Pastern Dermatitis in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Mite Treatment & Management Guide 🐴🦵
In this article
Pastern Dermatitis in Horses by a Vet – 2025 Mite Treatment & Management Guide 🐴🦵
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
Pastern dermatitis—often called “scratches,” “greasy heel,” or “mud fever”—is a common skin condition in horses, especially those with heavy feathering on their lower legs like drafts or cobs. While it has multiple causes, mites are a frequently overlooked culprit that can lead to infection, swelling, scarring, and even chronic lameness. In this 2025 veterinary guide, learn how to accurately diagnose and treat mite-associated pastern dermatitis with the most effective, up-to-date strategies.
What Is Pastern Dermatitis? 🧬
- A syndrome of inflammation, crusting, and infection affecting the skin of the lower limbs
- Often affects the hind limbs more severely
- Characterized by scabs, swelling, oozing serum, hair loss, and discomfort
- Mites are a frequent underlying trigger—especially in feathered breeds
Who’s Most at Risk? ⚠️
- Draft horses, cobs, Gypsy Vanners, Friesians—due to thick feathering
- Horses with prolonged wet/muddy exposure
- Shared pastures with other livestock (mites can be cross-species)
Mites as the Cause 🪳
- Skin mites cause irritation, scratching, inflammation, and secondary infection
- Often not visible to the naked eye—diagnosis requires skin scraping or tape test under a microscope
- Chorioptes bovis is the most common mite affecting horses
Why Dewormers Don’t Work ❌
Previous theories suggested ivermectin or moxidectin (Quest) might treat mite infestations from within. A study put this to the test:
Study Highlights:
- Two groups of horses: one treated with Quest, the other with a placebo
- Stalls were disinfected for both groups
- Results: no significant difference in mite counts
Conclusion:
Systemic dewormers like ivermectin and moxidectin are not effective against skin mites.
Effective Treatment Plan ✅
1. Clip the Feathers ✂️
- Crucial for success—mites live in thick hair near the skin
- Owners often resist due to show standards or aesthetics, but clipping is essential
2. Topical Mite Killers 💧
- Lime sulfur dips—highly effective against mites
- Fipronil spray (Frontline)—safe for topical use in horses
- Permethrin-based rinses may be used under vet supervision
3. Treat the Environment 🧼
- Disinfect stalls, brushes, boots, wraps, and turnout gear
- Avoid cross-contamination between horses
4. Address Secondary Infections 🦠
- Systemic antibiotics (TMS, penicillin, or others)
- Topical antimicrobial creams (chlorhexidine, silver sulfadiazine)
- Topical corticosteroids may reduce swelling and pain
5. Long-Term Maintenance 🕒
- Regular clipping and inspections during wet seasons
- Foot hygiene—dry legs daily after turnout
- Protective leg wraps (clean and breathable) in wet/muddy paddocks
When to Call the Vet 📞
- Persistent pastern scabbing and swelling despite cleaning
- Horses with lameness or signs of deep infection
- Suspected mite infestation—your vet can confirm with skin diagnostics
Case Example: Draft Horse with Chronic Dermatitis
- A Percheron gelding presented with scabbing, crusting, and painful hind pasterns
- Vet confirmed Chorioptes mites via skin scrape
- Feathers were clipped, lime sulfur dips applied twice weekly
- Antibiotics and corticosteroids reduced infection and swelling
- Full recovery within 3 weeks; long-term plan includes feather clipping every 8 weeks
FAQs About Mite-Related Pastern Dermatitis
Q: Can I treat mites without clipping?
A: No—thick hair prevents medications from reaching the skin where mites live.
Q: Is lime sulfur safe?
A: Yes, when diluted correctly and used under vet supervision. It’s smelly but effective.
Q: Can mites spread between horses?
A: Yes—especially with shared bedding, grooming tools, or turnout areas.
Conclusion
Pastern dermatitis caused by mites is more than a cosmetic issue—it leads to infection, pain, and even long-term lameness if not managed properly. In 2025, science confirms that systemic dewormers are ineffective for mite treatment. Instead, focus on clipping feathers, applying topical therapies, and controlling secondary infections. Early vet involvement and consistent foot hygiene are key to preventing recurrences.
Need help treating stubborn pastern dermatitis? Visit AskAVet.com or use the app 📱 to speak with Dr Duncan Houston for tailored mite treatment plans and skin health advice. 🩺🐴
