Thrush is a common issue affecting the horse’s frog, heel, and soft tissues of the hoof. Thrush can be diagnosed with the characteristic smell and black discharge from the frog cleft and hoof.
But what causes thrush?
Thrush thrives in damp, warm conditions such as deep soiled bedding, mud or wet ground making it very common in the winter months.
So, what can you do?
Prevention is always key, here are some things that you can do to prevent thrush:
· Pick out feet daily- best done when you bring them into their stable so the feet can dry out overnight
· Keep bedding clean and dry
· Offer a hard standing area such as in the gateway or places that they usually stand
· Regular hoof maintenance and foot trimmings by your farrier
· Avoid treatments that seal the sole of the foot and stop air from getting to the sole
So you have done all of this but the British weather has got the better of you and your horse has got thrush….
Now what?
· Remove your horse from wet environments where possible e.g. turn out in a drier field, fence off wet gateways or provide clean, dry bedding
· Pick your horse's feet out at least twice daily and scrub the sole to remove mud or damp bedding
Once the hoof is clean and dry, apply a thrush treatment such as:
· Equine Bio Genie ‘Thrush Away’ Spray
If symptoms continue, contact your vet for further treatment advice
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