Thrush is a bacterial infection commonly found in the frog. The bacteria found to be responsible is Fusobacterium necrophorum. F. necrophorum is found to be present in both animal faeces and soil samples. This means that it in common and regularly occurs in the horses natural environment. However, it is made worse by wet, muddy and unsanitary conditions as F. necrophorum thrives in a moist, dark and anaerobic environment. It is also made worse by narrow or contracted heels.
Thrush can be identified due to the distinctive odour, watery discharge that is often black in colour. It is imperative to get on top of thrush before it becomes a major issue. Thrush eats away at the tissue of the frog, and if left untreated, it can affect the sensitive tissues. In most cases, horses don’t become lame when infected but when these sensitive tissues are involved, lameness may occur. Infection can lead to loss of shape and integrity of the frog which can take months to regrow. Once thrush is present it can be challenging to get rid of.
My favourite ways to treat thrush are with chlorhexidine and Artimud. For deep central sulcus infections, I have found that Hoof Stuff will treat and stay in the central sulcus for an entire trim cycle. It is important to keep your horses feet as dry and clean as possible. Make sure they aren’t standing around in the mud and clean up manure.
As I precaution through winter, I often recommend spraying a disinfectant on the hooves once a week after the feet have been picked out.
How will you incorporate thrush prevention into your winter routine? Let us know in the comments. Lets educate the equine population to identify and treat thrush as the norm!
