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==Introduction==

 

==Description==

Greasy heel is not a single disease but refers to the clinical presentation of a group of inflammatory skin conditions of the distal limb of the horse. Several aetiologies have been suggested including immunodysregulation, contact dermatitis and genetic (breed) predisposition. Predisposing factors include constant wetting, non-pigmented skin and abrasions to the limb. Multiple bacteria are thought to have a role in the disease and include ''[[Dermatophilus congolensis]]'', ''[[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]]'' and  ''[[Staphylococcus hyicus]]''. See also [[Dermatophilosis - Horse|Mud Fever]].

Greasy heel is not a single disease but refers to the clinical presentation of a group of inflammatory skin conditions of the distal limb of the horse. Several aetiologies have been suggested including immunodysregulation, contact dermatitis and genetic (breed) predisposition. Predisposing factors include constant wetting, non-pigmented skin and abrasions to the limb. Multiple bacteria are thought to have a role in the disease and include ''[[Dermatophilus congolensis]]'', ''[[Pseudomonas aeruginosa]]'' and  ''[[Staphylococcus hyicus]]''. See also [[Dermatophilosis - Horse|Mud Fever]].

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause but includes removal of environmental triggers and alterations in husbandry. The horse should be removed from wet, muddy conditions and stabled on clean, dry bedding. The affected area should be gently clipped and cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution (e.g. Hibiscrub). Horses that are severely painful may require sedation for this to be performed. The necrotic and exudative skin should be gently debrided away and the area should then be dried thoroughly. Once debridement is complete, topical antibiotic creams may be applied in order to aid healing. Stabling during wet weather should be recommended as well as avoiding turnout before the morning due has dried.  

Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause but includes removal of environmental triggers and alterations in husbandry. The horse should be removed from wet, muddy conditions and stabled on clean, dry bedding. The affected area should be gently clipped and cleansed with a mild antiseptic solution (e.g. Hibiscrub). Horses that are severely painful may require sedation for this to be performed. The necrotic and exudative skin should be gently debrided away and the area should then be dried thoroughly. Once debridement is complete, topical antibiotic creams may be applied in order to aid healing. Stabling during wet weather should be recommended as well as avoiding turnout before the morning dew has dried.  

In chronic cases, treatment may be difficult or impossible and may require surgical excision of affected tissue.

In chronic cases, treatment may be difficult or impossible and may require surgical excision of affected tissue.

Prevention is based on minimising exposure to wetting and rigorous attention to cleaning and drying following exercise. Light barrier creams such as petroleum jelly may be useful in protecting the legs during turnout and exercise.

Prevention is based on minimising exposure to wetting and rigorous attention to cleaning and drying following exercise. Light barrier creams such as petroleum jelly may be useful in protecting the legs during turnout and exercise.

[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]

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[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28title%3A%28%22Greasy+Heel%22%29+OR+title%3A%28%22Grease+Heel%22%29+OR+title%3A%28%22Pastern+Folliculitis%22%29+OR+title%3A%28%22Pastern+Dermatitis%22%29%29+AND+od%3A%28horses%29 Greasy heel publications]

==References==

==References==

   

   

[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Horse]] [[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Horse]] [[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:Integumentary System - Bacterial Infections]]

[[Category:Integumentary System - Bacterial Infections]]