Equine Thrush
Written by: Moira Clune
Equine thrush is a degenerative condition of the frog of the hoof caused by bacteria or fungi that thrive in wet, dirty conditions. Thrush appears as a foul-smelling, black, clay-like material in the area surrounding the frog. Simple horse care techniques go a long way to controlling this equine health condition.
Preventing thrush is easier than curing it:
• Clean hooves daily, especially during the muddy seasons of spring and fall.
• Keep your horse's stall clean and dry. Remove manure, soiled bedding and spoiled hay.
• Increase your horse's exercise time.
• Keep hooves trimmed.
Early stage thrush starts as black spots on the sole or a grimy layer on the frog. It's accompanied by a singularly bad odor. If caught at the early stage, it can be treated with iodine or Betadine.
1. Pick out all the dirt and debris from the bottom of the hooves.
2. Carefully scrub the area with a stiff brush to remove as much dirt and thrush residue as possible.
3. Apply the iodine/betadine solution onto the bottom of your horse’s hooves. Be very sure that the solution penetrates every possible crevice and surface. The solution can be painted or sprayed on or you can make a swab by wrapping a twist of cotton gauze around a hoof pick.
4. Repeat this for up to five days. Be sure to get the solution into all the nooks and crannies of your horse's hoof.
We don't recommend chlorine bleach, copper napthenate or sulfate, hydrogen peroxide or other caustic solutions.
If the condition progresses, the frog can begin to decay. If the thrush is severe, talk to your equine veterinarian or farrier. They may suggest prescription medications or special boots to help protect the damaged hoof.
Once equine thrush has been eliminated, maintain a proper hoof care regimen. Have your farrier examine your horse's hooves on a regular basis to prevent further attacks.
Let Practical Horsekeeping show you how to become an efficient, effective equine expert! Moira Clune and Noreen Girao provide helpful horse care information with a practical twist. Their free horse care ezine shows you the fastest, safest, smartest ways to care for your horse. Sign up today and get their free, veterinarian approved Colic Preparedness Report that shows you exactly what to do in a horse colic emergency. And be sure to visit their racehorse rehabilitation blog to follow the retraining progress of Bayrod, a thoroughbred racehorse with an impressive lineage and a dismal track record.
