IDENTIFY
What is that awful smell? Equine thrush infection is a condition many of us horse owners battle. It is described as an infection localized in the soft triangular-shaped “frog” of the hoof, especially the grooves on the sides and middle of the frog called the sulci. The condition is characterized by a foul odor, a dark colored discharge, soreness of the frog and deformation of the frog’s shape.
DEFINE
A bacterial infection of the soft tissue of the hoof, thrush has been positively identified as being caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum(1). This anaerobic bacteria is a natural part of a healthy horse’s gut flora. It passes through their system and gets picked up on the hoof. While thrush is encouraged by dark, wet conditions, a case can still occur in the best of circumstances. Another interesting point, and one that causes some confusion, is that this condition can weaken the soft tissues of the sole and lead to secondary fungal infections. This progression leads to confusion and debate over whether thrush is caused by fungus or bacteria.
TREAT
To treat a nasty case, experts advise you treat it like a wound – keep the area clean and dry as much as possible. The culprit anaerobic bacteria, fusobacterium necrophorum, thrives in wet, dark environments. Being “anaerobic” means this bacteria does not like fresh air. So, picking the hoof out daily is your first step. Then make sure that bedding and footing is as dry as possible. Follow up with a specialized thrush treatment to help knock it out. Because of the nature of this infection, and the possibility of reinfection, it will take persistence to fully treat a case. Don’t give up after a few days – it can take weeks!
REMEDY
With a variety of remedies available at your local farm & feed store, how do you find a remedy that works? Silver Honey® Rapid Hoof Care Thrush Foam is one of the most powerful and innovative solutions available. Here’s why:
