Horse Thrush Hoof Treatment and Prevention

Thrush is a bacterial infection of the equine frog causing pain and lameness. Prevention through hoof hygiene and appropriate management reduces this welfare problem significantly.

Key Facts

Thrush is caused by anaerobic bacteria infecting the central and lateral sulci of the frog
Predisposing factors include standing in wet and dirty conditions, infrequent hoof picking and deep narrow sulci
Characteristic signs include black malodorous discharge in the frog sulci and frog tissue that may bleed on probing
Treatment involves debridement of infected tissue, improving hygiene and topical antimicrobials
Prevention requires daily hoof picking, adequate drainage in stabling and regular professional hoof care

Welfare Considerations

Severe thrush causes significant pain when pressure is applied to the frog region making horses reluctant to be picked up and lame in severe cases. Chronic mild thrush is a welfare concern even without obvious lameness as frog integrity is compromised and sensitivity increased. Prevention through simple daily hoof picking and maintaining dry standing areas is far preferable to treating established infection.

What You Can Do

Pick out hooves daily removing all debris from the central and lateral sulci of the frog
Ensure stable drainage is adequate to prevent standing in wet and accumulated manure
Apply prescribed thrush treatment to all affected sulci and allow to dry before replacing bedding
Ask your farrier to address deep narrow sulci conformation that predisposes to thrush accumulation
Provide dry standing areas or use wood chip or rubber matting to reduce continuous wet exposure