If you’re a horse owner, you no doubt have become familiar with a hoof condition known as thrush. Being a degenerative condition of the hoof, thrush can inflict damage to the sole, cleft and frog of the hoof. Basically harmless during the early stages if treated properly, thrush can escalate to more permanent damage of the hoof and even be responsible for lameness in more severe cases.

What are the causes of hoof thrush?

Hoof thrush is often thought to occur because of a lack of hygiene. While unsanitary conditions can breed bacteria, the following are more often than not the real culprits to our equine friends hoof problems:

• abnormal hoof growth
• lack of hoof maintenance
• poor diet

Some also believe that poor circulation to the frog and surrounding tissue and a lack of proper exercise may also be contributing factors to thrush.

Whether caused by a bacteria or fungus is up for debate among the professionals, the one thing all agree on is the ideal conditions for thrush to take hold are a lack of oxygen and presence of moisture. Unfortunately, horses tend to eat, sleep and drink standing on their feet occasionally in urine and manure saturated mud to boot. The areas of a horse’s hoof that get packed with this dirt, moisture and manure are the most susceptible to thrush.

Signs to look for in identifying hoof thrush.

Thrush is easily recognizable through routine hoof inspection and cleaning. The first thing noticeable is an unmistakable foul smelling, moist, putty-like substance that is black in color in the hoof. As you pick this substance out it usually leaves a dark staining behind.

What effects hoof thrush will have on your horse.

Even though thrush in its early stage is fairly harmless and easily treatable, it can cause tenderness in your horse’s feet and be responsible for mild degrees of lameness. If left alone though, thrush can eventually lead to much more serious consequences by eroding the hoof, causing more permanent damage such as lameness.

Are there ways to avoid hoof thrush?

The best approach to avoiding the onset of thrush is by following a frequent routine inspection and cleaning (picking) of your horses hooves. This not only removes the damp dirt and manure, but will oxygenate the area’s most susceptible in your horse’s hooves, resulting in a dryer, happier hoof. I also recommend adhering to the following in order to decrease the chances of your equine friend becoming susceptible to thrush:

1. Keep your horse stall clean. Remove manure and soiled shavings on a daily basis. Also use a product like PDZ for ammonia removal and moisture absorption in the urine spots.
2. Regular farrier visits. Regular trimming of the hoof will contribute to the overall health of the hoof. Proper shoeing is a must, as this will prevent under-run or contracted heels and deep clefts where the onset of thrush is most prevalent.
3. Ensure your horse is getting enough exercise.
4. Discuss a preventative maintenance plan with your veterinarian and farrier.

I cannot stress enough the importance of following a routine preventative maintenance plan. This is essential not only to decrease the chances of thrush developing, it will also provide you the opportunity to act proactively if thrush is detected in its early stages before causing a permanent injury to your horse.

What are the cures for hoof thrush?

First you need to identify at what stage the thrush may be at. If possible, I recommend you contact your veterinarian or farrier before attempting to remedy the situation on your own (my disclaimer).

Treating a mild case of hoof thrush.

You will want to first clean your horses hooves, ensuring any foreign objects have been removed. Once you have accomplished this, lightly press a hoof pick around the various spots in your horses hoof and at the back of the heel. This will help determine the degree of infection. Next, get a pail of clean water and wash your horse’s hoof thoroughly with a stiff bristle brush, and allow too dry for approximately 10 minutes. After the hoof is completely dry, apply a product that helps destroy the thrush causing bacteria and disinfect the wound.

The three most commonly used products are bleach, iodine and hydrogen peroxide. There are also many off the shelf products that are made specifically to cure thrush at your local equine store. Some are more effective, a simple bottle of betadine or iodine will be the least expensive though. Raise the hoof horizontally while applying your solution to the entire hoof, paying particular attention to the frog and the nooks around the shoe. Make sure the medicine reaches every possible crevice in the hoof, allowing it to dry for another 10 minutes. Repeat this for up to five days to ensure the thrush has been cleared.

Treatment for serious cases of hoof thrush.

Depending on the severity, the use of a special boot or medicated gauze pad may be required to treat your horse for thrush. If this is the case, I recommend you follow your veterinarian and/or farrier’s recommendations.

If caught in the early stages, thrush can be easily treatable with no serious side effects. Let it progress and the assistance of your veterinarian and/or farrier will almost be a necessity, and could result in far more serious, lifelong health issues for your horse.

For the health and well-being of your equine friend, a routine preventative maintenance program is recommended to bust the thrush.

Tagged as: Horses