How to Treat Equine Thrush

Thrush in equines is a fungal or bacterial infection that develops in the frogs of the hooves. All types of equines are susceptible to thrush infections. The symptoms of the infection are a black, slimy, smelly discharge and soreness within the frogs. Thrush infections are caused by improper hoof care, unsanitary living conditions or wet living conditions. Equines that are fed a poor diet or have a weakened immune system have a higher risk of developing a thrush infection, but healthy horses fed a high quality diet can develop thrush as well. Prompt treatment is necessary to cure an equine thrush infection. If left untreated, the infection leads to extreme pain and the possibility of lameness.

Things You'll Need

  • Hoof pick
  • Hoof brush
  • Thrush medicine or Betadine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trim your equine's hooves. A well-trimmed hoof is essential to equine health. In the wild, equines naturally wear their hooves down traveling on varied terrain for miles each day. Captive equines do not get the opportunity to naturally wear down their hooves so that they can maintain proper balance and frog function. A healthy hoof is more resistant to a thrush infection.
      Hire a farrier to clean and trim your equines hooves if you do not know how to yourself. Make sure to hire a farrier that is experienced in your particular type of equine. For instance, donkey hooves must be trimmed at a different angle than horse hooves.

    • 2

      Clean your equine's hooves to remove dirt and debris. Thrush thrives in conditions that lack air. Cleaning the hooves allows air flow to the frogs. Hooves should be cleaned daily when a thrush infection is present and once a week when the hooves are healthy. Use a hoof pick to remove chunks of debris, being careful to avoid harming the frogs, and a hoof brush to remove smaller debris. The hooves may be tender or sore; cleaning may aggravate the pain. Use caution when cleaning to avoid getting kicked. Equine's that do not normally kick may do so when in pain. Obtain assistance from a farrier or veterinarian if you do not know how to clean your equine's hooves, do not know how to identify the frogs, or do not know how to safely work with an equine.

    • 3

      Apply thrush medicine to the frogs and underside of the hooves daily. Either purchase a thrush medicine from an equine supply store or use Betadine. Pour the thrush medicine or Betadine directly on the frogs and entire underside area of the hooves. Have your veterinarian or farrier instruct you on how to safely lift your equine's hooves if you do not know how. Continue using the thrush medicine daily until the thrush infection is gone. If the thrush infection does not go away after two weeks of treatment or if the equine shows signs of pain, seek care from a veterinarian.

    • 4

      Clean the equine's living area daily. Pay special attention to remove all of the manure and urine soaked areas. Provide the equine with a dry shelter area at all times.

    • 5

      Feed your equine a healthy diet for optimum immune system health. Make sure that clean fresh water is available at all times. Ask your veterinarian for advice about a proper diet for your equine, if you are unsure about equine dietary needs.