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What is Thrush?
Thrush is a bacterial infection that affects horse hooves. More specifically, Thrush attacks the soft tissue area in between the heel and the walls of the hoof known as the frog.
While Thrush itself is a bacterial infection, all sorts of different fungi, microbes, and bacteria can contribute to a horse developing Thrush. Essentially, Thrush is a bacteria growth within the hoof as the result of a growing microbial infection present in the underlying skin tissue of the frog.
What are Horse Thrush Symptoms?
Typically, Thrush is characterized by a thick black discharge that smells like rotten dairy. This foul odor and thick discharge occur because the bacteria are actually fermenting within the frog’s tissue. Thrush can be very painful for horses as the frog’s tissue becomes inflamed and overrun with bacteria.
If left to fester and grow, your horse will begin to show symptoms of lameness and an inability to use the affected hoof tissue. If you notice your horse favoring his foot, Thrush is usually one of the first ailments to check for.
How Is Thrush Treated?
Here is the comprehensive method for treating Thrush based on the guidelines set forth by the VCA Hospital:
1) Remove the thrush infection — This will require a safe, clean environment where you can keep the horse calm. Removal of the infection may be painful for the horse, so having an assistant on hand would be beneficial.
To remove the infection, pare down the tissue until there is no more sign of debris. Once you have removed the Thrush, spray thoroughly with a thrush treatment. The thrush treatment should be reapplied daily.
2) Trim The Horse’s Foot — To ensure that the Thrush will not return, the horse’s hoof must be properly manicured. Trim the foot so that the horse’s weight can be evenly distributed along the hoof’s surface, as this will encourage the frog to grow back healthy and strong.
3) Check the Progress Daily — Whether or not you choose to bandage, the hoof is dependent on how severe the Thrush was. If it was a mild case, then it is best to leave the hoof uncovered as exposure to air will help the frog heal. Spray with an antimicrobial solution to prevent the resurgence of the infection.
Manage & Prevent Thrush With Vetericyn Hoof Care
Thrush may seem like a daunting obstacle, but with Vetericyn Hoof Care™ you have a powerful remedy to fight Thrush and aid in your horse’s recovery.
Vetericyn Hoof Care™ helps alleviate the buildup of harmful microorganisms on hooves that can cause odor and lameness. Its unique formula effectively repairs hooves by penetrating deep into hoof layers and crevices to purge and remove pathogens that cause hoof deterioration and breakdown.
- Use on hooves with sole, frog, and heel bulb damage caused by thrush, seedy toe, and white line separation
- Purges & removes pathogens that cause hoof disease
- Easy-to-use spray applicator ensures deep penetration & leaves a protective barrier
- Promotes healthy regrowth of hoof and tissue in the frog, sole and heel
- Draws out hoof exudates faster than other hoof treatments due to the unique hyperosmotic properties
If you feel that your horse’s Thrush has become too advanced to care for by yourself, do not hesitate to call your vet. Your horse’s care and well being are of the utmost importance, and ensuring the best possible care is the top priority.
Thrush is a relatively common occurrence in horses, but with Vetericyn Hoof Care, you’ll be ready to help your horse heal properly.
