Prevalence of the Equine pastern dermatitis (mud fever) in Bosnia and Herzegovina – a pilot study

Abstract

Equine pastern dermatitis (EPD), also known as grease, scratches or mud fever, represents variety of skin inflammatory conditions of the pastern region, all classified under this term. Therefore, it is rather considered a specific syndrome than a single disease diagnosis, with three main forms described. EPD has multiple potential etiologies (parasite (mite) infestation, bacterial infection, dermatophytosis, photosensitization, vasculitis, vaccinia, pemphigus foliaceus and primary irritant contact dermatitis), which are usually preconditioned with poor environmental conditions, particularly increased humidity and unappropriated hygiene. EPD has never been formally investigated in any area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a preliminary investigation of the presence of EPD in the population of randomly selected horses in BiH. The research iincluded 40 horses of both genders and varied breeds and ages. EPD was detected in 12.5% of the examined horses with dominant presence in Arabian horses. Keywords: horse, equine pastern dermatitis, mud fever