Managing Equine Thrush by Lucy Grieve MA, VetMB, MRCVS T
hrush is a superficial bacterial infection of the horse’s hoof, principally involving the sole, sulci (grooves) and the frog cleſt. It is characteristically smelly in nature and produces a
foul-smelling black discharge. It is most commonly found in horses that are standing in wet and dirty stables for prolonged periods, where the horse is inactive and therefore the foot is not being stimulated by movement and does not get the opportunity to exfoliate and self-clean. It also occurs where horses’ hooves are exposed to excessive and persistent moisture, such as in very wet, muddy fields. Rapid diagnosis, treatment and removal of the causes of infection can help prevent more serious damage to the hoof and deeper structures of the foot.
A poorly conformed foot with thrush, requiring immediate and regular attention from a good farrier. Image: Rossdales LLP
Risk Factors for Thrush
• Horses with poor foot conformation, unhealthy, overgrown frogs, deep cleſts or upright/narrow/contracted heels are at greater risk of developing thrush.
• Unhygienic stabling, where the horse is standing for prolonged periods, with soiled and wet bedding provides the perfect environment for the anaerobic bacteria to thrive. • Turnout on constantly wet/muddy or marshy pasture.
Black, smelly discharge is present with thrush infections. Image: Abby Bunyard AWCF
Horses are susceptible to bacterial and fungal hoof infections, as they live in the presence of manure and soil where potentially destructive organisms thrive, particularly if dirt and debris remain trapped in the crevices or sulci of the frog. The bacteria most commonly involved in thrush is Fusobacterium necrophorum, an anaerobic bacteria (those needing a low-oxygen environment) which flourish in the warm, damp environment and attack the soſtened tissues of the frog and hoof. Oſten the more chronic the infection, the more difficult it is to treat. If the infection is severe, it can underrun the sole of the foot and spread to involve deeper structures, such as the digital cushion and white line, affecting hoof wall growth and the heel bulbs.
Although not all horses with thrush will exhibit lameness, there may be some pain on palpation around the frog and the bulbs of the heel, and sometimes more advanced infections can cause filling of the lower limb and varying degrees of unsoundness. Occasionally, infection may progress to more serious infection of soſt tissues, called cellulitis, or even the deeper synovial structures, which could be life-threatening.
12 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
A hoof with deep frog cleſts and sheared heels. Image: Rossdales LLP
Treating Thrush
• Ask your farrier or vet to pare away the dead, disintegrated horn and frog material. Trimming will expose the lesions to the air and help to kill the bacteria. This procedure will need to be done on at least one or more occasions, until healthy horn tissue has been re-established.
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