What Thrush Is and How It Effects Your Horse
Ā *I encourage you to always check with a Veterinarian for professional opinion.*Ā Ā
Have you ever picked your horses hooves, and found a black, gooey, smelly substance has suddenly appeared? Ā Ā Well that my friends, means your horse has thrush. Ā Not to worry! Ā In this article I will discuss what it is, what causes it along with how to prevent it, and how to treat it. Ā
First of all, letās figure out what thrush is exactly. Ā
Thrush is a bacterial infection, commonly found alongside the frog of your horseās hooves. Ā The frog is the triangle of strong tissue located in the middle of the hoof, which acts as a cushion for your horseās hooves and legs. Ā Since thrush is a type of bacteria that likes to live in dark, moist places that donāt get much air, the frog area becomes a perfect place for thrush to live and thrive. Ā In some cases, the bacterial infection can become so bad that your horse may experience discomfort, or even lameness. Ā
What causes thrush and how can I prevent it? Ā
This unpleasant bacterial infection can happen to anyoneās horse, but there are certain steps you can take that will decrease the chances of your horse becoming infected. Ā Horses that are constantly in wet conditions, do not get exercised frequently, or do not get the proper care from a farrier, are much more likely to get thrush. Ā Horses that are stabled in clean, dry conditions, have a good exercise routine and proper care from a farrier are much less likely to get this demon foot sap. Ā Picking your horses hooves twice a day also reduces the chances of having these issues, so make sure you are consistent about your grooming routine! Ā Ā
Well thatās great, but now how do I treat it? Ā
Treating mild cases of common thrush is luckily fairly simple, and there are a wide variety of products on the market to suit your needs. Ā The first step is to either purchase or make your own cotton swabs. Ā You can make a very simple swab by applying loose cotton or gauze to the end of your hoof pick. Ā Next, soak your swab in Hydrogen Peroxide solution, which will kill the bacteria. Ā Nice. Ā Now, using your trusty cotton swab, swipe the solution along both sides, and up the middle of the frog, while applying a small amount of pressure. Ā This will allow the medication to get into the nooks and crannies of the frog and hoof. Ā Your cotton or gauze will get darker as you clean, and you should repeat this process with new cotton or gauze, until the swab shows little to no discoloration. Ā Finally, you may apply the correct commercial solution for your horseās severity of thrush. Ā Thrush can sometimes come back, and you may need to repeat this process more than once. If you have tried these methods, but have not seen any results, your next move is to call your farrier or vet and schedule a visit. Ā There are multiple strains and severities of thrush, and your horse simply may require a different strategy or medication. Ā
During your horses daily grooming, make sure to keep an eye on the health of your horseās hooves, as they are a very important part of your horse! Ā Be sure to pick your horses hooves twice a day, provide clean and dry bedding along with regular exercise and routine visits from the farrier. Ā If you make these suggestions part of your daily routine, you can greatly decrease the chances of your horse getting thrush! I hope you found this article to be helpful. Ā Remember, your vet and farrier should always be willing to answer any questions you may have, as well as provide their recommendations for the right products to use for your situation. Ā Happy riding everyone!
[1] Platz, C. & Bean, H. Ā (2010, Spring). Ā Health and Disease of The Equine Frog. Ā Ā Retrieved from https://www.thehorseshoof.com/pdf_articles/FrogSeries1.pdf
[2] Child, D. Ā (2011, May 7). Ā The Lowdown on Thrush. Ā Retrieved from http://www.thehorse.com/articles/27319/the-lowdown-on-thrush
[3] Equus Online. Ā (No Date Provided). Ā Thrush Tips and Cures. Ā Retrieved from http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/hoof_care/eqthrush305/
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