For the Health of It
The Visible Signs Of Thrush
by Michele D. Anderson
Thrush, an invasion of bacteria
and moisture into the sole of the
horses foot. The front and /or back
feet may be affected.
Many horses that are confined to
a stall or small area are more prone
to thrush than other horses. Moist
and unclean conditions are breed-
ing places for bacteria.
If your horse must be confined, a
daily inspection and cleaning of the
horse’s feet along with good sta-
ble management will protect your
horse from contracting thrush.
Visible signs of thrush are a black
and tarry substance oozing from
the feet and an unpleasant odor.
Thrush causes the frog (the grooves
along side and down the center of
the frog) and surrounding tissue to
become soft and crumbly. As the
hoof degrades even further, the heel
begins to split and to bleed. Thrush
is extremely painful and debilitat-
ing for the horse.
Mild cases are easily taken care
of with a little help from your farri-
er. If the condition is left untreated,
the hoof will deteriorate even fur-
ther and as a result, the horse can
become permanently lame.
8 • Walking On
In advanced cases you will need
the help of your farrier and your
veterinarian. They will need to de-
bride the effected area and remove
as much of the diseased tissue as
possible. There may be a good deal
of blood associated with this tissue
removal if the thrush is advanced
enough, so be prepared. If the
center cleft of the frog is deeply in-
volved, you will have to clean it out
every day and pack it with medica-
tion and cotton, your farrier and/or
veterinarian will show you exactly
what you will need to do. With allot
of love and care your horse will be
back to normal soon.
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