine saturated, fungi, allergies, or bedding irritants (toxins in sawdust) can also provide similar symptoms.

Symptoms.

The condition usually starts at the back of the pastern on a hind leg and can extend up to the fetlock and above, around to the front of the leg. Swelling occurs and the area becomes greasy and weepy.

If untreated at this stage, crusty scabs form and there are cracks in the skin. As the weeping increases, ulceration and erosion of the skin occurs and it becomes more swollen and thicker, and the whole area of the affected leg is enlarged. Hair matting and then loss occurs during this deterioration.

In chronic cases granulation tissue forms on the skin (known as grapes).

Understandably, the condition is painful and the horse generally appears lame as the pastern flexes during movement.

Treatment.

If the symptoms have developed past the scabby and weepy stage, or there is any sign of infection (for example, the horse shows pain at the touch), veterinary attention is essential as an antibiotic will be required.

If treated early, the first step is to thoroughly clean the affected area. Start by cutting off any matted hair and gently removing the sticky moisture and anything stuck to it.

Prepare a mixture of warm water and betadine and initially sponge the area, giving it a good soaking to soften up the lesions. Then lightly scrub the whole area using a soft brush concentrating on removing all the remaining grease and any scabs. Rinse off after about ten minutes and dry THOROUGHLY (the use of a hair dryer is the best way of achieving this).

A topical corticosteroid cream can then be thinly applied - I suggest you seek a recommendation from a vet for that.

Depending on severity, this procedure may have to be repeated multiple times. Bandages should not be applied as they may harbor dampness, and the leg remaining completely dry is paramount. For this reason, attention should be given to dry stabling and bedding, and less strenuous exercise, etc., until healing is complete.

Prevention.

May be difficult to achieve in some environments, as dry, clean conditions is the simple key, but adherence to the following will reduce the likelihood:

Attending to any cuts or scratches, no matter how small, on horse’s legs as soon as you become aware of them.

Applying zinc based cream, especially to white haired/pink skinned horses, to the pasterns, when in a vulnerable location (e.g. damp, muddy paddock).

Greasy Heel can be contagious, so all necessary precautions should be taken at avoid it spreading to other horses.

Some horses are left with permanent skin thickening and are prone to recurrence. Take note of these and try to avoid vulnerable locations altogether.

In conclusion, the best advice is to check your horse regularly and address any problem immediately, before it has a chance to develop.