Cracked heels is a term for dermatitis (swelling of the skin) of the heel, back of the pastern, and even back of the fetlock in horses. Dermatitis can result from trauma as well as bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections.
Cracked heels is a layman's term, or common term, for pastern dermatitis; other terms often used are scratches, greasy heel, mud fever, mud rash, and dew poisoning.
Key takeaways
- Cracked heels are a common term for pastern and heel dermatitis, an inflammatory skin problem.
- Cracked heels are directly linked to excess moisture in contact with the lower legs.
- Treatment of cracked heels aims to create a clean, dry environment.
- Cracked heels usually include a secondary infection caused by bacteria, fungus or parasites.
What are cracked heels in horses?
Cracked heels are a skin condition of the heel, pastern and fetlock, and less commonly of the cannon bone. In its mildest form, the skin becomes dry, irritated and chapped, leading to redness, swelling and itching.
Cracked heels are extremely common in geographic areas with heavy rainfall or high ambient humidity, as well as in wet stables or stalls or under bedding.
Horses with thick fur, feathers around the legs, or white lower legs are more prone to pastern dermatitis and associated infection. Common breeds fitting this description include Clydesdales, Gypsy Vanners, and Friesians.
Symptoms of Cracked Heels in Horses
Cracked heels can present with a variety of symptoms. The severity of these symptoms is linked to the cause of the dermatitis itself (bacteria, fungus, parasite) and its duration. The lesions are specific to the back of the leg but, in severe cases, can extend around the limb.
Signs of cracked heels include:
What causes cracked heels?
Cracked heels are the result of excessive moisture in contact with the skin of the lower legs, leading to chapped and cracked skin and allowing infection.
Common causes include:
Diagnosing Cracked Heels in Horses
Cracked heels are usually diagnosed during a physical exam.
If an infection is suspected, a veterinarian may take skin samples, cultures, or even a skin biopsy to determine the cause of the infection.
Treatment of Cracked Heels in Horses
Early in the disease, cracked heels can cause skin cracking, redness, and irritation of the lower leg, especially the back of the pastern and heel. These symptoms can be managed with appropriate antimicrobial shampoos and other topical therapies, as well as prompt environmental correction.
Immediately give the horse a dry place to stay, keep him away from mud, water or wet pastures, and make sure the bedding in his stall is cleaned frequently and kept dry.
Many horse owners treat mildly cracked heels with environmental correction and over-the-counter products.
Typically, the affected area is carefully clipped to remove excess hair, especially feathers, and cleaned with a mild antiseptic.
All of this should be done gently to avoid further damage or irritation to the skin. Antimicrobial shampoos are used according to label directions: They are typically rubbed in to create lather, left to soak on the affected area for a period of time, then rinsed out. It is very important to dry the area after washing!
If cracked heels don't improve very quickly or are serious once recognized, it's important to involve your veterinarian to make sure you're using the right products. A veterinarian can ensure that you treat the skin properly before the disease spreads or worsens, leading to more serious symptoms and long-term problems.
If the disease is severe, systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antiparasitics, or steroids may be necessary.
Treatment and resolution of cracked heels depends on early and accurate diagnosis.
Recovery and Management of Heel Cracks in Horses
Never scratch or peel the areas affected by pastern dermatitis and let the medications do their work.
Giving your horse a clean, dry place to reside is the best help possible. Dry, deep shavings that are cleaned regularly to ensure freshness also minimize irritation and promote healing.
As horses recover from cracked heels, supplements that promote healthy skin are a valuable addition to their diet.
Prevention of Cracked Heels in Horses
A clean, dry environment is the best way to prevent cracked heels. During wet seasons or climates, make sure your horse has a dry place to escape moisture and mud. Additionally, you can:
Cracked Heels FAQ
What is the best thing to do for cracked heels in horses?
The best treatment for cracked heels depends on the specific cause, which should be determined by a veterinarian. However, all cases of pastern dermatitis are related to cleanliness and humidity, so a clean, dry place to live is always the first step.
How to treat cracked heels?
Gently trim, clean, and disinfect the area, usually with a prescription shampoo. Dry before applying appropriate topical treatments.
