Horse Thrush (aka equine thrush) is an
infection of the frog in which bacteria causes horn to rot producing a black
residue which produces a strong unpleasant smell. The bacteria in question is
called ‘Fusiformis’ and lives in the soil liking conditions where there is not
much oxygen. When dirt collects under the foot over a long time without being
removed oxygen levels drop creating just the right conditions for this kind of
bacteria to multiply.
The problem starts because of poor foot
care and perhaps the use of foot pads because in such situations dirty areas
without much oxygen build up.
Thrush is normally controlled with good
foot care and dry clean stabling. The frog should be well trimmed and scrubbed
clean each day. When cleaning out the frog the owner should pay special
attention to the cracks either side of and around the frog.
The following treatments are common:
- Iodine
solution (not if the affected foot is sensitive)
-
Formalin (not if the affected foot is sensitive)
- Copper
sulphate
-
Antibiotics (eg in the form of sprays)
- Other
materials that kill off the bacteria
Persistent
cases of equine thrush may be caused by a weak immune system and/or poor horn
growth because of dietary imbalance but a dirty environment. Not picking out
the feet often enough is the most important cause of the problem.
Thrush in horses is referred to as either
equine thrush or horse thrush
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