Preventing mud fever? Educate me please

[Cash]

My TB gelding (had him a few weeks) has four white socks, two of which are looking a little pink..not sore or raw by any means, just a bit pink on the heel. I'm paranoid about mud fever, but I don't really know much about it Could this pinkness lead to mud fever if I don't do something?? He's not out in mud 24/7 or anything- out during day in a pretty un-muddy paddock. Is he still at risk?
What can I can do to prevent mud fever?
Thanks

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Although it's called mud fever it doesn't need mud - it just needs the wee bug and a small break in the skin .

Keep an eye out for scabs and otherwise unexplained lameness. Mud fever doesn't just stick to the legs either

If you want an absolute wealth of information, do a search on HHO - there's tonnes posted every week .

 

[Cash]

Ooh i did not know that- even more paranoid now!!

Ooh yes didn't think of doing a search

 

[milliepops]

Don't panic Just keep an eye on him. It will either happen or not - but stressing out is not going to help If he doesn't have much hair on his heels then the skin will look pink anyway

But yes, as MM says they can get it without standing in mud - my mare got it during a dry spell last september. Annoying, but not a disaster. General good care will help a lot - my mare is definitely more prone if she is feeling run down. But don't go overboard - too much washing and scrubbing at the heels could abrade his skin which could let the bugs in