How to Treat Hoof Fungus

Hoof fungus is a condition that occurs in horses where the hard material of the hoof becomes infected. If left untreated, the infection can spread into the horse's foot. One of the most obvious indicators of hoof fungus is a putrid smell coming from the foot, or the appearance of a dark-colored discharge. This condition has a variety of additional names including thrush, and hoof wall fungus. Treating foot fungus in horses involves cleaning and topically treating the affected area daily.

Things You'll Need

  • Hoof pick
  • Large tub
  • Water
  • Lysol disinfectant cleaner
  • Hoof scrubber
  • Towel
  • Zinc oxide ointment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the infected hoof thoroughly once or twice a day by inserting a hoof pick into the bottom of the hoof and picking out any debris.

    • 2

      Fill a large tub with a mixture of 2 ounces of Lysol disinfectant cleaner and one gallon of water.

    • 3

      Place the tub under the horse and place the infected hoof into the solution. Allow the hoof to soak for five minutes.

    • 4

      Raise the horse's hoof out of the tub and brush the hoof with a hoof brush to dislodge any additional debris and to clean off any puss or discharge. Do this gently, because the hoof area may be sensitive or in pain.

    • 5

      Place the horse's hoof back into the tub and allow it to sit for an additional five minutes.

    • 6

      Remove the hoof from the tub and dry it off thoroughly with a towel.

    • 7

      Apply a thin layer of zinc oxide ointment over the entire hoof.