Crusty skin on hind legs..

[diluteherd]

Hey guys!!

I recently got my boy back off loan in a poor state. We are working on his condition and making good steps forward with that, but he has a crusty type skin on his legs, sort of under his hair. I have had a closer inspection and if I pick a tiny bit of it takes it down to pink skin and takes the hair right off. I dont know if its mud fever? Ive luckily not had a lot of mud fever with my horses before, so not 100% if its this??

Is there anything I can put on his legs to moisturise them or will the hair and skin just come off?

It looks like he's had boots on for either too long or been taken off and the sweat not washed off.

Any ideas?

 

[diluteherd]

Apologies for massive photo

 

[alfirules]

It probably isnt caused by boots at all, some of ours get this that never wear boots. I'm not really sure what it is, i just call it greasy legs. you could treat it as you would mud fever by slapping some cream on, but i wouldn't be too worried by it, some of ours have it all the time, more often the greys for some reason.

 

[Tammytoo]

In the photo it looks as though she has filled legs. Does this go away when she is ridden? The filling may be lymphangitis or it may be a reaction to what is causing the skin problem. To be on the safe side, I would get your vet to have a look - better safe than sorry!

 

[dizzyf]

I agree with tammytoo. If the legs are swollen probably an infection.
If not swollen just hibiscrub or similar & keep an eye on them. I wouldn't cream them because that can trap dirt or whatever is causing the irritation. My horse sometimes gets scabby legs & the hair comes off if you rub it, if I don't brush off the sand from the ménage.