What Are the Symptoms of Equine Thrush?

Thrush is an infection, which develops in the sulci--the grooves lying on each side of the frog of the hoof. It is caused when anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen) produce a fungal infection, which eats away at the frog and other tissue in the horse's hoof. Thrush is the result of poor hygiene and improper stall management. Horses that routinely stand in wet stalls and are not groomed regularly are most susceptible to developing thrush.

  1. Discharge

    • Black, tarry discharge develops in the overgrown sulci of the frog.

    Separation of the Frog

    • The frog separates from the underlying structures of the hoof, causing the whole area to become soft.

    Odor

    • A foul-smelling odor is generally noticed during regular cleaning of the hoof. The smell is a result of the decay and destruction of the frog by the fungal infection.

    Pain

    • The pain is produced from the infection and the increased tenderness due to the hoof becoming soft. This pain is noticed when pressure is applied to the hoof when it is picked or cleaned out.