Thrush (horse)

Thrush is a very common bacterial infection that occurs on the hoof of a horse, specifically in the region of the frog. The bacteria occur naturally in the animal's environment—especially in wet, muddy, or unsanitary conditions, such as an unclean stall—and grow best with low oxygen. Horses with deep clefts, or narrow or contracted heels are more at-risk to develop thrush.

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Symptoms

The most obvious sign of thrush is usually the odor that occurs when picking out the feet. Additionally, the areas of the hoof that are infected will be white in color (even on a dark-horned hoof), and will easily break and crumble off when pressed into with the hoof pick.

Most horses do not become lame if infected with thrush. However, if left untreated, the bacteria may move into the sensitive part of the hoof, which will result in lameness. At this point, the horse may also react when his feet are picked out, and blood may be seen.

Treatment and prevention

Treatment for horses with thrush includes twice daily picking of the feet, taking special care to clean out the clefts. The feet may then be cleaned with a disinfectant and warm water, before the frog is coated with a commercial thrush-prevention product, or with iodine solution, which may be soaked into cotton balls and packed into the clefts. There are also several home remedies, such as a hoof packing of sugardine (a combination of sugar and betadine), powdered aspirin, or diluted bleach. It is best, however, to speak with the horse's veterinarian, to be sure that these home remedies are effective and, more importantly, safe for use on horses.

Horses with thrush, or those at risk for contracting it, are best kept in a dry, clean environment. In general, thrush is relatively easy to treat, although it can easily return.