What Is Thrush on a Horse?

According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, thrush is the most common hoof infection in the horse. Thrush is treatable if recognized but can result in inflammation and bleeding of the frog, which is the V-shaped center of the hoof bottom.

  1. Description

    • Thrush can cause extremely sensitive hooves.

      Thrush is an anaerobic bacterial infection of the a part of the frog called the central sulcus, which is right in the center of the V-shape. If it progresses, it can spread to other parts of the hoof including the heal and outside part of the frog.

    Symptoms

    • Pay close attention to your horse's hoof health to avoid thrush

      Thrush is characterized by a foul smell and a black, sometimes sticky, discharge on the bottom of a horse's hoof. It can cause inflammation, tenderness and sometimes lameness in a horse.

    Causes

    • A clean living environment will minimize the risk of thrush

      Thrush can be caused by a lack of proper attention to the hooves. When the hooves are not cleaned regularly, a breeding ground for bacteria is created. A wet or damp environment, poor diet and weak hooves can also cause thrush to flourish.

    Prevention

    • A dry pasture will promote horse hoof health

      Increase your awareness of your horse's hoof hygiene. Daily cleaning will keep the hooves dry and help you to monitor any unhealthy changes. Be sure their living conditions are as clean as possible and pick up manure and urine on a regular basis. If you live in a wet climate, be sure your horse is not constantly standing in moisture while in the pasture.

    Treatments

    • Removing horse shoes can often help clear up thrush

      Popular treatments include a wide range of commercially available products, packing hooves with cotton balls soaked in bleach, and natural remedies such as spraying apple cider vinegar on the infection. Trimming the horse's hooves or removing their shoes can also help eliminate the infection.

    Expert Insight

    • Bryan Farcus, a respected farrier and instructor in West Virginia, emphasizes that whichever thrush treatment you choose will be most effective following a good hoof cleaning.